Chapter 411: He Is My Teacher
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97
The difference of a sub-grade in a formation could easily mean a difference in might by twofold, and the difficulty in finding its core would increase exponentially.
Everyone thought that Zhang shi was already formidable to stop a grade-3 primary formation with a single kick, but upon seeing this sight, they finally realized...
Grade-2, grade-3, grade-4, these numbers meant nothing to him!
As long as he was around, even the most formidable formations would be destroyed with a single kick.
Lu Chong's mouth twitched violently, and he shook his head vigorously, as though trying to wake himself up from a dream.
His father had once told him that this formation was unimaginably formidable. His ancestors had reinforced it again and again over the countless generations, and profound wisdom was harnessed within it... But from the looks of it now, wisdom my head! Before his teacher, all of this meant nothing at all.
Since the formation had stopped, the crowd immediately walked toward the rock residences.
It was clear that there was a long history to those few simple rock residences. Even though there were descendants who came from time to time to fix it, it was still severely damaged by wear and tear.
"Go on!"
Zhang Xuan stopped before the rock residences.
This was an object that Lu Chong's ancestor had left for him. Zhang Xuan's role was only to accompany him; since there was no more danger now, it didn't matter whether he tagged behind Lu Chong or not.
"Yes, teacher!"
Lu Chong nodded and walked in with reddened eyes.
Back then, when his parents and kin were killed, he didn't have the time to collect their bones before escaping. Thus, he created several tablets for them yesterday to place alongside the ancestors. In a way, this was fulfilling the final regret he had regarding his clan.
"Things rarely go the way we want. Let's go!"
Understanding the other party's emotions, Zhang Xuan sighed.
"Teacher!"
Lu Chong stepped forward and proffered a letter to Zhang Xuan.
It was a simple, ancient bamboo scroll, and its worn-out exterior betrayed its age. Even so, it seemed to be crafted using some kind of unique method, making it extremely resilient.
Knowing that this was the letter which Kong shi's personal handwriting was on, Zhang Xuan took it and opened it.
Honestly speaking, Zhang Xuan also felt curious toward the world's teacher, Kong shi. Even though he wouldn't stoop down to taking his student's possession for his own, it shouldn't be much of a problem for him to peer into the contents.
Unrolling the scroll, an ancient aura immediately unfurled from within.
The handwriting for the former half was simple, it wasn't particularly astounding. But, even though the latter half only consisted on several words, the imposing aura it exuded felt as though a massive mountain was weighing on one.
The content was simple, and it was indeed an ordinary letter. Most probably, Lu Chong's ancestor sent the letter, and in an attempt to return the favor, Sage Min requested for his teacher to write a few words before sending it back.
Looking at the personal handwriting of Kong shi, Zhang Xuan felt a grand aura gushing into his head. All of a sudden, he reached the state of Heart of Tranquil Water, and fell into a trance.
Soul Tempering of a Mentor's Calligraphy!
Rumors had it that there were some formidable master teachers who were able to harness their spirit and their understanding of the universe into their calligraphy, and looking at it frequently was helpful in raising one's Soul Depth. This was also known as Soul Tempering of a Mentor's Calligraphy.
However, this kind of tempering required a harmonization in spirit. Unless one was in a teacher-student relationship or a blood-related kin of the calligrapher, the chances of this phenomenon occurring were nearly zero. Out of ten thousand people, it might not even activate once.
Zhang Xuan and Kong shi weren't in a teacher-student relationship, and they weren't blood-related either. Yet, for it to be activated instantly, Zhang Xuan's luck was truly astounding.
Boom!
Holding the letter, Zhang Xuan felt his Will of Mind stabilizing, and his Soul Depth slowly rose.
It was as though he had fallen into some unique state, and he stood in a daze.
...
"Your Highness, it seems like they have obtained the letter!"
Behind a giant boulder above the col, Liang Qingming clasped his fist and reported.
After deciding to take the letter for themselves, Ding Mu, Lin Long, and the others had immediately rushed over.
The one they were going to strike down was a talented 2-star master teacher, and if they were found out, they would be in danger. However, as long as they succeeded, the returns would be immense.
"As the student of a suspected 4-star master teacher, Zhang Xuan would surely have many life-preserving means on him. Thus, we've got to kill him in a single shot! We mustn't give him any opportunity to strike back. Otherwise, once he sends a rescue signal or activates one of his trump cards, it would be difficult for us to kill him anymore!"
Ding Mu instructed with a grim expression. "But of course, our priority is to obtain that letter."
Since Yang shi was willing to let Zhang Xuan venture out alone, he must have entrusted several life-saving tools to him. Thus, they had to strike swift and deadly.
"Your Highness, don't worry!" Liang Qingming nodded.
"Go!"
Ding Mu nodded gravely.
If he chose to simply steal the letter, there was a high chance he would be exposed. By then, if Yang shi decided to stand up for his student, the entire Xuanyuan Kingdom might be destroyed.
On the other hand, if he were to kill Zhang Xuan, he could create a facade of him being killed by savage beasts. By the time Yang shi truly tracked them down, he would have already found a backing in the Fleeting Cloud Sect through the letter, and there would be nothing for him to worry about.
The Master Teacher Pavilions might be under the same headquarters, but there was still rivalry among the various powers.
Using an analogy, it was just like the feudal system. Although the governors were all under the royal court, there were still some rivalry and feuds among the various territories.
Regarding the rivalry among the Master Teacher Pavilions, as long as they didn't commit immoral acts, the headquarters wouldn't interfere.
Competition induced advancement, and only with a suitable amount of competition would humans reach greater heights. As such, the Master Teacher Pavilion pushed for such rivalries as well.
"Yes!"
Hearing his order, Liang Qingming drove the zhenqi in his body, and with a flick of his wrist, a sharp sword appeared in his hands.
Huala!
In a flash, he leaped out from the boulder, and as swift as a flash of lightning, his sword headed straight toward Zhang Xuan.
Pushing the might of a Zhizun realm advanced stage expert to the brim, in the blink of an eye, he covered the distance of several hundred meters between them.
The formation had been stopped, and there was no other defensive mechanism in the col. As such, there was nothing to stop Liang Qingming's charge.
Zhang Xuan was currently in a trance from the Soul Tempering of a Mentor's Calligraphy, so he didn't notice the other party approaching.
Even more so, Mo Yu, Lu Chong, and the others didn't think that someone would assault them in such a remote area.
Upon seeing the brilliant gleam of the sword and hearing a sonic boom, everyone's eyes narrowed, and their faces immediately warped in shock upon seeing Liang Qingming.
"Teacher!"
"Zhang Xuan!"
"Young master!"
Loud bellows reverberated in the col, and everyone's body trembled in astonishment.
"Teacher, careful!"
At the current moment, the one standing the closest to Zhang Xuan was Lu Chong. Upon seeing the brilliant gleam from the sword, he could tell that the other party would surely die if the sword were to strike him, and the thought of it sent him into a panic.
To avenge him, his teacher confronted the Lin Clan alone without a word of complaint. To raise his cultivation, his teacher was willing to pay a huge price, yet didn't expect anything in return...
Imparting battle techniques and explaining cultivation techniques!
Lecturing the basic principles a human should have, and deciphering the essence of cultivation!
All of these, he did on his initiative, even going far beyond what that was expected of him!
Without his teacher, he would remain an average cultivator for his entire life, doomed to never be able to exact vengeance.
Without his teacher, it was just a matter of time before the Lin Clan found him and silenced him.
It was teacher who brought him out of his sinkhole and gave him the dignity to face his dead kin...
This was the man who he respected and admired.
He couldn't allow anything to happen to him!
"If you were to cultivate on like that, you won't even reach Pixue realm in ten years. At this rate, you will be dead before you can... exact your vengeance!"
"You don't have to bother how I know of it! Your vengeance is both a motivation as well as a hindrance to your cultivation. You are suppressing your worries too deep within, and it has suppressed your cultivation, making it difficult for you to achieve a breakthrough. I know that the reason why you refuse to speak is because you're afraid that you might accidentally speak of your enemy's name and make them aware of your existence."
"Don't worry, as long as you believe in me, I promise you that you will be able to exact your vengeance within ten days!"
"It's your choice to choose whether you want to believe me or not! However... you'll only get this one chance!"
"Pardon me, but I happen to know the assassin you speak of. He's my student, and I... am his teacher!"
...
Boom!
His encounters with Zhang laoshi flowed through his head, and his words resounded in his mind. All of a sudden, his entire body moved on its own accord. In the blink of an eye, he had already leaped several meters away, standing right before Zhang Xuan.
Puhe!
Liang Qingming's sword also happened to reach at this very instant. It stabbed into his chest, and the zhenqi of a Zhizun realm expert gushed into the other party's body through the sword, frenziedly wrecking his physical functions.
"AH!"
Sensing the other party's sword qi ravaging through his body, threatening to tear his entire body apart at any moment, Lu Chong bellowed furiously. His hands stretched forward and grabbed the other party's sword firmly.
"You..."
Not expecting his sure-kill technique to be blocked by this fellow, Liang Qingming's face darkened. He was just about to pull out his sword and strike Zhang Xuan, but he realized that the other party was holding onto his sword firmly as though a sword stuck in a boulder. No matter how hard he tugged on it, it refused to move at all.
"Let go..."
He couldn't have imagined that a Zongshi realm fellow would have blocked his attack. Liang Qingming was furious and anxious. Roaring furiously, he drove his zhenqi into the other party's body, intending to kill him before striking down Zhang Xuan.
"I won't allow you to hurt him because..."
Lu Chong felt his life force slowly dissipating under the furious surge from the other party's zhenqi, but he didn't regret his actions at all. Instead, he stared at Liang Qingming with unwavering determination.
"... he's my teacher!"
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Author's Notes:
The fourth arc, [He is my Teacher], has to an end. The next arc, [Invincible], will unfold from next chapter onward. In 'He is my Teacher', I hoped to highlight the mutual respect and deep relationship between a teacher and his students, and fortunately, it went as I planned.
Due to my personal reasons, family issues, and my work, there are some parts that I'm not too satisfied, but overall, I think I still brought out the main idea that I wished to express. Because I am a teacher myself as well, I can relate much more to this. Being a teacher shouldn't be only about constantly giving, and being a student shouldn't only be about constantly accepting as well. The relationship should be built on mutual respect, trust, and consideration, and only through such can the relationship run deep.
As for Lu Chong, as shown by the name of the arc, is destined to become the final sacrifice for the climax. But of course, there's no need to worry. This book won't be one on tragedies; as those who have followed my previous book, Endless Dantian, would know, I don't like tragedies and I don't intend to write them.
Translator Notes:
I know I haven't really marked the chapters by arcs, and QI doesn't have the function yet. But for those who are interested,
Chapter 1 - 80 [The Teacher on the Verge of Expulsion]
Chapter 81 - 238 [Freshmen Tournament]
Chapter 239 - 315 [I Am a Master Teacher]
Chapter 316 - 411 [He Is My Teacher]
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Chapter 412: Avenge Him!
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97
"Lu Chong!"
After hearing the anxious bellows, Zhang Xuan stepped out of his trance from the Soul Tempering of a Mentor's Calligraphy, and the first sight that appeared before him was Lu Chong's chest being pierced by a sword. Countless thoughts immediately exploded in his head, and his eyes reddened uncontrollably.
Even though he met this student considerably later than his other direct disciples, the other party held the greatest trust and most earnest emotions for him.
"Die!"
Bellowing furiously, Zhang Xuan's head jolted, and a golden book suddenly appeared.
All of a sudden, a might capable of causing the entire world to crumble appeared. A gale rose, and the clouds swiftly flew by. A book as heavy as a mountain abruptly fell straight on Commander Liang's head.
Pacha!
Without the slightest obstruction, as though a watermelon crushed by a steel hammer, his head burst into bloodied remnants. Under the intense shock wave from the blow, a huge hole, several hundred meters deep and wide, appeared in the col.
"What?"
Ding Mu, Lin Long, and the others, who were hiding behind the boulder, preparing to launch a second wave of assault, were dumbstruck with terror. They didn't think that the Zhizun realm advanced stage Commander Liang could be destroyed by an object the other party thrown out casually. Their faces paled, and they nearly fainted from fear.
They knew that Yang shi would surely bestow Zhang Xuan with some life-saving treasure, but how could they have known that it would be such a fearsome object!
Even Transcendent Mortal experts weren't capable of striking out a huge hole in the ground.
"Escape..."
Knowing that it was impossible to withstand such might, Ding Mu didn't dare to hesitate in the least. He immediately turned around to flee.
Beast Tamer Zhou Jin also quickly followed suit.
The two of them had reached Zhizun realm, and their speed was astonishing. In just two breaths, their silhouettes turned into a white flash, and they were already a hundred meters away.
"Your Highness, wait for me..."
Not expecting her husband, as well her greatest backer, to abandon her without any warning, Lin Long hurriedly chased him with a ghastly pale face.
"Die..."
Upon seeing someone run out from the boulder, how could Zhang Xuan not tell what was going on? Roaring frenziedly, he commanded the golden page rotating in the air toward Lin Long.
Boom!
The entire ground quaked violently. Yet again, a huge hole several meters wide appeared. Smashed by the immense might of the golden book, Lin Long was reduced to meat paste. Having fled swiftly, Ding Mu and Zhou Jin managed to escape the crisis.
"Ah..."
"Hurry up and get on the savage beast!"
Seeing the sight behind them, the duo felt even more frightened. At this moment, Ding Mu couldn't care less about anything else. Leaping onto the back of the Gold-scaled Lightning Beast, he immediately commanded it to fly as far away as it could.
Zhang Xuan's mystic tool was simply too powerful. The might of his tool could even smash a Transcendent Mortal expert easily, needless to say them.
If they couldn't escape, the only thing that awaits them would be death.
"Die!"
Howling furiously, Zhang Xuan was just about to send the golden page straight toward the duo and the savage beast when 'weng!', the book disappeared. In the next moment, an indescribable fatigue overwhelmed him, leaving him groggy-headed, ready to faint at any moment.
"Lu Chong..."
Knowing that it was impossible for him to catch up to a Zhizun realm intermediate stage savage beast, Zhang Xuan withstood his dizziness to examine the condition of his student.
The other party's eyes were tightly shut, and he had already lost consciousness.
However, as though delighted to see that his teacher was safe, even though he couldn't open his eyes, a faint smile hung on his lips.
He was still tightly holding on to the sword on his chest, unwilling to let go even upon death.
As though he was declaring that even upon death...
As long as teacher was fine... everything was alright!
"Heaven's Path zhenqi can cure all wounds, you'll be fine..."
Tears that felt like burning oil flowed down Zhang Xuan's cheeks. Grasping the other party's palm, Zhang Xuan furiously infused the Heaven's Path zhenqi within him into the other party's body.
"Tea-teacher, how did you know that my purpose is to exact vengeance?"
"Liu laoshi, please guide me..."
"You can't hurt him, because... he's my teacher!"
...
Recalling the bits and pieces of the youngster before him, Zhang Xuan trembled in agitation.
After two years of silence, Lu Chong had become a reticent person. During their time together, he didn't speak much. Most of the time, what Zhang Xuan saw was his determined gaze and reliable back...
In order to exact his vengeance, Lu Chong knelt in front of the academy for seven days straight and remain silent for two years. Despite the unimaginable pain from the poison tempering, Lu Chong persisted on with it. Even though he knew that the Lin Clan was powerful, he still charged straight at them...
This reticent but determined youngster felt cold, but his heart was filled with warmth.
To protect the teacher that he respected and admired from the bottom of his heart, he was willing to give in his own life.
Lu Chong, my student, I have failed to protect you!
Wake up, give me a chance to make it up to you...
Zhang Xuan infused the Heaven's Path zhenqi furiously into the other party, but Lu Chong's slim figure didn't budge at all.
...
Seeing the frenzied look on the young man before her, Mo Yu's face paled.
Everything happened too quickly. By the time Mo Yu saw Liang Qingming, it was already too late. She thought that Zhang Xuan would meet his demise.
Yet, she couldn't have imagined that a student would give up his life just to save him.
Mo Yu clenched her fists tightly and walked forward.
"Zhang Xuan!"
She bellowed, but there was no response.
"Zhang Xuan!"
She shouted once more, and only then did the most radiant genius of Tianwu Royal City raise his head blankly, as though he had lost his soul.
"Don't panic. You possess unparalleled medical skills... Lu Chong will be fine!"
Feeling a deep piercing pain in her heart upon seeing the state of the man before her, Mo Yu consoled.
"Right, my medical skills..."
Upon the other party's reminder, Zhang Xuan finally recovered. Focus returned to his blank and soulless eyes.
That's right!
On top of his medical skills, he had the Library of Heaven's Path.
There was nothing that could hide from the heavens. As long as Lu Chong wasn't reduced to ashes, there would surely be a solution for his situation!
A flicker of hope appeared in Zhang Xuan's eyes.
"Flaws!"
Zhang Xuan thought, and a book appeared in his head. He hurriedly flipped through it.
"There's still hope for him..."
Upon seeing the contents on it, Zhang Xuan's body trembled. In an instant, his entire face turned red.
He thought that being stabbed by the sword of a Zhizun realm expert, Lu Chong's death was inevitable. Yet, there was still a breath left in him.
All kinds of flaws were written on the book; Lu Chong's meridians had been crushed by the other party's Zhizun realm zhenqi, and his internal organs had also suffered heavy damage. Under such conditions, anyone else would have been dead.
However, having cultivated the Heaven's Path Golden Body and Poison Body, Lu Chong's body was several times stronger than that of an ordinary cultivator. On top of that, Zhang Xuan had infused his Heaven's Path zhenqi into the other party timely, thus preserving a final breath within him.
"I should heal his meridians and internal organs first!"
Having assimilated all the knowledge within the books in the Physician Guild, even without the Library of Heaven's Path, Zhang Xuan's medical skill wasn't inferior to that of a 3-star physician. He knew that the priority at hand was to heal the other party's injuries first.
Thus, he immediately directed his Heaven's Path zhenqi to flow throughout the other party's body, healing his damaged meridians and organs.
At the same time, he fed the other party a recovery pill.
Having ransacked the Lin Clan, he had many of such recovery pills within his storage ring. If it was effective, he was willing to feed all of them to him.
"Zhang Xuan..."
Seeing spirit returning to the young man, and that he was starting to treat Lu Chong, Mo Yu heaved a sigh of relief. Then, lowering her head to take a look, her eyes narrowed.
Under the application of Zhang Xuan's zhenqi, Lu Chong's wounds recovered at a visible pace. His pale face, due to excessive loss of blood, also slowly regained its redness. Even though he was still unconscious, his wounds seemed to have already fully recovered on the surface.
"Healing a person's body thoroughly with just zhenqi?"
Mo Yu's body trembled in disbelief.
Even though she had seen Zhang Xuan's medical skills before, he had often made use of silver needles to stimulate one's acupoints before issuing prescriptions to follow up.
To be able to heal one's injuries and repair one's meridians like that... How pure must his zhenqi be?
"Could he possess... superior zhenqi?"
The thought flashed across Mo Yu's eyes.
It was said that due to the absurd purity of superior zhenqi, it could be used in treatment or clearing away blockages in a person's meridians... All along, Mo Yu thought that it was only a legend. To think that there would come a day which she would see such a sight with her own eyes!
To possess cultivation technique capable of cultivating zhenqi of such caliber, how powerful must Yang shi be?
It was no wonder why Su shi and Ling shi would obey his commands willingly!
Hu!
After repairing the final injury on Lu Chong's meridians, Zhang Xuan heaved a sigh of relief.
Zhang Xuan refreshed the book on Lu Chong, and with a single look, his face steeled.
"Teacher, how is Lu Chong?" Zhao Ya asked worriedly.
"There isn't any problem with his physical condition, but his consciousness has sunk into a deep sleep. It's hard to tell when he'll be able to wake up!"
The damage Lu Chong had suffered previously was too tremendous. Even if the unparalleled Heaven's Path zhenqi could heal all of his injuries, it was completely helpless as to his mental condition.
Under the current situation, it was possible that Lu Chong might awake anytime, perhaps even at the next instant, but it was also possible that he might never wake up.
"What should we do?" Zhao Ya asked.
"I don't know either!"
Zhang Xuan shook his head in desolation.
Even though he had taken in all of the knowledge within the books of the Physician Guild for his own, he still wasn't able to find a solution to this situation.
Blocked meridians, afflictions, inability to break through one's cultivation bottleneck... The Heaven's Path zhenqi could cure all of those. However, consciousness was a matter of one's soul. It was something incredibly unfathomable and hard to grasp. No matter how formidable Heaven's Path zhenqi was, how could something physical affect the ethereal?
"We might not have any solutions, but Yang shi might have an idea!" Seeing the awful look on the young man's face, Mo Yu consoled.
"Yang shi?"
Zhang Xuan's complexion turned even more awful.
"I've heard that upon reaching 7-star, master teachers would be capable of using one's words to influence one's actions, consciousness, and soul. Lu Chong has only fallen into a deep sleep. If a master teacher of such a level were to delve into his mind and wake him up, Lu Chong might regain consciousness!" Mo Yu continued.
"Influence one's consciousness and soul?" Zhang Xuan clenched his fists tightly together.
It was just like what the other party had said. Lu Chong's consciousness was just asleep. If someone could delve into his mind and wake him up, it was possible that Lu Chong might regain consciousness.
"Un. Even though I've only heard it from others, it's true that high ranked master teachers possess unfathomable means beyond us. We might be unable to find a solution now, but it doesn't mean that there isn't one..." Mo Yu replied.
"You're right!" Zhang Xuan nodded.
It was just like his Innate Fetal Poison. Even though he didn't find a solution for it in Tianxuan Kingdom or the Poison Hall, there was definitely one out there in the vast world, in one of the innumerable Master Teacher Pavilion. Even though it was like searching for a needle in a haystack, at least it gave him a direction.
He was helpless toward Lu Chong's current situation, but as he grew stronger and read more books, he might be able to find a solution to his problem.
"I'll eventually find a solution to cure him, but before that..."
After hearing Mo Yu's words of consolation, Zhang Xuan felt at ease. But soon, he narrowed his eyes, and killing intent burst from his body, drowning the entire sky in it as though a torrent.
"I will... avenge him!"
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Chapter 413: Xuanyuan Kingdom's Strength
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97
As a person born in the information age, Zhang Xuan was brought up to settle conflicts peacefully. Despite having transcended into this world, a part of him was still resistant to claiming the lives of others. However, who knew that a moment of benevolence would ultimately lead to Lu Chong's state.
If only he had known, he would have gotten Little Su to get rid of this Lin Long and Commander Liang, and today's matter wouldn't have occurred.
"Avenge?"
Mo Yu frowned. "Lu Chong has to be avenged, but... do you know anything about Xuanyuan Kingdom?"
Zhang Xuan shook his head.
As a lower ranked kingdom, Tianwu Kingdom didn't have much information on Xuanyuan Kingdom.
As such, Zhang Xuan's understanding of Xuanyuan Kingdom was also severely limited. He knew some brief details, but when it came to the more confidential matters, it blurred out. Thus, even after reading through all of the books in the book collection vault, his understanding toward this Conferred Kingdom was still vague.
At the very least, in terms of national strength and influence, he knew very little about Xuanyuan Kingdom.
"Despite not knowing anything, you wish to avenge him?"
Mo Yu rolled her eyes.
You sure are courageous. The person you are facing is the crown prince of Xuanyuan Kingdom. To make things worse, the current emperor is ill, making the crown prince a person who can ascend to the throne at any moment.
As such, he already possesses the authority over the troops in the country, and he can deploy all of them against you.
Putting aside how many troops there are in a Conferred Kingdom, just the number of experts in their midst makes it an existence impossible for you to succeed by charging in alone.
Unless you possess the cultivation equivalent to Su shi.
But even with this kind of strength, you will surely meet with all kinds of obstructions when trying to kill a crown prince of a country.
"To earn considerable prestige and standing in Xuanyuan Kingdom, one must at least reach Zhizun realm intermediate stage! Even though you are able to match up to even Half-Zhizun cultivators at the moment, you are still lacking as compared to real Zhizun realm experts!"
After a moment of hesitation, Mo Yu explained with a slightly lighter tone.
The young man before her had just lost his student. She was afraid of agitating him into doing something atrocious.
"It's not just lacking, it's being completely helpless against Zhizun realm expert!" Zhang Xuan fell into contemplation.
Zhizun realm was the highest level a Fighter could reach. At the intermediate stage, one would possess 20,000 ding of strength. At the advanced stage, 30,000 ding, and at the pinnacle, 40,000 ding.
Taking into consideration Zhang Xuan's physical strength and zhenqi strength, his total strength only added up to around 15,000 ding. He was still a long way from comparing up to the more powerful Zhizun realm cultivators.
On top of that, he was only using strength as a comparison. After reaching Zhizun realm, one's reaction speed and comprehension toward battle techniques would rise significantly. That was also the main reason why no Zongshi could match up to a Zhizun.
"It's good that you know. My suggestion is that... since the Master Teacher Tournament is going to be held in three months' time, it's best for you not to get involved in such trouble at the moment. As long as you join the tournament and get a good placing, with your newfound standing, you'll be able to request the Master Teacher Pavilion to avenge Lu Chong! At the same moment, no one would be able to say anything about it. This is the most convenient and easiest way at the moment!" Mo Yu shared her thoughts.
Zhang Xuan's cultivation was currently lacking. If he were to forcefully try to exact vengeance, he would be putting himself in huge danger.
Since that was the case, he might as well go for the Master Teacher Tournament first. By then, with his prestigious standing gained from the tournament, no one would dare to stop him from avenging Lu Chong.
Master teachers possessed high standing, but that was relative.
2-star master teachers were a formidable existence in Tianwu Kingdom, but when it came to Xuanyuan Kingdom and the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, they didn't mean much at all.
Only when one proved their strength or unlimited potential would one be highly regarded and feared.
Otherwise, no amount of words would carry weight.
"I can't wait for three months, and I believe that... Lu Chong doesn't want me to wait either!"
Glancing at his unconscious student, a sharp glint flashed across Zhang Xuan's eyes.
Three months was too long, Zhang Xuan's wouldn't be able to hold back his rage for that long.
The other party had reduced Lu Chong into such a tragic state, and he still had to leave him carefree for three months? You must be joking!
"But your current strength... isn't even at Half-Zhizun realm yet, how do you intend to exact vengeance? You would require the strength of a Zhizun realm pinnacle at minimum to do so. Otherwise, you'll just be killed..."
Seeing the determination in Zhang Xuan's eyes, Mo Yu panicked.
What was wrong with this fellow?
I have already told you that even Zhizun realm experts dare not do anything in Xuanyuan Kingdom, so what in the world does a person like you, who hasn't even reached Half-Zhizun yet, hope to achieve there? Aren't you just courting death?
One must know that there was a huge bunch of Zhizun realm pinnacle experts within a Conferred Kingdom. If one wanted to go against the royal family, one had to be at least a Half-Transcension.
"Zhizun realm pinnacle? Simple!" Zhang Xuan said.
"Simple? Could it be that... you have an idea in mind?" Seeing Zhang Xuan's confident declaration, Mo Yu's eyes lit up.
Seems like he has his own plans, I am probably overthinking it...
After all, how can a genius act so rashly!
Just as Mo Yu heaved a long sigh of relief and prepared to ask Zhang Xuan about his plans, the young man before him declared gravely, "I'll just have to reach Zhizun realm pinnacle in the next few days then!"
Pu!
Mo Yu's body swayed, and she nearly choked on her saliva.
The heck!
Can you say anything more ridiculous than that?
Zhizun realm is the last trial a Fighter has to undergo, and the difficulty in progressing in that realm is multiple folds higher than that of Zongshi realm.
Do you think that it's like cabbages in the market, easily obtainable?
Reach Zhizun realm in the next few days...
Can't you speak normally?
If those who are stuck in Zongshi realm pinnacle heard your words, they would definitely pummel you to death.
And to think that I thought you had a good idea in mind, to think this would be it...
"Zhao Ya, hurry up and persuade your teacher..."
Unable to stand it any longer, Mo Yu turned to the lady beside her.
"Persuade? Teacher is right, why should I persuade him?" Zhao Ya asked doubtfully, as she stared at Mo Yu.
"..."
Mo Yu flew into a frenzy, "That's Zhizun realm, Zhizun! It's not that easy to achieve a breakthrough as you all think! Even if your teacher were to dedicate the entire three months to his cultivation, it would be impossible for him to reach Zhizun realm..."
"Teacher only used a month to advance from Pixue realm to Zongshi realm pinnacle. In fact, when he just arrived at Tianwu Royal City, he was only at Tongxuan realm pinnacle. However, he's already at Zongshi realm pinnacle now, and it has only been ten days since then... Don't worry about it, it's not a big deal!" Zhao Ya consoled.
They'd seen all kinds of miracles occurring due to their teacher, and this had left them with deep trust in him. Putting aside reaching Zhizun realm pinnacle, even if Zhang Xuan claimed that he would reach Transcendent Mortal realm tomorrow, they would surely believe it.
How big a matter is it; must you react so vehemently?
"..." Mo Yu.
What the heck... was with all of them!
Not only were they not shocked by Zhang Xuan's declaration to reach Zhizun realm pinnacle in just a few days, they even felt that it was natural?
Mo Yu hurriedly turned her gaze to Zheng Yang, Wang Ying, and the others.
However, all she saw was their looks of disdain, as though mocking her for her horizons being too narrow...
Unable to hold back the agitation in her heart, Mo Yu spurted blood.
To think that I, the princess of Tianwu Kingdom and a 1-star master teacher, would be looked down on by a bunch of students... What in the world is this?
But thinking about it... their words did make sense.
The fellow before her couldn't be understood through common sense. When he took the master teacher examination, he had barely reached Zongshi realm. Yet, when he faced the Lin Clan, he was already at Zongshi realm pinnacle.
There was only an interval of six to seven days between the two events!
If he could advance into Zongshi realm that swiftly, then perhaps... he might be able to do the same for Zhizun realm as well.
"Even if you reach Zhizun realm pinnacle, Ding Mu is still the crown prince of Xuanyuan Kingdom. If you were to kill him, it might cause instability within the country. I'm afraid that... the Master Teacher Pavilion will hinder you!" Mo Yu said, while forcefully suppressing her bursting frustration from being looked down on.
"Hinder? Isn't the Master Teacher Pavilion supposed to protect master teachers?" Baffled, Zhang Xuan frowned.
The Master Teacher Pavilion was an organization created by master teachers for master teachers.
Given that the other party had attempted to assassinate a master teacher, even if the Master Teacher Pavilion chose not to crack down on the culprit, how could it defend the culprit?
"The Master Teacher Pavilion does protect the welfare of master teachers, but... if a Conferred Kingdom is involved, the matter becomes uncertain! After all, if a crown prince of a kingdom of such level were to be killed, it would definitely cause a tremendous chaos in the country. Perhaps, it might even result in war, the death of innocent civilians, and displacement of population. In order to prevent this kind of situation, it is highly likely that the Master Teacher Pavilion might choose the other party over you! After all, you are only a 2-star primary master teacher, so you don't wield sufficient weight yet..."
Mo Yu continued, "Besides, the Xuanyuan Kingdom Master Teacher Pavilion is close with the royal family. As an outsider, it's likely that you'll be shunned instead!"
"This..."
Zhang Xuan fell into deep contemplation.
Even though Mo Yu's words were frustrating, he had to admit that they made sense.
The purpose of the presence of Master Teacher Pavilions was to maintain peace in the region.
Given that Zhang Xuan was going to kill Xuanyuan Kingdom's crown prince, it would be hard for the Master Teacher Pavilion to simply watch by the side.
Besides, no matter how impartial the Master Teacher Pavilion was, the Xuanyuan royal family had been in power for innumerable years. Along with the passing of time, they had established close ties with one another. With the identity of an outsider 2-star master teacher, it was indeed difficult for him to get them to his side.
Rules are impartial, but humans have feelings.
"That's indeed a problem!"
Upon thinking of all of these, Zhang Xuan nodded. Then, turning to Mo Yu, he asked, "Isn't there any solution for this matter?"
"There is, just that... it's too difficult!"
Mo Yu shook her head.
"Oh?"
"If you want to stop the Xuanyuan Kingdom Master Teacher Pavilion from hindering you, or even support you, you have to impress them with your capability." Mo Yu said.
"Impress them with my capability? You mean... Pavilion Crashing?" Zhang Xuan was taken aback.
If one wanted the Master Teacher Pavilion to submit to one swiftly, there was only a single method. That was... Pavilion Crashing!
It was similar to dojo crashing.
With the strength of an individual, one would face the entire Master Teacher Pavilion. Once one succeeded, regardless of how strong one was or what requests one had, the Master Teacher Pavilion was to obey without any conditions.
This matter was written within the books of the Master Teacher Pavilion, and upon Mo Yu's reminder, he recalled it.
"That's right, I'm referring to Pavilion Crashing! However, the master of Xuanyuan Kingdom's Master Teacher Pavilion is a 3-star master teacher, and his strength has reached Half-Transcension... Without the strength and capability of a 4-star master teacher, it'll be impossible for you to succeed in the Pavilion Crashing." Mo Yu explained patiently.
The master and elders of Xuanyuan Kingdom's Master Teacher Pavilion had all reached 3-star, and they possessed fearsome cultivation to match it.
Pavilion Crashing consisted of tests of all fields. It was similar to Pill Debate; without sufficient strength and knowledge, it was impossible for one to succeed.
"If they know what's better for them, they'll choose not to interfere in this matter... But if they insist on protecting that crown prince..."
Zhang Xuan's eyes narrowed, and he clenched his fists tightly, "Then, I don't mind... crashing it!"
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Chapter 414: Xuanyuan's Beast Hall
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97
Lu Chong could even disregard his own life for him. As his teacher, what could he not give up for the other party?
So what if he had to face a Conferred Kingdom?
So what if he had to face off against a Master Teacher Pavilion?
Lu Chong, don't worry! Regardless of who the other party is, to dare to reduce you to such a state, as your teacher, I will make him regret his actions!
"Fine..."
Knowing that it was impossible to persuade the fellow before her, Mo Yu shook her head helplessly, and decided not to harp on this issue. "So, what do you intend to do now?"
"I'll head to Xuanyuan Kingdom!" Zhang Xuan replied. At the same time, he whistled, and the air current above suddenly grew chaotic. The Steelfang Howling Firmament Beast whizzed over from the distant sky and landed right before him.
Only in Xuanyuan Kingdom would he be able to find sufficient Zhizun realm cultivation technique manuals for him to grow stronger swiftly.
If he were to remain in Tianwu Kingdom, his strength would just stagnate.
Just like Mo Yu said, without sufficient strength, it was impossible for him to accomplish anything at all. He might even lose his life due to it.
"Xuanyuan Kingdom's capital, Xuanyuan Royal City, is a few hundred thousand kilometers away from here. Given the Steelfang Howling Firmament Beast's Half-Zhizun realm strength, even if it were to fly with all of its strength, it would take at least seven to eight days!" Mo Yu replied.
As a Conferred Kingdom, Xuanyuan Kingdom's territory was significantly larger than Tianwu Kingdom. Taking seven to eight days to travel to its capital from here could already be considered fast.
"Seven to eight days?" Zhang Xuan was taken aback.
That was already around the duration he had stayed in Tianwu Royal City.
Mo Yu nodded, "Indeed. This is already the limit of a Half-Zhizun realm savage beast. Well, if it reaches Zhizun realm, it would only take three days. Otherwise, we can only go over like that!"
Half-Zhizun realm and Zhizun realm was only a small leap in one's cultivation stage, but for an aerial savage beast, it meant more than a twofold increase in its flying speed.
"Zhizun realm aerial savage beasts can travel that quickly? Then, I'll raise its cultivation realm then..." Zhang Xuan nodded.
"Raise its cultivation realm?" Mo Yu flashed a bitter smile.
She'd almost forgotten it. On top of being a genius master teacher, the fellow before her was a formidable beast tamer as well. Even until now, she had been unable to make sense of the 'Beast Pummeling Taming Method' that the other party created. She couldn't understand how it could make savage beasts obedient to one, and why it would induce a breakthrough in them.
Lifting her head to take a look, she saw that the young man before her had already gotten into action; he walked over to the Steelfang Howling Firmament Beast and smashed his fist onto it.
Peng peng peng peng!
If it was any other beast tamer, it would be impossible for them to punch their tamed beasts so fearlessly. Even if a contract had been established between them, such an action could easily incur the other party's resentment, and this may turn out to be a potential threat in the future.
Yet, when Zhang Xuan's fist landed on the savage beast, the huge fellow howled in delight. A euphoric expression slowly surfaced on its face as it lay motionless on the ground.
To react in such a way while being pummeled, that savage beast was truly one-of-a-kind...
Boom!
After a moment of pummeling, the Steelfang Howling Firmament Beast released a piercing howl, and it broke through its bottleneck. In an instant, its aura surged and pierced through the clouds.
Zhizun realm!
Upon reaching a whole new realm, the Howling Firmament Beast's physique grew larger, and its movements became sharper.
The group climbed onto the back of the savage beast, and after ascertaining the direction, it started flying toward the horizon.
...
Sitting cross-legged in the room on the back of the Steelfang Howling Firmament Beast, Zhang Xuan recalled the events from earlier.
Due to the dire circumstances then, all that was on his mind then was to kill Liang Qingming. And somehow, the golden book suddenly appeared and crushed him to death.
Could it be that... the Book of Heaven's Path also possessed the ability to smash someone to death?
When he first obtained the Library of Heaven's Path, he thought that while others were throwing out all kinds of mystic treasures, he would end up hurling books at others... To think that it was true!
Recalling the might of the book, Zhang Xuan was awed.
For a Zhizun realm advanced stage expert to be smashed into a lump of meat in an instant, the might of the attack was already beyond that of ordinary Transcendent Mortal realm experts.
In other words, even Su shi would have been unable to withstand that attack!
Fearsome!
"But... it's a one-time consumable!"
Zhang Xuan shook his head helplessly.
The move was indeed strong, but... it depleted the golden pages within the Book of Heaven's Path, and with that, he had no golden pages left.
It seemed like he would have to bring in more students, win their gratitude, and produce a few more golden pages for his own security.
To be able to assimilate the content of the books in the Library of Heaven's Path into his own knowledge, raise his Soul Depth by 5.0 instantaneously, destroy an enemy far beyond one's cultivation realm...
Zhang Xuan had only discovered three uses of the golden page, but every single one of them was fearsome in their own right.
If he could gather sufficient golden pages, he wouldn't have to fear anyone anymore. He could just toss a book at anyone who dares to provoke him!
"Judging from how long the golden book was materialized... there seems to be a time limit of ten seconds!"
He tried to recall the details of the previous battle.
Seeing Lu Chong being impaled right before him had clouded Zhang Xuan's mind, so he didn't think much into the details then. However, now that he had calmed down, he was able to deduce some matters by analyzing the situation.
This Book of Heaven's Path could be summoned at Zhang Xuan's will to smash his enemies.
However, after leaving the Library of Heaven's Path, it could only sustain itself for around ten breaths or so before disappearing.
If not for this time limit, Ding Mu wouldn't have been able to escape!
This book could even smash Transcendent Mortal experts to death, needless to say, those two fellows.
"After going through Soul Tempering of a Mentor's Calligraphy, my Soul Depth has increased considerably!"
Looking at Kong shi's personal handwriting had sent him into a unique state that nourished his mind.
If not for the lapse in his awareness due to that, with the Heaven's Path Movement Art, it would be difficult for even a Zhizun realm expert to kill him!
"My Soul Depth has reached 12.1. That's sufficient for me take the 4-star master teacher examination!"
Even though the Soul Tempering of a Mentor's Calligraphy only managed to work for a short period of time, given that it was induced by Kong shi's handwriting, it still granted him a huge growth in his Soul Depth, raising it by 1.0.
Given that the examination requirement on one's Soul Depth increased by 3.0 for each tier, Zhang Xuan's Soul Depth was already sufficient for him to take the 4-star master teacher examination.
"With the rise in my Soul Depth, my Eye of Insight has also grown significantly stronger! In the past, I could only peer into the essence of cultivators possessing the same level or weaker cultivation than me, but now, I can easily see the flaws and problems of even a Half-Zhizun!"
As Zhang Xuan's Soul Depth reached 12.1, the level of a 4-star master teacher, his Eye of Insight also enjoyed a qualitative improvement.
Given his cultivation realm of Zongshi realm pinnacle, it was impossible for him to peer into the flaws of a Half-Zhizun in the past.
But now, even if an expert of that level were to appear before him, Zhang Xuan would still be able to see through his flaws easily even without the Library of Heaven's Path.
The Library of Heaven's Path was formidable, but it had many flaws.
For example, it required one to execute his battle technique or be unconscious before a book on one would be compiled. On the other hand, just by expending some of one's Soul Depth, the Eye of Insight allowed one to peer into another's flaws. In a sense, it was much more practical and applicable than the Library of Heaven's Path.
"Not only so, the efficacy of my Impartation of Heaven's Will has also improved significantly!"
Currently, Zhang Xuan had comprehended a total of two unique abilities of master teachers.
The Eye of Insight and Impartation of Heaven's Will.
Through the Impartation of Heaven's Will, by expending his Soul Depth, Zhang Xuan could easily induce trust in another. On top of that, he could also drive another person's cultivation through his words.
In the past, the Impartation of Heaven's Will only influenced cultivators who were much weaker than him. But now, he would be able to influence those of the same cultivation realm as him, Zongshi realm pinnacle, through words alone.
All in all, the benefits that he derived from the Soul Tempering of a Mentor's Calligraphy were substantial. However, they were mainly limited to the master teacher abilities; it didn't contribute to his cultivation or any other aspects.
"All of you, show me your battle techniques!"
After sorting out his current state, Zhang Xuan turned to look at Zhao Ya and the others.
It had been a while since he had last given them guidance. Even though they had improved swiftly, it was clear that they were unable to keep up with Zhang Xuan's footsteps. Thus, it was imperative for Zhang Xuan to pull up their cultivation so that they could at least fend for themselves.
"Yes!"
On the broad back of the savage beast, the group demonstrated their battle techniques, and Zhang Xuan offered them pointers one by one.
Three days passed in a flash. After Zhang Xuan's guidance, the group's cultivation rose significantly. Wang Ying, Zheng Yang, and the others reached Pixue realm, and even Yuan Tao, whose cultivation was often lagging behind the others, had managed to open one acupoint.
By unleashing the potential of her unique constitution, Zhao Ya even managed to reach Zongshi realm advanced stage.
With the Pure Yin Body and Heaven's Path Sword Art, she would be a match for even typical Zongshi realm pinnacle experts.
Zhang Xuan also offered Mo Yu some guidance, and the latter improved significantly as well.
"Why aren't we heading to Xuanyuan Royal City?"
After consecutive days of flight, just when the capital was in sight, Zhang Xuan suddenly commanded the Howling Firmament Beast to steer toward another direction, heading toward the mountain range not too far away.
"I need a place to raise my strength!" replied Zhang Xuan calmly, looking out of the window.
"Raise your strength?" Mo Yu blinked in confusion.
Seeing how adamant Zhang Xuan was at avenging Lu Chong, Mo Yu thought that he would cultivate hard in these three days so that he could at least reach Half-Zhizun. Yet, other than offering them guidance and taking care of Lu Chong, he didn't even bother cultivating at all.
And only when he was close to reaching the capital did he suddenly speak of raising his strength...
Did this fellow require some unique location for his cultivation?
"The Beast Hall!" Zhang Xuan explained.
After reading through all of the books in Tianwu Kingdom, even though Zhang Xuan had yet to get a good grasp of the various powers located within Xuanyuan Kingdom, at the very least, he managed to find information on the locations of the occupation guilds.
Similar to that of the Xuanluo Mountain Range Beast Hall, Xuanyuan Kingdom's Beast Hall wasn't in the city either. It was located in the depths of the mountain range several dozen kilometers away from the capital.
"Beast Hall? You're going there to raise your cultivation?"
Hearing the location, Mo Yu was even more perplexed.
She had heard of savage beasts visiting the Beast Hall to raise their strength, but she didn't know that it applied for humans as well.
Could it be that his cultivation technique required the presence of savage beasts?
...
Just as Zhang Xuan was heading for the Beast Hall in the small town located in the vast area controlled by the Xuanyuan Kingdom Beast Hall, three figures leaped off the back of an aerial savage beast.
Of them, two were Zhang Xuan's acquaintances; Xuanluo Mountain Range Beast Hall's Hall Master Feng and Beast Tamer Wang.
A man in his late twenties accompanied them. That man's chest was puffed out, and he had an arrogant look on his face.
"Beast Tamer Luo, this is the Xuanyuan Kingdom Beast Hall, where the Beast Taming Competition will be held!" Hall Master Feng said.
"Un, I know! Don't worry, a championship, is it? I'll definitely take first place for you all!" Beast Tamer Luo waved his hands casually, as though speaking of an insignificant issue.
"Ah..."
Hearing the arrogant words of the other party, Hall Master Feng and Beast Tamer Wang exchanged glances, and a bitter smile flashed across their faces.
This Beast Tamer Luo was one of the more talented beast tamers in Xuanluo Mountain Range Beast Hall, but he was, by no means, the most talented one.
If not for the competition being brought forward by four months, and the fact that they were unable to find the candidate they had chosen, Zhang Xuan, they would have never brought this fellow over.
Since the Steelfang Howling Firmament Beast had been taken by that fellow, the group could only travel here on a Zongshi realm savage beast. Due to its limited speed, it took them more than a month to arrive here, and all of them were wearied by the long journey.
More than a month ago, Zhang Xuan had still been looking for the Poison Hall. Since he wasn't even at Tianwu Royal City yet, they were unable to find him
"Why? You don't trust my capability?
"Hmph, why do you keep mentioning that Zhang Xuan? He's a 2-star beast tamer, but so am I! He passed the examination on his first try, but so did I! In fact, I even did better than him! How can you be so confident in him and yet doubt me?"
Seeing the expressions of the duo, Beast Tamer Luo flung his hands in displeasure.
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Chapter 415: Ten Beasts Cage
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97
What do you mean?
That Zhang Xuan you speak of might be a genius, but aren't I one as well?
Why do you hold so high expectations of him yet think so lowly of me?
We are both 2-star beast tamers, I am not inferior to him in any way!
"That's not what we mean, it's just that..."
Hall Master Feng smiled awkwardly, "The Beast Taming Competition gathers all of the geniuses in the vicinity of Xuanyuan Kingdom, so we mustn't let our guards down. We have to proceed carefully!"
"Proceed carefully? What is there to be careful about! I've studied the previous competition, and all I've to do is to tame a Zhizun realm primary stage savage beast. Even though my current cultivation realm hasn't reached Zhizun realm, I am still confident of doing so!"
Clenching his fists tightly, the young man drove his cultivation.
Zongshi realm pinnacle!
To reach Zongshi realm pinnacle under thirty; even in Tianwu Kingdom, he could be considered as a genius. It was no wonder he was so confident.
"The test for the competition changes each time, so I'm not too sure about what will be tested this time round. However... I've heard that the Xuanyuan Kingdom Beast Hall has captured a powerful savage beast a while ago, and they've tried taming it multiple times, only to end in failure. In order to resolve the matter quickly so as to prevent any unnecessary trouble, they decided to bring forward the competition so as to gather the geniuses from all regions here!"
After a moment's hesitation, Hall Master Feng decided to reveal the news that he had heard. "In my view... I think it is very probable for the test to be related to that powerful savage beast they caught!"
"I share your sentiments as well. The Beast Taming Competition is held once every five years, and the timing has always been fixed. There's no reason for them to suddenly push it forward just to conduct it earlier!" Beast Tamer Wang nodded in agreement.
A friend of theirs from Xuanyuan Kingdom Beast Hall had secretly delivered this news to them. However, whether it was true or not still had to be seen.
However, based on their analysis, the intelligence was likely to be true.
Otherwise, there was no reason for them to push forward the competition all of the sudden, catching all of the candidates off guard.
"The Beast Hall has captured a powerful savage beast? What cultivation realm is it?"
Beast Tamer Luo was surprised.
"I'm not too sure about the details either!" Hall Master Feng shook his head.
He might be the head of the Xuanluo Mountain Range Beast Hall, but he still wasn't qualified to learn of the confidential secrets in the Xuanyuan Kingdom Beast Hall.
"Since even 3-star beast tamers are unable to tame it, who of the younger generation could possibly succeed? Even if it's related to that, it'll probably be researching the savage beast's habits, likes, dislikes, and such to help with the taming process."
Beast Tamer Luo lifted his head proudly and boasted, "On those aspects, I won't lose out to anyone!"
Only those beneath thirty are eligible to participatr in the Beast Taming Competition hosted by the Beast Hall. Beast Tamer Luo didn't dare to say much about the experienced beast tamers, but under the age limit, he was confident that there were very few people who could triumph over him in the field of beast taming in the vicinity of Xuanyuan Kingdom.
"I am aware of your capability, but I've heard that numerous talented beast tamers have emerged this year, and all of them are formidable as well! Wei Youdao from Jibei Kingdom, Jiang Nanping from Kaixiong Kingdom, Ji Wuxin from Hongquan Manor... They are all powerful adversaries who have reached 2-star pinnacle below thirty...
Seeing Beast Tamer Luo's confident face, Hall Master Feng glanced at Beast Tamer Wang before speaking.
The young man before him was a talented beast tamer, and if not for Zhang Xuan, he would be the number one beast tamer among the younger generation in Xuanluo Mountain Range.
However, he had a clear, fatal flaw: arrogance.
If it wasn't for them being unable to get into contact with Zhang Xuan, honestly speaking, they wouldn't have approached him for this competition.
As a beast tamer, it was good to be confident but disastrous to be arrogant. Arrogance could potentially earn one the ire of the savage beast one was trying to tame.
Having headed the Beast Hall for so many years, Hall Master Feng had seen many formidable beast tamers being torn apart by savage beasts due to this.
"They're indeed not bad. I've cross hands with them, and back then, I was indeed not a match for them. However, I've learned a new beast taming technique since then, so it won't be easy for them to triumph over me..."Beast Tamer Luo said, placing his hands behind his back.
However, halfway through his words, a cold harrumph sounded behind him.
"Such arrogant words. I was wondering who it was, so it's a braggart!"
A young man walked over and scoffed.
"Fang Jin? Why, you wish to compete with me?" Recognizing the other party, Beast Tamer Luo frowned.
"Compete? Luo Tang, do you think you are worthy of competing with me?"
Chuckling softly, Fang Jin drove his cultivation, and his powerful aura gushed into the surroundings.
"Half... Half-Zhizun?"
Beast Tamer Luo widened his eyes in shock as he subconsciously retreated two steps.
He thought that it was already a formidable feat for him to reach Zongshi realm pinnacle. To think that Fang Jin had already reached Half-Zhizun!
The stronger a beast tamer was, the easier it was for them to win the respect of a savage beast and tame it.
"Two years ago, we were all Zongshi realm pinnacle cultivators. Given your beast taming capability, you could be considered as one of the top of the younger generation. However, Wei Youdao, Jiang Nanping, and the rest of us have already achieved a breakthrough since then. If this is all you have, I advise you to leave quietly now so that you don't make a mockery of yourself!"
Fang Jin looked at Beast Tamer Luo indifferently.
"You..." Beast Tamer Luo's face turned pale. "You mean that... Wei Youdao and the others have also achieved a breakthrough in their cultivation as well?"
There was a world of a difference between Zongshi realm pinnacle and Half-Zhizun. There were many who were stuck at Zongshi realm pinnacle for their entire life, unable to take the next step forward. How did all of them manage to achieve a breakthrough in the past two years?
"Not only so, Wei Youdao has even reached Zhizun realm primary stage!" Fang Jin replied.
"Zhizun realm primary stage?"
Beast Tamer Luo clenched his fists tightly, "So what if you are stronger? What we are competing on is our beast taming skill and understanding of savage beasts. Even if you're stronger, it doesn't mean that you can just beat a savage beast into submission..."
Dong!
Just as Beast Tamer Luo was refuting the other party's words, the ground suddenly quaked. A thunder-like chiming of a bell suddenly boomed.
"A bell? Crap, something huge is happening!"
Hall Master Feng's face suddenly warped.
Luo Tang and Fang Jin, who were in the midst of an argument, suddenly stopped their actions, and their eyes narrowed.
There were many savage beasts reared in the Beast Hall, and in order to avoid alarming them, quietness had always been upheld here. Unless something huge happened, the bell would never be chimed.
Its chiming meant that all beast tamers had to gather immediately to face whatever that was threatening the Beast Hall!
What could have happened for this bell to chime all of the sudden?
Dong dong dong!
The bell continued chiming.
"Quick, count the number of chimes!" Hall Master Feng urged.
The number of chimes represented the message the Beast Hall was trying to relay to the beast tamers.
Soon, when the chiming stopped, Luo Tang announced, "There was a total of... seven chimes!"
Fang Jin also quickly turned his gaze to Hall Master Feng. Even though they were beast tamers as well, such incidents were rare, and their knowledge of these old traditions couldn't match up to this old head of Xuanluo Mountain Range Beast Hall.
"Seven chimes, this is..."
Recalling the rules surrounding the chiming of the bell, Hall Master Feng's face paled. His body trembled vigorously as he muttered, "Someone is challenging the Ten Beasts Cage? How... How is that possible?"
"Ten Beasts Cage?"
Luo Tang and Fang Jin glanced at one another doubtfully.
This was their first time hearing of this term.
"Ten Beasts Cage is actually a long and narrow metal cage. Placed within it are ten savage beasts, and the further one advanced, the stronger the savage beasts become... To pass the trial, one has to travel from one end of the cage to the other end alone within two hours..."
Hall Master Feng's lips quivered.
"Ten savage beasts? Alone? This... Is it even possible?"
"It's the primal instinct of a savage beast to attack strangers on sight. If that wasn't the case, beast tamer wouldn't be such a respected occupation either. One has to travel from one end of the cage to the other end and face ten savage beasts within two hours?"
Luo Tang and Fang Jin exclaimed in shock. Even Beast Tamer Wang was dumbstruck.
Savage beasts had a skeptical nature, and they possessed an innate hostility toward humans. Without any unique means, one would be attacked as soon as they came within the proximity of the savage beast. On top of that, the cage was narrow, so it was impossible to avoid contact altogether.
It was possible to subdue a savage beast within two hours, but to face ten of them consecutively? How was that possible?
Suddenly recalling a matter, Luo Tang hurriedly asked, "Right! How strong will be the savage beasts be?"
If the strength of the savage beasts was much weaker than the challenger, then even if there were ten of them and their strength rose progressively, it wouldn't be completely impossible to clear the trial.
"The first four savage beasts will be a small cultivation realm weaker than the challenger. The three afterward will be of the same cultivation as the challenger. The next two will be a small cultivation realm stronger than the challenger, and the final one will be... two small cultivation realms stronger than the challenger!"
Hall Master Feng's voice quivered as he spoke.
"What?"
The faces of the other three immediately turned ghastly pale.
As beast tamers, they were well aware of how fearsome savage beasts were.
They possessed immense physiques and frightening brute strength; in the same cultivation realm, human cultivators were definitely no match for savage beasts. Yet, at the very end, one had to face a savage beast two small cultivation realms stronger than oneself?
Are you for real?
"There's no doubt about it, anyone who tries to challenge will surely die... Who would do something so foolish? What does one stand to gain out of this?"
Fang Jin couldn't help but ask.
Intrigued, Luo Tang and the others turned to look at Hall Master Feng as well.
It was impossible for someone to take such a risk if there was nothing to gain from it. This Ten Beasts Cage was clearly a death trap... Why would anyone even try to challenge it?
Surely it was seeking death?
"Of course there are benefits to it!"
Hall Master clenched his fists so tightly that his nails were sinking into his flesh, "Anyone to succeeds will be bestowed with a drop of...
"Spirit beast blood essence!"