Chapter 221: Coiling Dragon Hands
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: GaiaNove
Complete silence.
Everyone's eyes narrowed and their faces paled.
Isn't Zhang laoshi well known for being a trash of the academy?
Didn't they say that his cultivation is low, and his ability to impart knowledge is lacking?
Tongxuan realm pinnacle... As an expert who can break through to achieve Half-Zongshi at any moment, he is nearly an invincible existence in Tianxuan Kingdom!
You call such a cultivation low? Are you kidding me?
"Looks like... all of the previous news are true. He just wants to keep a low profile and doesn't want to expose his strength..."
"I'm afraid, only a person with such capability can groom students like Zhao Ya and Liu Yang!"
"Tongxuan realm pinnacle... Even the principal doesn't wield such strength. Yet, such an expert is only a low-level teacher. The academy must truly be blind!"
"It is all due to Elder Shang Chen's oppression. Shameless! Such people deserve to be expelled!"
...
Zhang Xuan's display of his cultivation caused the crowd, on both the spectator stand and the stage, to enter a frenzy.
Everyone had thought all along that he is just a Pixue realm cultivator. Never in their wildest dreams did they expect that he would be a Tongxuan realm pinnacle expert, a top-notch expert in Tianxuan Kingdom!
Witnessing the situation, Lu Xun's body froze and his face turned ghastly white.
He had always prided himself on his superior talent that no one could match up to. Never once did he think that... the fellow, whom he had been provoking, had already reached Tongxuan realm pinnacle! Furthermore, he wasn't even twenty!
Is he still a human?
And I challenged such an expert to a duel?
Is my brain damaged?
Regardless of teaching my students or my own cultivation, I have been defeated utterly!
"The students vie for the honor of their teacher while the teacher serves as the fortress of his students. The students and teacher in perfect complement, this is the model relationship!"
"This is the level we hope to reach! Yang shi sure is incredible, to be able to spot such a gem."
Taking in the sight, the three master teachers stood up abruptly and their faces flushed with agitation.
A student needs a good teacher, and a teacher needs good students.
However, does being a good student or a good teacher refer to one's talent and cultivation?
Nope, it refers to trust, solidarity, and responsibility.
These students, right before their very eyes, are willing to give their all for Zhang laoshi. On the other hand, Zhang laoshi serves as their fortress. Regardless of the waves that come rushing toward them, he will be able to stand firm as their stronghold, providing them a sanctuary.
This is what a teacher and student relationship should be like, truly the highest level of a teacher-student relationship.
"Yes!"
Seeing how their teacher did not tell them to stop, granting them free reins and turning into a powerful fortress backing them instead, Zhao Ya excitedly turned around to face Lu Xun.
"Lu laoshi... Let's start!"
"I accept your duel, but I will not take advantage of you, students. Let's go to the Teacher Dueling Platform!"
Knowing that he was unable to avoid this duel, Lu Xun agreed candidly.
There is a specialized stage for duels between students and teachers and it is known as the Teacher Dueling Platform. There, teachers will suppress their cultivation to lower themselves to the student's level and duel with them.
Back then, the duel between Zheng Yang and Zhou Tian was held there.
"There's no need for us to fight on the Teacher Dueling Platform. We'll do it here, and there's no need for you to suppress your cultivation!"
Yuan Tao smiled and stepped forward.
Earlier, when he fought with Kong Jie, he appeared to be an ordinary underhanded fellow. However, after taking a single step forward, the air around him changed and he seemed to be an entirely different person this moment. Even though his cultivation remained at the same Juxi realm advanced stage, his disposition had changed tremendously. This very moment, he seemed to be like a dragon soaring through the heavens.
"Brothers, I will be going first!"
Roaring, Yuan Tao charged toward Lu Xun. Without any moves or technique whatsoever, he simply charged frenziedly toward the latter.
"Can it be that... he had hidden his cultivation as well?"
"But that's impossible! Half a month ago, when he attended the entrance examinations, he very clearly had barely reached Fighter 1-dan Juxi realm primary stage. Being able to reach the advanced stage within such a short period of time is already an extremely scary feat, so how is it possible that he has hidden his cultivation?"
"Even if he hadn't hidden his cultivation, it is impossible for him to be Juxi realm advanced stage. We have been fooled by his delinquent outer appearance. Honestly speaking, even if Kong Jie was careless, it is impossible for an ordinary Juxi realm to expel him from the stage with a single fist."
"This..."
Upon seeing that Yuan Tao being the first to charge forth and sensing the change in his disposition, not feeling any fear despite facing a Pixue realm expert like Lu Xun, everyone burst into a commotion.
Just earlier, when this fellow fought with Kong Jie, everyone thought that he doesn't possess any real capability. They thought that he is just a shameless and underhanded fellow. Yet, at this moment, they realized that that isn't the case!
No matter what, Lu laoshi is a Pixue realm expert! Even Dingli realm cultivators will be hesitant to face him, yet as a Juxi realm cultivator, he charged straight at him. Through this, it can be seen that there is more to him beneath the surface.
"Hmph!"
Upon seeing that Yuan Tao was the first to charge toward him, Lu Xun's complexion darkened. He immediately sent a palm strike straight at the other party.
In order not to cause any casualty, he only used ten percent of his strength. Even so, given his strength as a Pixue realm pinnacle, that was more than enough to shatter stones and smash through tree trunks.
However, not only did that strong might not hinder the movement of that fatty in any way upon hitting him squarely, it seemed to have incited the other party's hot-bloodedness. Yuan Tao squeezed his body together, placing his shoulders in front of his chest to maximize the impact of the charge.
It was neither a [Mountain Crush] or a [Tree Ram], it was just an ordinary charge reminiscent to that of the savage beasts.
Peng!
It sounded like the beat of a drum and Lu Xun's face turned red. Under the impact, he retreated two steps backward.
"What?"
Lu Xun's eyes narrowed.
Everyone knew that Lu Xun's cultivation had reached Pixue realm, but no one knew that he actually specialized more in the training of his physical body.
Due to his obsession, he had his father, Master Lu Chem, replicate all books on the training of physical body in the kingdom's Book Collection Vault and keep them at home.
Just this by itself showed a lot about his physical body cultivation. As such, even though he could have easily dodged Yuan Tao's judge, he stood his ground.
He thought that the student was just a fellow who possessed some brute strength. Not even in his dreams did he expect Yuan Tao's charge to be so fearsome.
Despite his well-trained physical body, Yuan Tao's charge managed to flush his face red and he nearly spurted a mouthful of blood from the force.
If he were to suffer another few more of such charges, he would not need to think of battling any further!
"He managed to knock Lu laoshi back?"
"This fellow is way too scary!"
The spectators were all cultivators. Even though they had no idea how strong Yuan Tao's charge really was, they could notice the change in Lu laoshi's complexion. They were so shocked that their jaws nearly hit the ground.
For a Pixue realm pinnacle expert to be knocked back, how much strength does he possess?
With such might, bodies of typical Dingli realm experts will probably be shattered!
The student who was knocked out by Yuan Tao's fist previously, Kong Jie, happened to witness this sight right after he woke up. Greatly terrified, his face paled and he fainted once again. At the same time, he was thankful that the other party hadn't used this move against him. Otherwise, fainting would just be a small matter. He could have been crippled for life.
"Looks like I've underestimated you..."
Retreating two steps backward, Lu Xun immediately stabilized his breathing. Feeling a dull ache in his chest, he narrowed his eyes and glared coldly at the fatty before him. The disdain in his eyes had disappeared without a trace.
Just from the other party's charge, he was able to tell that the lad before him possesses strength, physical durability, and defense far superior to his.
That is to say, in a purely physical brawl, he will be able to easily kill a Dingli realm expert!
When did Zhang Xuan find such a freak?
"Hehe, this isn't the only thing that you've underestimated!"
After a successful first attack, Yuan Tao chuckled lightly and charged forward once more.
"Hmph!"
Seeing the other party use the same attack once more, Lu Xun became serious. With a slight flick of his hands, his zhenqi formed a sphere of energy before him. In an instant, the charging Yuan Tao, as though a fish sucked into a whirlpool, staggered two rounds before charging beside Lu Xun, not even grazing him in the slightest.
"[Coiling Dragon Hands]! It's Coiling Dragon Hands..."
Someone from the crowd exclaimed.
"What's Coiling Dragon Hands?" Someone asked doubtfully.
"It's a long-lost battle technique. It's said that when one reaches a major accomplishment in the skill, he will be able to form a sphere of zhenqi outside of his body, warding off all attacks! I always thought that it was a legend, but to think that... Lu laoshi is actually able to execute it!"
Those who were well-aware of the skill were in disbelief.
"Warding off all attacks? This... Isn't the battle technique too overpowered!" The one who asked previously was astonished.
Being able to ward off all attacks means that even if one isn't able to triumph over his opponent, he will not lose either.
Fearsome!
At this moment, the crowd, who had been awed by Yuan Tao's strength previously, looked at Lu Xun with great respect.
It is true that it is impossible for a useless person to wield great prestige. For Lu Xun to be able to create such an incredible reputation for himself in Hongtian Academy, he does indeed live up to his name.
"Indeed!" The others nodded their heads in agreement.
"If he can ward of all attacks, doesn't that mean that he can't be wounded?" Another person commented.
"All battle techniques have their own flaws. Even though the Coiling Dragon Hands is an incredible skill, it isn't invincible. Rumor has it that as long as one focuses their strength at one point, such that the might at that point surpasses the strength the user displaying the skill possesses, one will be able to break the Coiling Dragon Hands easily! That's to say, given that Lu laoshi possesses around 45 ding of strength, one has to display a might exceeding 45 ding at a single point to overcome this move."
As the person said so, he lifted his head to look at Zhao Ya and the others. "Zhang laoshi would be able to overcome this move easily, but... I'm afraid it'll be hard for his students. Unless someone has managed to comprehend the Weapon Intent, which would allow them to overcome the zhenqi sphere easily... But how is that possible for a group of Dantian realm students..."
At this, he shook his head.
Weapon Intent, this is the level which all cultivators hope to achieve. Countless people viewed it as their ultimate goal and had strived for it, but even so, there isn't a single successful case in the entire Tianxuan Kingdom. If so, how can a student achieve such level?
"You're right!"
The crowd nodded their heads in agreement. No matter what, these students are on Fighter 2-dan cultivators. No matter how strong they are, how can their strength exceed a Pixue realm pinnacle expert? Even more so, how is it possible that any one of them have comprehended the Weapon Intent?
It seems like the challenge is only a joke. With the invincible defense created by the [Coiling Dragon Hands], it is impossible for Lu Xun laoshi to be defeated by them.
"Yuan Tao, I can't allow you to hog the spotlight. Allow me!"
Everyone was beginning to think that Zhang Xuan's students would fail when a roar echoed. Zheng Yang stepped forward with large steps. Without any complex movements, the spear he held in his hands shot out as though a dancing dragon.
Even though it was just a single simple move, within its simplicity contained the profound essence of a spear, making it impossible to dodge or withstand it.
Wuuuuu!
The spear was so quick that the air seemed to be unable to bear the overwhelming pressure, sounding as though it would shatter into countless pieces at any moment,
Along with the piercing of the spear, Zheng Yang's aura grew stronger and stronger. Even though he only possessed the strength of a Fighter 2-dan Dantian realm, it felt as though he had melded together as one with his spear, as though he was the spear, and the spear was him.
Peng!
The spear struck Lu Xun's zhenqi sphere and a sonic boom resounded across the entire field.
Deng deng deng deng!
Lu Xun's face turned ghastly pale and he retreated four steps backward.
The Coiling Dragon Hands had been broken!
"Spear Intent? Is that Spear Intent?"
Wang Chao stood up abruptly.
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Chapter 222: Pummeling Lu Xun (First Half)
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: - -
He was the most highly skilled spear user in the entire of Hongtian Academy.
As far as he can remember, he had been training in the way of the spear. Day after day, year after year, he had long regarded the weapon as an essential part of himself.
Even so, he is still a huge distance away from forging Spear Intent.
He thought that such a state only exists in the faraway legends, and it is impossible for him to ever achieve it. Yet, never in his dreams did he expect that... he would see it on a teenage boy.
Even though the Spear Intent he had forged is still in the most primitive and simple form, a far way off from its complete mature state, it is nevertheless a bud containing incredible potential. With sufficient time, it can ripen and grow into a gigantic tree.
"How did he do it?"
Previously, when Mo Xiao said that he is unable to compare up to Zheng Yang and admitted defeat, Wang Chao thought that it was a great humiliation to the Wang Clan's spearmanship. But now, upon seeing Zheng Yang's move, he realized that the Wang Clan's spearmanship is trash before it!
This move that is infused with the Spear Intent cannot be countered by any other moves.
In fact... Even if he were the one facing it, he would be helpless!
If Zheng Yang's cultivation were at the same level as him, he can definitely kill him with that single move!
"Can it be... is this the move that father learned?"
Suddenly, a thought flashed in Wang Chao's mind.
A while ago, his father, Wang Chong, spent an astronomical sum to learn a spear art and after which, he had been secluding himself to comprehend Spear Intent. All along, Wang Chao had thought that no move would be worth this money, but after seeing Zheng Yang's stroke...
Three million was a small sum to pay for this move. Even if it cost ten million, twenty million, or even all of their family fortune, it would be worth it!
Before, the butler had said that the one who imparted his father the spear art was an apothecary, but he hadn't paid much heed to it then. However, upon seeing Guild Leader Ouyang and the other apothecaries here, claiming that they are here to watch Apothecary Zhang's duel... Can it be that Zhang Xuan laoshi is him?
Wang Chao's body swayed and blood welled up at the back of his throat, threatening to spurt at any moment.
"Zhang laoshi can be considered as half a teacher to me since he has imparted this move to me. Next time, when you see him, you have to call him grand teacher or... grandpa!"
Shaking his head to toss aside this ridiculous thought, Wang Chao suddenly heard a powerful voice sounding beside him. Lifting his head to take a look, he saw his father walking toward him.
Given the commotion that the Teacher Evaluation had caused, even Wang Chong couldn't resist his curiosity and came to take a look.
"Grand teacher? Grandpa?"
Wang Chao's face turned pale and he was on the verge of tears.
Not just him, the other spectators were also completely silent.
Those who were aware of the Coiling Dragon Hands were even more shocked, and if not for their self-control, they might have torn out their hair in frustration and disbelief.
Even though they were unable to exactly recognize the Spear Intent in Zheng Yang's movement, just by the fact that he was able to break the Coiling Dragon Hands with his spear showed that he has already reached such a state!
A sixteen-year-old student comprehending Weapon Intent?
How can there be such a ridiculous matter in the world?
If so, how fearsome will his teacher who imparted him the art be?
"Looks like Mo Xiao didn't admit defeat for his friend's sake, but because he is truly not a match for him!"
"Indeed, even Fighter 4-dan cultivators will be unable to withstand such a move."
"What an incredible technique, did it really come from Zhang laoshi?"
"Zhang laoshi... Not only are his movement, leg, and fist techniques incredible, even his spear art is at the same level as well?"
All of the students were astonished.
"Just a few days and he... has improved again!"
Mo Xiao's body shuddered. Looking at Zhang Xuan, the desire in his eyes could no longer be curbed.
A voice echoed in his heart...
I must acknowledge him as my teacher!
...
"Damn it!"
Having his Coiling Dragon Hands broken by Zheng Yang's spear, Lu Xun felt a suffocating sensation in his chest. A savage expression emerged on his face and he let off a loud howl. He was about to charge forth to deal with the exhausted Zheng Yang when he suddenly heard a faint sound. Unknowingly, Liu Yang appeared beside him and his fist was headed straight for him.
At that moment, Wang Ying also appeared in the air above him and she had sent a kick straight at him.
Si la!
The punch and kick were so swift that it tore the air into half. Even before hitting its target, it instilled shiver into its target.
The two moves may not be as powerful as the spear before, but even so, they shouldn't be underestimated. Even with Lu Xun's powerful physical body, he would incur significant injuries if he were to be struck by it.
"Hmph!"
With an awful complexion, Lu Xun's body swayed and as though a butterfly treading through the flowers, he retreated two steps.
Battle Technique [Butterfly Steps]! As though a butterfly soaring between flowers, the move grants its user nimble and unreadable movements.
Dodging the punch and the kick, Lu Xun prepared to launch a counterattack, but at that moment, he felt his entire body turn cold, as though he had been placed into an ice cavern.
As his vision blurred, a ridiculously beautiful lady appeared in his sight. At the same time, a smooth and flawless hand reached straight for his chest.
Lu Xun's eyes narrowed. Even though he was astonished, as a Pixue realm pinnacle expert who had gone through hundreds of battle, he reacted without hesitation. He counterattacked with a palm strike immediately.
Battle Technique [Tower Overthrow Seal]! It is said to possess the strength to topple towers and shake mountains!
Boom!
The Tower Overthrow Seal met the enemy's palm.
Zhao Ya's body quivered briefly before being sent flying back.
She was only a Dingli realm pinnacle cultivator, she was still far from matching a Pixue realm pinnacle expert like Lu Xun.
However, Lu Xun didn't fare well either. The pure yin zhenqi which Zhao Ya emitted contained the nature of extreme coldness, causing his body to tremble uncontrollably. He retreated three steps backward but was unable to rid himself of the chill in his body.
Furthermore, a surge of cold zhenqi had invaded his meridians, making it impossible for him to neutralize it within a short period of time.
Five people and six attacks, Lu Xun had merely received a blow from each of them, but he retreated eleven steps.
The crowd was left completely dumbfounded.
That was Lu Xun laoshi, the number one star teacher of Hongtian Academy. Even though his cultivation wasn't unparalleled in the academy, there was nearly no Pixue realm cultivator who could match him.
But just like that, he was forced back by a group of Fighter 2-dan and Fighter 5-dan students. If they had not witnessed it for themselves, they would have never believed it.
"So, this is the offensive collaboration formation that they had been working on?"
Zhang Xuan knew that Zhao Ya and the others had been secretly working on a collaboration formation, but he had never actually seen them execute it. Finally witnessing it now, Zhang Xuan's eyebrows knitted together.
"Fine. Truthfully speaking, I have underestimated you brats. You do possess the qualifications to challenge me!"
Lu Xun declared as he stabilized his breathing. After having been forced to retreat continuously under the assault of a few juniors, he no longer dared to underestimate them. On the contrary, a grim expression had appeared on his face.
"I also think that we are qualified to challenge you. Actually, Lu laoshi, by crossing blows with you, we have already vented the resentment in Zhang laoshi's stead. How about this? Can we just consider it a draw? If we go on like this, we will only end up hurting each other..."
Yuan Tao chuckled as he stepped forward.
"Draw?" Lu Xun harrumphed coldly. "Your attacks are indeed novel, and you have indeed managed to catch me off guard earlier. However, now that you've revealed all the tricks up your sleeves, there's nothing else for me to fear..."
What Lu Xun said rang true.
Even though the attacks of the five weren't weak, they hadn't prepared enough moves to account for the entire duel. Each of them knew only a single powerful move, and it would have worked against ordinary Pixue realm cultivators. However, for a potential master teacher like Lu Xun, it was far from being sufficient.
After all, both his eyes and comprehension of battle techniques were far from what the five could match.
"You're right. How about this, why don't I... discuss the matter with them and admit defeat?"
Yuan Tao stepped forward as a look of conflict appeared on his face. When he came to just a few steps away from Lu Xun, his eyebrows shot up suddenly as he charged forward.
"Hmph, the same trick?"
After the precedent with Kong Jie, Lu Xun was already guarded against this fellow. Upon seeing him charge forward, he harrumphed coldly.
Because I wasn't guarded against your charge for the first time, you managed to send me back two steps. But the second time, I easily warded off your charge with my Coiling Dragon Hands. Yet, you still dare to use the same technique on me for the third time...
Aren't you underestimating me too much?
A cold glint flashed across Lu Xun's eyes. Raising his hands, he prepared himself to ward off Yuan Tao's charge. However, before he even came into contact with the fellow, the fellow abruptly stopped and hugged him.
The change was too sudden and so unexpected that Lu Xun didn't have the time to react to it.
Furthermore, it was unthinkable for one to hug another in the midst of a battle.
Kacha!
In an instant, the fatty had Lu Xun completely in his grasp, having locked his arms around the other party's body tightly.
"You..."
For a teacher to be hugged by a student, Lu Xun's complexion looked extremely dark. With a twist of his body, he knocked at Yuan Tao.
Peng!
A dull thud.
The force behind that knock was in no way inferior to his fist; even an ordinary Pixue realm expert would be vomiting blood due to the impact of that blow. The body of the fatty that was wrapped around him jerked, but the grip didn't loosen in the least.
He actually withstood such a powerful knock!
"His defense is incredible..." Lu Xun's eyes narrowed.
No matter how foolish he could be, he immediately understood that the specialty of the fatty wasn't his charge, but... his defense!
To think that he had neglected this fact from the very start.
"Hurry up!"
Yuan Tao howled as he hugged Lu Xun tightly.
Hu!
Before he could even finish his words, a spear whistled and flew straight toward Lu Xun.
"Damn it!"
Sensing the fearsome might behind the spear, Lu Xun knew that he would be over if the spear were to hit him. Thus, he roared and his feet abruptly pushed against the ground.
The powerful force against the ground pushed him, along with Yuan Tao, three chi above from the ground, dodging that fatal move.
"Come down!"
Even though he managed to dodge the Zheng Yang's spear, he wasn't able to evade Liu Yang's fist. With a cold harrumph, a strike from the Heaven's Path Fist Art hit him straight in his back.
Pu!
A mouthful of fresh blood spewed from his mouth.
"If this goes on, I might really lose to a bunch of youngsters..."
Lu Xun lifted his eyebrows and madness could be seen in his eyes.
If I don't shake off this fatty quickly, I might really lose today!
Even though Zhang Xuan's five students were young and possessed weak cultivation, the battle technique they learned were simply too bizarre. Even a person with a powerful physical body like Lu Xun found it hard to take their blows.
"Let go!"
Roaring furiously, he sent his right elbow directly at Yuan Tao.
This time, he used his full strength. With solely the strength of his physical body, he could even pierce through metal.
Peng!
The powerful elbow struck Yuan Tao squarely on his chest.
Pu!
Yuan Tao's face turned red.
Even though the pain clearly showed through his face, his grip didn't weaken in the least. At this moment, he seemed to have become a giant chain, sealing the opponent's body entirely, refusing to budge no matter how hard the opponent struggles.
"You..."
Not expecting that an elbow strike at his full force would not be able to shake him off, amidst Lu Xun's anger, he was taken aback as well.
How is this a duel? It feels more like a fight to the death!
In that moment of daze, a kick landed straight on his chest.
At the same moment, a pair of white and flawless palms landed on his body as well.
Peng peng!
Two crisp sounds echoed in the air. Lu Xun felt a dull pain in his chest before flying backward.
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Chapter 223: Pummeling Lu Xun (Second Half)
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: - -
After flying a dozen meters backward, he crashed violently onto the ground. The impact created a huge crater on the ground.
Below him, Yuan Tao suffered nearly eighty percent of the impact. But even so, he hadn't loosened his grip in the slightest, locking the latter firmly in place.
"What kind of fighting style is that?"
"Does he have a dying wish? He'll really die like this..."
"He won't. He has an extraordinary defense and even given Lu Xun laoshi's strength, it would take a significant amount of time to shake him away. Clearly, Zhao Ya and the others wouldn't grant him that amount of time."
...
Seeing how Yuan Tao firmly held onto Lu Xun laoshi, not even budging in the least as if he cared not about dying, everyone's mouth twitched.
It is just a duel, is there a need to go so far?
At this rate, if Lu Xun were to go on a rampage, he might really get beaten to death!
Peng peng peng!
While everyone was overwhelmed by shock, Lu Xun didn't remain idle. Using his elbow, he struck Yuan Tao's chest repeatedly, and every single strike held astonishing might. Under the barrage of attacks, Yuan Tao's face grew increasingly pale.
Even though he possesses the Emperor Bloodline, he had only activated a tenth of it. While he had no problem warding off the attacks of Dingli realm cultivators easily, it was clearly insufficient for him to do the same for Lu Xun, who is strong even among Pixue realm pinnacle experts.
"Hurry up!"
Enduring the excruciating pain, Yuan Tao hissed through gritted teeth.
Boom!
Right afterward, a spear shot into view midair.
Having missed his previous strike, Zheng Yang had placed all of his strength into this blow. Executing the strength of the Heaven's Path Spear Art to the limits of his ability, under the augmentation of Spear Intent, the spear shot straight toward Lu Xun as though a shooting star.
"Damn it!"
Facing the spear, Lu Xun narrowed his eyes and hurriedly backed away. Even so, the spear managed to inflict a wound on his chest, leaving a trail of red blood sailing in midair.
"You aren't going to escape!"
Shortly, a blurred figure appeared before Lu Xun. With a flip of her palm, it felt as though the heavens was crushing down.
Battle Technique [Falling Heavens]! The descent of the palm induces terror in all!
Of Zhang Xuan's students, the one with the best circumstances for cultivation wasn't Wang Ying. It was Zhao Ya.
Her father was the city lord of Baiyu City, and his position was only inferior to that of Emperor Shen Zhui in the entire Tianxuan Kingdom. All kinds of battle techniques and resources were at her disposal, and this Falling Heavens was one of the strongest techniques in Baiyu City.
Due to her insufficient cultivation, she was unable to practice it before. However, after her Pure Yin Body was awakened and her strength reached Dingli realm pinnacle, she became much more powerful than even the ordinary teachers in the academy, allowing her to train and execute this move.
As expected of a top-notch battle technique in Baiyu City, even before the strike landed, a frigid air had already frozen the surroundings.
"Hmph!"
Held firmly by Yuan Tao, Lu Xun was unable to parry the move. Even so, he didn't panic. His zhenqi flurried and he turned half a round on the spot. As such, Yuan Tao stood between him and Zhao Ya, turning into the fatty into a meat shield for him.
If Zhao Ya were to go ahead with that strike, Falling Heavens would definitely land on her comrade.
"Lu Xun laoshi is... throwing aside his dignity!"
"Indeed, to be using the student as a meat shield, shameless!"
"Actually, this shows that the few students exert a great amount of pressure on him. Otherwise, he wouldn't have thrown aside his pride to do this."
"As a Pixue realm pinnacle expert, Lu Xun laoshi is ranked at the first or second place among the elders in the academy. Yet, to be forced to such a state by five freshmen who have enrolled for just half a month... Scary!"
"However, it will still be difficult for Zhao Ya and the others to win. With Yuan Tao serving as a meat shield, they will be hesitant to attack Lu Xun laoshi. However, if Yuan Tao were to let go, Lu laoshi, with his speed and movement technique, would be able to escape easily from their assault."
The wiser experts saw through the crux of the problem.
Previously, as Lu laoshi still held considerations for his reputation, he hadn't resorted to his other means. However, now forced to a corner, he decided to use Yuan Tao as a meat shield. This leaves the other students at a loss of whether to strike him or not, thus causing them to fall into a disadvantageous position.
"Look, Zhao Ya isn't ceasing her attack..."
Everyone thought that the battle would end in a standstill when they noticed that Zhao Ya's Falling Heaven didn't slow in the least. It landed straight on Yuan Tao's body.
Hu!
As though striking a leather, there wasn't a loud impact. It seemed as if Zhao Ya had withdrawn her power at the very last moment, and the palm that had fallen on Yuan Tao's body was only an ordinary strike.
"Seems that she held back. Otherwise, Yuan Tao would have definitely collapsed from the simultaneous attacks from both in front and behind him!"
A person commented. However, right after that, another exclamation rang.
"Something is amiss, look at Lu Xun laoshi!"
Everyone hurriedly turned to look at Lu laoshi.
With a glance, their eyes narrowed.
Right after Zhao Ya's palm landed on Yuan Tao, who was hugging Lu laoshi, the latter shuddered and his face turned pale.
Clearly, the strike that landed on Yuan Tao had struck him instead.
"It is the modification of Falling Heavens, Descending Heavens!"
City Lord Zhao Feng abruptly stood up, and his disbelief reflected in his eyes. "Descending Heavens can strike a person even at a distance. However, the skill is extremely difficult to practice, requiring one to undergo all kinds of pain. More importantly, one has to at least execute a hundred thousand palm strikes before he can grasp the skill... It has only been four days since Zhao Ya awakened her unique constitution. For her to be able to execute it... What kind of pain did she undergo in the past few days?"
Long-range attacks are difficult to grasp, even if one is talented. It requires relentless experimentation and practice.
Even using the most conservative estimates, it would require one to at least practice at the skill at least a hundred thousand times. That was to say, she had practiced the skill over a hundred thousand times over the course of four days?
What hardship did this daughter of his suffer in these four days?
And what was it that made her persevere like this?
After all, repeating such a boring and dull movement over and over again isn't easy, and back then, he had nearly given up himself, needless to say, a sixteen to seventeen-year-old girl like her.
"It is all for victory!"
Yao Han exclaimed with reddened eyes.
He had witnessed the hardship that his xiaojie had gone through in the past few days personally.
In the past, she wasn't serious in her cultivation, allowing her mind to wander during training. Otherwise, as the young mistress of a city lord, possessing countless profound battle techniques, cultivation techniques, and the guidance of experts at her disposal, even though she was affected by her pure yin body, it was impossible for her to still be a merely Fighter 1-dan despite having reached sixteen years of age.
Initially, he thought that xiaojie wouldn't be able to persevere practicing such a difficult technique, but she managed to pull through... Her determination far exceeded his expectations.
"Victory?"
"Yes. She wants to win for Zhang laoshi. All of them... don't want to lose!"
"Don't want to lose?"
Turning his attention to the five students on the stage, he narrowed his eyes.
As a city lord and an expert, he understood how difficult cultivation could get. How much hardship did the five children have to go through within half a month in order to be able to rival a star teacher, even forcing him to abandon his pride?
"What kind of magic does this Zhang laoshi possess, to be able to induce such change in Xiao Ya and forge such strong camaraderie among his students?"
City Lord Zhao Feng glanced at Zhang laoshi, and respect for the latter reflected in his eyes.
He understood his own daughter well. It was surely this Zhang laoshi's credit for such changes to appear within her in just a short span of half a month.
Furthermore, even though the formation Zhang Xuan's students were using was rather crude, their teamwork could be said to be impeccable. Taking, for example, Zhao Ya's Descending Heavens, as she had yet to master the skill, if Yuan Tao were to resist in the very least, it was likely for the blow to have struck him instead of Lu Xun.
To remain completely unguarded in the face of such a powerful technique, just how much trust did he have in the other party in order to be able to do so?
The crowd was left completely dumbfounded and the entire field went silent. On the other hand, Lu Xun, who was hiding behind Yuan Tao, was infuriated, and he was just a step away from going crazy.
He thought that these fellows only had that single ace up their sleeves, and he never expected them to have done so much preparation in advance. Furthermore, they showed incredible tenacity and were willing to endure all pain for the sake of victory.
Suppressing the frost in his body, Lu Xun retreated once more.
Hu!
But before he could get away, another blurred figure appeared before him.
Wang Ying!
At this instant, the embarrassment she possessed during her fight with Du Lei was completely absent. On the contrary, she now carried unwavering determination.
She sent a kick straight toward Lu Xun.
With Wang Ying in front and Zhao Ya at the back, Lu Xun had nowhere to escape. Furiously driving the zhenqi in his body, the muscles throughout his entire body tightened.
Peng!
Lu Xun felt a powerful force striking him on his chest. Once again, he was sent flying.
The strength of the kick far surpassed his imagination. If not for having experienced it personally, he wouldn't have dared believe that such a powerful attack could come from such a gentle lady.
No wonder Du Lei nearly died from her kick! This lass's leg technique is indeed astounding.
Putong!
Falling on the ground once more, Lu Xun felt a dull ache in his chest.
Having received several blows consecutively, despite his powerful defense and overwhelming strength, he found himself about to cave in.
Pu!
He vomited a mouthful of blood and his face lightened by another shade.
Initially, he thought that he could make a quick job out of these students, but to think that he would land in such a tragic state instead.
"Let go of me!"
The main reason why he had been suffering attacks after attacks without any chance of counterattack was Yuan Tao's grip. Lu Xun glared at Yuan Tao before roaring. He gathered zhenqi on his head and crashed it forcefully onto Yuan Tao's head.
Peng!
As their heads crashed together, Yuan Tao felt faint-headed and fresh blood streamed from his forehead.
Even though he possessed incredible defense, he was only able to endure the attacks up to the level of a Dingli realm expert. The other party had augmented his attack with zhenqi, causing Yuan Tao to sustain a severe injury instantly.
"You wish to get rid of me? Dream on! I will never let go even if I were to die!"
Yuan Tao felt giddy and his face was dyed with crimson blood, but this only increased his determination. Roaring furiously, not only did he not release his grip, he even tightened it, making it difficult for Lu Xun to breathe.
"Damn it, don't you fear death? If I were to continue banging your head like that, you will die..."
Seeing how the lad was reluctant to let go, Lu Xun seethed with rage.
Given Lu Xun's powerful offense, if he were to continue knocking the other party like that, even though Yuan Tao's defense wasn't weak, he might really die...
Does this fellow really not fear death?
Lu Xun was astonished. He was considering whether he should really knock this fellow to death when a gust of wind cut through his skin, and a mighty force shot straight at him.
A spear stopped right before his throat.
Zheng Yang had been waiting for an opportunity all along. Upon noticing Lu Xun's momentary distraction, he dashed forward immediately and executed the Heaven's Path Spear Art augmented by Spear Intent. Within the blink of an eye, he was already before Lu Xun, prepared to pierce the other party's throat.
The spear was like an arrow on the bowstring, ready to shoot through the other party's neck at any moment. Standing upright, Zheng Yang stared at Lu Xun with sharp eyes.
"Lu laoshi... You've lost!"
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Chapter 224: Call Him Uncle Now!
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: - -
"I've lost? It's too early to say that!"
Watching the spear right before his eyes, Lu Xun felt extremely humiliated. With a roar, he gritted his teeth and dashed forward.
"Un?"
Not expecting that the other party himself would dash straight toward his spear, Zheng Yang was taken aback. He retracted his arm instinctively.
With this action, Zheng Yang lost his advantage. Stepping against the ground, Lu Xun executed the Illusory Shadows Nine Celestial Steps, forming multiple shadows at once. In the blink of an eye, he was already right before Zheng Yang and he rammed his body against him.
He was still hugged firmly by Yuan Tao and his hands were locked, so he could only use this move.
Peng! Pu!
He didn't expect that the other party would fight back even with the spear right before his neck. Unprepared for this, Zheng Yang was struck squarely and his face flushed. Crimson blood spurted out of his mouth and his entire body was sent flying backward.
"Too shameless..."
"How can a star teacher of the academy behave like this?"
"Damn it..."
Seeing how Lu Xun refused to admit defeat despite the clear outcome, the crowd immediately burst into an uproar.
"Unforgivable!"
Seeing how the teacher was shamelessly fighting back despite having clearly lost, even injuring Zheng Yang in the process, Zhao Ya's face turned red with anger. Her body flickered faintly, she appeared before Lu Xun. In the midst of doing so, her wrist snapped and a sword had appeared in her hands.
She had learned swordsmanship from young, and because Lu laoshi was at a numerical disadvantage, she chose not to wield it. However, upon witnessing the person whom she once respected commit such a shameless action, she could no longer hold herself back.
Weng!
The sword flew across the sky, and her movement was so incredibly light and graceful that the scene resembled a painting.
Battle Technique [Sunset Swordsmanship]! As though rapidly flowing river beneath the setting sun, her movements were fluid!
"Heh!"
With his arms locked firmly in place, Lu Xun harrumphed coldly and sent a kick straight toward the sword.
His reaction and the timing could be said to be impeccable. However, he had underestimated Yuan Tao, who was clutching onto him from behind.
Seeing Zheng Yang get injured had triggered him, and he roared furiously.
"Get down here!"
His plump body had become as heavy as a boulder, pulling Lu Xun's rising body down forcefully.
With this fall, not only did Lu Xun's kick miss Zhao Ya's sword, he lost his balance and if things go wrong, he might even be pierced in the heart.
"Ah!"
Not expecting the abrupt change, Lu Xun's eyes narrowed. However, it was too late to do anything.
Hu!
Seeing that things were about to get fatal, a figure suddenly appeared between them and his fingers lightly flicked.
Weng!
A metallic sound resounded and Zhao Ya lost grip over her sword. It flew out and stabbed into the ground not too far away.
"Teacher!"
Upon seeing her sword being blown away, Zhao Ya was about to fly into a rage when she saw the other party's features. She immediately clasped her hands and bowed respectfully.
It was Zhang Xuan.
He could tell that both parties had reached the peak of their anger. If he didn't stop them, things would blow out of proportion.
After disarming Zhao Ya, he walked toward Zheng Yang and infused zhenqi into him. He realized that the latter's injury wasn't severe and that he should be able to recover swiftly under the nourishment of pills. Only then did he heave a sigh of relief and turn toward Yuan Tao, "You should get down as well!"
"Yes!"
Yuan Tao loosened his grip and fell to the floor.
Even though the only thing he did throughout the battle was to hug Lu Xun, he had sustained the most severe injuries out of the five.
If not for the awakening of his Emperor's Bloodline, which grants him a significant boost in his defense, he would have long caved under the barrage of attacks and fainted.
"Teacher..."
After briefly adjusting their breathing, the five dragged their wearied bodies toward Zhang Xuan.
Even though they felt fatigued, their eyes were glowing with excitement.
Even though they didn't think that they have won the duel, the results were unexpectedly good. After all, their opponent was a star teacher, and he ended up being done in good by them. No matter what, they still felt proud of themselves.
They thought that by venting their teacher's frustration and showcasing their growth over the past half a month, they would be able to receive compliments. Yet, Zhang laoshi's expression was extremely dark and flames of anger were burning in his eyes.
"Teacher..."
Upon seeing him in such a state, Zheng Yang and the others were perplexed.
"Do you think that I should compliment you?"
Zhang Xuan glared at them, and it felt as though a storm was brewing.
"We..."
The five of them scratched their heads.
"Since you intentionally hid it from me, I thought that you were practicing some powerful offensive collaboration formation, but tell me, what the hell is this toy?" Zhang Xuan roared furiously, and his face revealed his disappointment.
Is formation not good?
This is considered one of the top offensive collaboration formation in Tianxuan Kingdom, alright?
Upon hearing the reason behind his outrage, everyone was taken aback.
Even taking the entire Tianxuan Kingdom into account, this offensive collaboration formation was one of the top formations. After all, using this formation, a Fighter 5-dan cultivator and four Fighter 2-dan cultivators were able to rival a Pixue realm pinnacle expert, thus proving the strength of this formation.
Yet, he wasn't happy with the results?
Even calling it a 'toy'?
Lu Xun, who had finally calmed down, felt stifled. Hearing those words, his injuries almost worsened and he nearly spurted a mouthful of blood.
Is there something wrong with you?
This offensive collaboration formation nearly killed me, yet you aren't satisfied?
"Why? You don't agree with what I'm saying? Fine, then I will start explaining from the first move. When Yuan Tao charged toward Lu laoshi, if Zheng Yang was in this position and used the spear art which I taught, the prowess of your primary assault would be boosted by a single fold. Liu Yang, if you had attacked from here while squatting three cun lower, it would be the blind hole of his vision, making it impossible for him to evade your strike. As for Zhao Ya and Wang Ying, are you all sleeping? If you were standing here, do you think he would be able to escape?"
Disregarding everyone's shock, Zhang Xuan flung his sleeves and drew the offensive collaboration formation on the ground and highlighted a few points.
Initially, Lu Xun was doubtful of Zhang Xuan's words. However, after hearing his lecture, his face suddenly turned pale.
The other party's words made perfect sense. If his students arranged themselves according to his positioning and struck at the same moment, even Lu Xun would be unable to dodge all of their attacks. At the very least, he would be struck by three attacks simultaneously.
Just a blow from one of these little fellows was enough for him to spurt blood. He wouldn't be able to withstand three blows from them simultaneously even if he were at his peak condition.
Oblivious to Lu Xun's trembling body, Zhang Xuan continued.
"Next, Yuan Tao grabbing onto Lu laoshi should have been a good opportunity. If Liu Yang had attacked here, Wang Ying delayed her attack by three breaths, and Zhao Ya didn't hesitate, within the seventh breath, you all would have been able to seal his path of retreat. If so, would you all have gotten injured? Without a single injury, he would have admitted his defeat!"
The more Zhang Xuan spoke, the angrier he became.
These little fellows are truly too toying around too much.
Initially, he thought that they were practicing some kind of formidable formation, so he wasn't too worried. Yet, it turned out to be full of flaws.
What the hell is this!
You call this a formation?
If only you had sought pointers from me beforehand, none of you all would have gotten injured today. Furthermore, you would have been able to completely pummel Lu Xun.
He wouldn't have been able to retaliate at all, needless to say, refuse to admit defeat!
Even more so, none of you would have gotten injured.
"This... This..."
Hearing the other party's explanation, Lu Xun felt his body turn cold.
Other people may be unable to tell how accurate was Zhang Xuan's pointers, but as a person who had personally experienced the formation, he was aware of how fearsome his words were.
If his students had truly done it that way, the result would be as Zhang Xuan said. None of them would be injured, and his face would be swollen from a one-sided beating.
Can it be that Zhang Xuan understands formations as well?
A battle changes constantly at rapid speeds, yet he is able to see through the flaws in their formation with a single look and make the most accurate adjustments... Are you for real?
How do you do that?
Lu Xun's trembled in fear.
He thought that those youngsters had complemented each other well in the battle, yet Zhang Xuan could point out so many flaws and problems in their collaboration.
If they were to fill up these gaps, he, despite being a Pixue realm cultivator, would be helpless before them!
In a truly powerful formation, one plus one equals to three or even four.
Yuan Tao was skilled in defense, so he played the role of the sturdiest shield. Zheng Yang was skilled in spearmanship, so he was the sharpest arrow. Zhao Ya was the core of the team, and she used all kinds of means to complement the others. Wang Ying possessed superior movement technique, so she was all around the field. Liu Yang's fists were invincible, so he struck when the opportunity arose...
If by the previous formation, the five people were able to execute the strength of seven or eight, going by Zhang laoshi's modification, they would be able to execute the strength of twenty!
Even a Tongxuan realm primary stage expert would find it hard to stand against such prowess, needless to say, a Pixue realm pinnacle cultivator like him!
Fearsome!
"Incredible! Even though he had merely spoken a few words, he had pointed out the very essence of the formation. Can it be that Zhang laoshi understands formations as well?"
Disbelief reflected in Liu Ling's eyes as he heard Zhang Xuan's pointers to his students.
Formation masters and apothecaries are two of the most esteemed occupations of the Upper Nine Paths. Both occupations require incredibly deep and profound knowledge, and becoming an official apothecary at such an age is already an incredible feat. Yet, he possesses knowledge of formations as well?
"Do you understand all I've said?"
Oblivious to the shock and silence in the surroundings, Zhang Xuan reprimanded his students and scanned their faces.
"Yes!"
The five of them lowered their heads in embarrassment.
This formation originated from Zhao Ya, and it was one of the top formations in Baiyu City. She thought that it was a flawless and powerful formation, so never in her dreams did she think that it had so many loopholes.
However, after Zhang laoshi's guidance and the experience they gained from fighting Lu Xun previously, they had already developed an in-depth understanding of the formation. They should feel much more familiar it if they were to execute it once more.
"It's good that you understand!"
After lecturing them, Zhang Xuan slowly walked back with his hands behind his back. "Since you all understand the formation, go back and fight with Lu laoshi once more. He hasn't admitted defeat, right? Beat him until he admits defeat!"
"Ah?"
"Fight again?"
The five students staggered and they nearly spurted blood at Zhang Xuan's words.
They thought that they were ruthless, but to think that Zhang laoshi topped them...
"You..."
Lu Xun's felt his vision turning gray.
The heck! So in the end, it turns out that the reason why you ran in here, interrupted the fight, and offered them pointers isn't that you think that they didn't do well enough, but because you want to toy with me...
Lu Xun stood up, and he was about to speak when a panicked voice suddenly echoed from afar.
Master Zhang, please forgive this son of mine on my account!"
Turning around to take a look, he saw Master Zhang walking over.
"Father..."
Upon seeing the father, who usually stayed out of all his affairs, speaking up for him, Lu Xun clenched his fist and his face flushed.
The reason why he left home was to prove to his father that even without him, he can create a place for himself. He didn't expect to be caught by him in such an embarrassing situation.
"You brat, kneel down!"
Looking at him with disappointment, Master Lu Chen pointed toward Zhang Xuan and said, "What are you waiting for? Call him your uncle now!"
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Chapter 225: Senior
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: - -
"Call him uncle?"
At this moment, regardless of whether they were teacher or student, all of them felt strangled.
For Lu Xun to call Zhang Xuan uncle?
Where does this logic come from?
Am I hearing things?
Master Lu Chen was the emperor's tutor, and if Lu Xun were to call him uncle, wouldn't Emperor Shen Zhui have to do the same as well?
Does this make any sense?
Upon thinking of this, everyone turned their gazes toward Emperor Shen Zhui, who was seated at the VIP area. As expected, his complexion seemed awful.
For an emperor, as well as a middle-aged man in his forties, to be considered as a junior to a lad who wasn't even in his twenties yet... No one can accept such a situation easily.
"Address him as... uncle?"
Lu Xun was on the verge of tears.
What do you mean by that?
He isn't even as old as me, not to mention, he is just a low-level teacher. Yet, I have to call him uncle?
He felt so stifled that he had an urge to puke blood.
"Why? You can't bring yourself to say it? Master Zhang my peer, and I address him as my brother. How else should you address him if not uncle?"
Master Lu Chen slapped his son's head as he bellowed.
What kind of son did he raise, to dare to pick a fight with his uncle? He truly is tired of living. It is fortunate that Master Zhang is magnanimous, otherwise, he would have to lie in bed for the next few months.
"I..."
After an intense struggle within, Lu Xun still found himself unable to address Zhang Xuan as an uncle. Lu Xun truly felt like crying at this instant.
"You beast..."
Master Lu Chen was so furious that his beard was blown up with a snort. Just as he was about to continue reprimanding his son, Zhang laoshi stopped him.
"Enough, Brother Lu. It's normal for kids to have their times of folly, it's actually nothing much. You just have to teach them slowly in the future. It's not good to beat them up in public like that!"
Zhang Xuan tried to persuade him.
Honestly speaking, he wasn't too bothered by hierarchical protocols.
However, he felt that he should spare Lu Xun face on Master Lu Chen's account.
Ever since his transcendence, Master Lu Chen had provided him with a significant amount of help. Otherwise, with how Lu Xun had provoked him time and time again, he would have long made mincemeat of him.
"Yes, Brother Zhang is right!"
Master Lu Chen nodded his head. He hit his son on his head once more and said, "You beast, hurry up and thank Uncle Zhang for his magnanimity!"
"I..."
Lu Xun was on the verge of going crazy. He turned to look at Zhang Xuan with the urge to pull out his hair.
Brother, your identity sure changed quickly!
It's normal for 'kids' to have their times of folly...
Who the heck are you saying is a kid?
You're younger than me, yet you said those words so naturally. Where did your confidence come from...
He felt incredibly dismal and frustrated, but before his father, he didn't dare to say anything.
On the other hand, someone had already fainted from the sight.
It was his good friend, Wang Chao.
Zhang laoshi was half a teacher to Wang Chong, which means... even his father was a junior.
If so, in terms of standing, he had to call Zheng Yang and the others as uncles...
"Uncle... Zhang!"
After a long moment of hesitation, Lu Xun spat through gritted teeth. Taking a deep breath, a cold glint flashed across his eyes as he said, "You might have triumphed over me in the Teacher Evaluation, but it is impossible for you to become an apprentice of the three master teachers!"
It was all because of this fellow that he had embarrassed himself so greatly today. Even though he had addressed the other party as Uncle Zhang under his father's pressure, he didn't actually feel the slightest bit of respect for him.
"Oh? Why would my dear nephew say such words?" Zhang Xuan looked at him doubtfully.
"You..."
Knowing the other party had intentionally addressed him as 'dear nephew', Lu Xun felt his rage burst forth and he nearly spurted a mouthful of blood. His entire body swayed and he spat through gritted teeth, "To become an assistant master teacher, one has to be a certified star teacher or high-level teacher of the Teacher Guild. However, as a low-level teacher, you do not meet the requisites!"
A teacher can be divided into low-level teachers, high-level teachers, and star teachers.
Those who manage to become an assistant master teacher are mostly star teachers, and even at the very least, high-level teachers. A mere low-level teacher doesn't meet the requirements.
So what if the three master teachers have a high evaluation of you?
As master teachers, they are expected to follow the rules.
"This..."
Zhang Xuan was stunned.
His previous self had always been a low-level teacher, and after his reincarnation, due to his brief time here, he hadn't had sufficient time to take the high-level teacher examination. It seemed that he had to look for an opportunity to take the examination, otherwise, in his journey to become a master teacher, his status would become the greatest limiting factor.
As the most prestigious occupation in the world, one can only become a master teacher by taking themselves forward step by step, with honesty. If someone were to find out that one had taken shortcuts, being humiliated would just a small affair, he could potentially lose all of the honor he had built up over the years.
"Zhang laoshi, we meet once again!"
He was thinking about taking the examination when a familiar voice sounded. Turning around to take a look, he saw Elder Mo from the Teacher Guild. Unknowingly, he had walked over.
"Ah, so it's Elder Mo!"
Zhang Xuan had a good impression of this Elder Mo.
Upon realizing his mistake, he didn't side with his friends and instead proceeded over the matter with utmost fairness. If not for him, it would have been impossible for him to stand up against Shang Chen and Shang Bin at the Enlightenment Will Trial.
"Zhang laoshi, I'm truly sorry that a black sheep like Shang Chen had appeared among the teachers and brought you a ton of troubles. After I left that day, I reported the matter to the headquarter and a verdict has just been issued. We've kept you waiting for long!"
Elder Mo bowed.
"Oh? There's a verdict? Good!"
Zhang Xuan nodded his head.
Back then, in the Enlightenment Will Trial, Elder Mo had only temporarily suspended Shang Chen's duties as the head of Education Bureau and Shang Bin laoshi's license. A conclusive verdict wasn't passed out then.
Initially, Zhang Xuan thought that they weren't going to carry out any punishments, but to think that the issue had been reported up to the headquarters.
The Teacher Guild headquarter is unimaginably far from Tianxuan Kingdom. Even with the quickest communication tool, reporting the matter to a Conferred Kingdom and receiving a reply through warp portals will take at least half a month.
"I'll be announcing the verdict from the headquarters now!"
Elder Mo nodded his head, retrieved a scroll from his pocket, and unrolled it.
Huala!
A light gushed from the dueling ring straight into the heavens, illuminating all four directions.
"It's the Teacher Guild's [Guild Letter]!"
"Guild Letter? What's that?"
"An Emperor uses his imperial edict to relay his command and summons... The Teacher Guild, as one of the strongest power in the entire continent, has a similar object as well, and it is known as the Guild Letter! Usually, it is used to announce punishments toward teachers who flout rules or relay command from the elders of the guild. Once announced, the announcement will automatically be recorded in the books of the Teacher Guild. Thus, these records can be checked easily from any branch!"
"To have allowed the Tianxuan Kingdom's branch to use the Guild Letter, this shows how important they valued the matter!"
"Naturally! Intentional oppression of a genius who can potentially become a master teacher, it would be strange if the guild doesn't regard this matter seriously."
"Indeed. Shang Chen truly picked on the wrong person, he deserved it!"
...
Upon seeing the object, every single teacher, who was aware of the significance of the letter, was shocked greatly.
The Guild Letter of the Teacher Guild was rarely used, and for it to be used on this occasion showed how importantly they regarded this affair.
Hualala!
The moment the Guild Letter opened, all of the teachers, students, and even the three master teachers, stood up respectfully.
"Tianxuan Kingdom, Hongtian Academy's Teacher Shang Chen, as the head of the Education Bureau, made use of his position to oppress another teacher, flouting the commandments of the guild. Thus, he will be stripped of his teaching license, permanently!"
Amidst the brilliant light, an authoritative voice sounded.
Putong!
Previously sitting amidst the crowd, Elder Shang Chen's face darkened and he fell to the floor in despair.
He had merely wanted to help his grandson vent his resentment, and he never expected for the matter to blow out of proportions.
Being stripped of his teaching license meant that his identity and standing was completely destroyed. It was no different from being demoted from a noble to a peasant.
"Tianxuan Kingdom, Hongtian Academy's Teacher Shang Bin failed to unite his colleagues and act as a good role model. Thus, he will be stripped of his teaching license for three years. Teacher Cao Xiong incited the affair due to his envy. Thus, he will be permanently stripped of his teaching license, and no academy is to hire him!"
After which, the voice announced Shang Bin and Cao Xiong's punishments as well.
Shang Bin, having been stripped of his teaching license for three years, meant that he would be unable to practice teaching for three years.
At the very least, this meant that he could nevertheless return to the academy in three years' time. On the other hand, his grandfather, Shang Chen, and Cao Xiong had no such chance to redeem themselves.
This was especially for Cao Xiong. For the academies to be banned from hiring him meant that he wasn't allowed to even serve as a cleaner in there. If a school were to be found to infringe on the ruling, the entire academy would be punished by the guild.
"Tianxuan Kingdom, Hongtian Academy Teacher Zhang Xuan, as an earnest person, had tolerated humiliation in consideration for the reputation of the academy. At the same time, he has shown achievements in guiding others, making him a role model for teachers. Thus, he is promoted to a star teacher."
Hu!
The voice from the Guild Letter came to an end and the brilliance gradually faded from sight.
"So, does this mean that I'm now a star teacher?"
Zhang Xuan blinked his eyes.
He thought that he would need to take the high-level teacher examination and think of a way to rise through the ranks, but from the looks of it, there was no need for it. A single paper from the Teacher Guild had settled his problem.
"Zhang laoshi, congratulations!"
Stroking his beard, Elder Mo smiled at Zhang Xuan.
"Thank you Elder Mo for going through such trouble!" Zhang Xuan bowed.
He knew that Elder Mo must have contributed greatly to the verdict, and he was grateful to him for that.
"You're being too polite. I'm only here to announce the guild's verdict, so I won't be bothering you any further. Farewell!" After which, he clasped his hands and left with a smile.
His departure was followed by a moment of silence. Everyone turned to look at Lu Xun immediately.
Didn't you just say that the other party isn't qualified?
Right afterward, Elder Mo appeared and announced the Teacher Guild's verdict of promoting Zhang laoshi to a star teacher. This face slap... Honestly, everyone can feel the sting.
As expected, Lu Xun's face turned white, and it seemed like he was considering whether he should commit suicide on the spot.
"Master Zhang, I have spoilt my son. I hope that you can be magnanimous and..."
Witnessing the situation, Master Lu Chen shook his head. Initially, he hadn't intended to interfere in this matter, but he could not resist and eventually clasped his hands toward Zhang Xuan.
"Master Lu Chen, what are you saying..." Zhang Xuan smiled. "His rationality is just overwhelmed by his desire to become a master teacher's apprentice, I won't hold a grudge against him for that!"
"Thank you!" Seeing that Zhang Xuan had no intentions on pursuing the matter, Lu Chen bowed in gratitude.
"There's no need for you to be so courteous." "And right!" Zhang Xuan turned to look at the three master teachers. "Liu shi, Zhuang shi, Zheng shi, even though Lu Xun's recent performance isn't ideal, his ability as a teacher is indeed outstanding. You should consider him if you wish to accept an apprentice!"
"You..."
Lu Xun was feeling so stifled when he heard Zhang Xuan's words. His face immediately reddened and his eyes widened in shock.
The reason why he had been competing with Zhang Xuan was for the opportunity to become an apprentice of the three master teachers. Yet... Even though Zhang laoshi won the battle, why was he himself benefiting instead...
Also, what's with your attitude?
The other party is a master teacher! Speaking with such a tone, aren't you afraid of being beaten to death?
Before he could recover from his shock, the three master teachers stepped forward and clasped their hands before Zhang Xuan.
"Senior!"