Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97
He had met plenty of beautiful women before, and he had just been confessed to by two of them a moment ago. But he had never met one with a millstone-like bottom before. To put it in slightly harsher terms, she could have served as a road roller.
Forget it!
However, Zhang Xuan did not pay too much attention to the matter. There was not any need to be angered by something as trivial as that, so he simply asked around for Wu shis whereabouts before heading over.
Not too long later, his eyes suddenly lit up, and he quickly walked forward.
Mu shi!
The person whom he had spotted was no other than Mu Yuan!
After leaving Qiu Wu Palace, the other party had returned straight back to Qingyuan Empire. He had promised the other party to meet him when he came over to Qingyuan City, but who would have thought that they would bump into one another so coincidentally here?
Upon seeing Zhang Xuan, Mu shi quickly clasped his fist and greeted with a smile, Senior Uncle!
Un. Zhang Xuan nodded. You have achieved a breakthrough to Saint 4-dan?
For a very long time, Mu shis cultivation had been confined at Saint 3-dan due to the presence of metal attribute energy suppressing his strength, preventing him from achieving a breakthrough. Thus, he had remained as a 7-star high-tier master teacher for a very long time. Yet, in just a short month of absence, he had successfully made a breakthrough to the Primordial Spirit realm.
Indeed. Its all thanks to Yang shis guidance that I was able to take the final step forward, Mu shi replied with deep gratitude.
His encounter with Yang shi back in Hongyuan City might have been short, but it had been truly life-changing. If not for the latters guidance, he might very well have remained stagnant at Saint 3-dan for his entire life, unable to advance any further.
After trading a few pleasantries, Mu shi asked, May I know if Yang shi has come over to Qingyuan City as well? If possible, I would like to pay him a visit and thank him personally!
It was his benefactor who had allowed him to walk out of the shadow of the past and neutralize the metal attribute energy within his body, thus allowing him to achieve a breakthrough. He had been wanting to thank the other party for a very long time, but it was unfortunate that the other partys whereabouts were truly elusive. Ever since that parting back then, he had not been able to gather any news on the other party.
Zhang Xuan shook his head. My teachers whereabouts are a mystery to me as well. Usually, he is the one who finds me whenever there is a need to...
In essence, Yang Xuans identity was just a background that Zhang Xuan had forged to instill fear and deference in the hearts of others. Otherwise, it was highly likely that the swift advancement of his cultivation would have roused the greed of others, and perhaps, some might even have attempted to kidnap him in the hope of uncovering his secret. However, with an unfathomable expert like Yang Xuan backing him from the shadows, the others would have to weigh whether it was worth offending an 8-star master teacher over Zhang Xuans secret or not.
After all, putting aside the overwhelming strength that an 8-star master teacher possessed, more importantly, the Master Teacher Pavilion would surely be backing him as well.
Those who dared to offend an 8-star master teacher would risk being completely annihilated by the number one occupation on the Master Teacher Continent.
The very eradication of the entire soul oracle occupation should be sufficient to highlight the overwhelming might that the Master Teacher Pavilion wielded.
Since Zhang Xuan was relying on Yang Xuan as his trump card, naturally, it would be best to keep the other party as elusive as possible. The more times that Yang Xuan appeared, the higher the chances that Zhang Xuan would make a mistake and give himself away.
I was still planning to meet Yang shi once before my departure to thank him for his help... Mu shi shook his head bitterly. I guess it cant be helped!
Departure? Where is Mu shi going? Zhang Xuan asked with a frown.
Mu shi was a master teacher of the Qingyuan Conferred Empire Master Teacher Pavilion, where else could he possibly want to head to?
After neutralizing of the metal attribute energy within my body and achieving a breakthrough in my cultivation, the words that Yang shi said to me that night have been lingering my mind. Thus, I made up my mind to return to the Mu Clan! Im willing to accept any punishment that they issue to me, so long as they will accept me as one of their own once more! Mu shi spoke with resolution.
Zhang Xuan was slightly dazed for a moment before nodding in realization.
Mu shi was actually from one of the Sage Clans, the Mu Clan. However, in his earlier years, he had unintentionally leaked the secrets of his clan to a lady whom he fancied, causing him to be exiled, thus landing him in his current plight.
A fallen leaf should return to its roots. After so many days of wandering, I think that its about time for me to return to my home. Even if I cannot receive their forgiveness and eventually lose my life there, at the very least, it will be better than spending my life aimlessly out here, Mu shi said deeply.
Zhang Xuan fell silent.
He did not have a family, so he could not really relate to those emotions. However, he could clearly sense Mu shis resolution from the latters eyes. It seemed like even if the Mu Clan sentenced Mu shi to death, the latter would still accept the verdict willingly.
Mu shi continued with a bitter look on his face. I dont wish to remain an escapee for life.
Escapee?
Thats right. No matter what, the blood of the Mu Clan flows through my veins. Theres no way I can truly sever my relations with them, so I think its about time for me to face it. And to be honest, even though I didnt think much of it then when I first left the Mu Clan, the long years have given me more than sufficient time to reflect on the matter, and I regret my decision then. I really regret it... Mu shi shook his head and sighed soulfully.
Looking at Mu shis weathered face, Zhang Xuan found himself unable to find the correct words to console the latter.
It took a long while before the silence between the two was broken. Mu shi turned to Zhang Xuan and said, Senior Uncle, I know that you like Luo shi, but I think that there are still some words that I should say to you.
He had witnessed the relationship between Zhang Xuan and Luo Ruoxin, and he had a clear idea of what was going on.
Please speak, Zhang Xuan replied politely.
To be honest with you, I am not too sure about Luo shis exact identity either, but based on what I have observed thus far, theres a very high chance that shes related with a Sage Clan, the Luo Clan. If she truly is the young princess of the Luo Clan, unless Yang shi specially speaks on your behalf, it will be extremely difficult for you to wed her, Mu shi said.
You arent too sure about Ruoxins exact identity either? Zhang Xuan was taken aback by those words.
Based on what he knew, Mu shi was the one who had brought Luo shi to the Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy. Thus, he had always assumed that Mu shi would know a lot about the latter. He had not expected to hear such words from Mu shis mouth.
It has been too many years since I left the Mu Clan and took root in Qingyuan City, so I am no longer in touch with the happenings there. However, judging from how Luo shi has been able to acquire strength that far surpasses mine despite her young age, there is little doubt that shes the famed genius of the Luo Clan. Not only does she wield the strongest artifact of the Luo Clan, she also boasts the purest bloodline. Theres no way the Luo Clan will allow a person like her to marry an outsider! Mu shi shook his head grimly.
I understand that. Zhang Xuan lowered his gaze as he nodded slowly.
Guild Leader Han and Wu shi had told him about the matter previously as well.
He knew that it would be difficult for him to get together with Luo shi, but he had no intentions of backing down from the challenge.
As a Celestial Master Teacher and a Celestial Saint, he was confident that he would be able to become a man worthy of Luo shi!
If the heavens were to stand in his way, he would just have to crush the heavens!
Mu shi gazed at Zhang Xuan deeply for a short moment before nodding. Alright then. Since you know about it, I wont say too much about it either. However, dont blame me for being too naggy. I just want to offer you one last word of advice: dont allow her to make a decision that she will regret in the future.
Regret? Zhang Xuans heart jolted.
Those words had truly struck the depths of his heart. In truth, he had been considering simply snatching Luo Ruoxin away if the Luo Clan adamantly opposed their relationship. In any case, he was confident that it was just a matter of time before he gained sufficient strength to do so. However, after hearing Mu shis advice, he could not help but rethink the matter. Yes, he might be able to get together with Luo Ruoxin using such a forceful method, but did he really want to leave her with such a deep regret for life?
As the young princess of the Luo Clan, she had probably grown up amid the loving care of her family and clan members. Without a doubt, she had deep feelings for her clan. Even if she were to choose him over her family in the end, there was no doubt that her decision would leave her with lingering regrets and a great deal of pain.
Clenching his fists tightly, Zhang Xuan said, Dont worry, Ill make her family acknowledge me. I wont put her in a tough spot.
There was only one way for him to not put Luo Ruoxin in a difficult position, and that was to have the Luo Clan acknowledge their relationship!
It would be an uphill battle, but for Luo Ruoxins sake, this was the only path that he could choose.
Seeing that the young man had made up his choice, Mu shi nodded. I see... I wish you luck then!
Right, Mu shi, Ruoxin said that she had to leave because she had matters to attend to. Do you have any idea where she might have gone? Also, do you know where the Luo Clan is located? Zhang Xuan asked.
Luo Ruoxin had left hurriedly the previous time, and she did not say where she was headed to or where he could find her. However, since Mu shi was from a Sage Clan himself, he might know a thing or two.
Mu shi contemplated for a moment before replying. The Luo Clan is based in the City of Sages, Qufu. However, I think that its more likely that she has headed to the Sanctum of Sages instead of the Luo Clan!
Sanctum of Sages?
Gathered in the Sanctum of Sages are either the offspring of Sage Clans or the most talented prodigies of the entire Master Teacher Continent. Mu shi pondered for a moment before continuing. Based on what I have heard, the young princess of the Sage Clan is a student of the Sanctum of Sages. However, it seems like she escaped from there a while back due to some kind of issue, and her whereabouts became unknown afterwards.
Shes a student of the Sanctum of Sages? Zhang Xuan was astonished.
He had no idea what Luo Ruoxins true strength was, but the fact that she had been able to easily bind the Leaving Aperture realm Skyleaf King was more than sufficient to prove that her strength had far surpassed his imaginations.
And yet, who would have thought that even an expert with strength like hers was only a student?
Wasnt the Sanctum of Sages a little too scary?
Un. The Sanctum of Sages serves to cultivate the offspring of Sage Clans and young geniuses into top-notch experts of the Master Teacher Continent. Generations of the head of the Master Teacher Pavilion headquarters and the various influential Sage Clans have all emerged from the Sanctum of Sages. Senior Uncle, if you wish to have the Luo Clan acknowledge the relationship between you and Luo shi, it would be best for you to enroll into the Sanctum of Sages as well and make your name there. This way, no one will dare take you lightly despite your humble background! Mu shi continued.
Zhang Xuan nodded upon hearing those words.
Even though it was known to most that he had a Yang shi backing him, he himself knew better than anyone else that it was just a huge lie.
If he wanted to marry Luo Ruoxin openly, there was no way he could rely on Yang shi.
He could still use Yang shi to deal with smaller conflicts; the other party would not know better anyway. However, before the top master teachers in the continent, there was little doubt that his petty disguise would be unraveled in an instant. Against them, he would not even know how he died.
Given so, the Sanctum of Sages was indeed his best bet. No matter what, he had to give it a try.
Of course, most importantly of all, if he could enroll in the Sanctum of Sages, there was a good chance that he would be able to meet Luo Ruoxin sooner.
It was difficult for a new couple to spend even a day away from one another, let alone a month.
May I know how I can enroll in the Sanctum of Sages? Zhang Xuan asked.
The semester for the Sanctum of Sages starts at around... the middle of the ninth month, and it usually recruits a new batch of students before that. Based on what I know, the Conferred Empire Master Teacher Pavilions have a slot each to nominate a candidate to enroll in the Sanctum of Sages, and as long as the candidate clears a test, they will be brought into the Sanctum of Sages! Mu shi replied.
The middle of the ninth month... Isnt that less than two months away? Zhang Xuans eyebrows shot up in alarm.
Indeed, its less than two months away. To be more exact, its a month and seventeen days! Mu shi replied.
This... Zhang Xuan frowned. Then, may I know what the prerequisites are for obtaining the nomination slot?
Since the Sanctum of Sages only accepted top-notch geniuses from all over the Master Teacher Continent, there was bound to be some fundamental prerequisite for enrollment.
One has to be a 7-star high-tier master teacher at the very minimum and possess a cultivation at the Embryonic Soul realm! Mu shi replied.
7-star high-tier... Zhang Xuan nodded.
He was currently just a step away from reaching the Embryonic Soul realm. As long as he could gather sufficient concentrated high-tier spirit stones and Saint 3-dan cultivation technique manuals to compile the corresponding Heavens Path Divine Art, he would be able to achieve a breakthrough easily.
That would not be too much of a problem.
However... Mu shi hesitated for a moment before continuing. The nomination slot for our Master Teacher Pavilion this year has already been allocated. It was a decision made by Pavilion Master Gou personally, so I fear that it might be difficult for you to obtain it!
It has already been allocated? Who is it? Not expecting the slot to be taken, Zhang Xuans face darkened.
At this moment, a figure suddenly emerged in his mind, and he could not help but exclaim, Could the person you are talking about be... Zhang Jiuxiao?
Mu shi nodded. Thats right, its him. If Im not mistaken, he should be an offspring from the Zhang Clan, another one of the Sage Clans.