Library of Heaven's Path - Chapter 32: Hongtian Pavilion

“Heart of Tranquil Water?”

Very quickly, Zhang Xuan’s consciousness returned from a mystical spiritual world and his eyes lit up.

Having read so many books, it was natural that he would understand the significance of the Will of Mind.

“I am a transcender. Having experienced life and death, it is natural that my will would be stronger than most. Furthermore, I cultivate in Heaven’s Path Divine Art, so my zhenqi is as pure as clear water! It is normal to reach Will of Mind 2-dan so quickly!”

He was overjoyed over it, but it didn’t come as a surprise.

If he were to still be like the other ordinary folks when he possessed the godly tool named Library of Heaven’s Path, he might as well buy a blob of tofu and commit suicide on it.

Remaining silent the entire way, they soon arrived at the entrance of the academy.

“Hongtian Pavilion!”

Seeing the two enormous words before him, Zhang Xuan nodded his head.

There are recollections of this tavern in the memories of his previous self. Hongtian Pavilion was the most luxurious tavern in Hongtian Academy. Every single meal here would blow a hole in one’s wallet. Due to his meager pay, his previous self had never been here before.

Initially, he thought that Shen Bi Ru would just bring him to some casual restaurant. He never thought that she would be so generous to bring him here.

As expected of a renowned tavern. The furnishings inside were majestic. Numerous Night Illumination Pearls of the size of a fist were embedded within the walls of the tavern, making it seem as though it was still daytime.

They sat down at a table beside the windows.

“What would you like?” Shen Bi Ru gazed at the young man before her.

“Anything!” Zhang Xuan gestured. “Since you’re the one treating, I will eat anything that you order!”

Never been here before, he didn’t know what dishes were good here. Since someone else was paying, he couldn’t be bothered to think about it.

Seeing the expression of the young man, which seemed resolute to take advantage of her wealth, Shen Bi Ru felt her rage welling up. However, as this wasn’t a good situation for her to flare up, she could only nod her head and casually order a few dishes.

“Zhang laoshi, was the zero in your Teacher Qualification Examination intentional?”

After ordering, Shen Bi Ru stared at the young man before her fixedly.

“Intentional?” Unsure of why the latter would ask such a question, Zhang Xuan paused for a moment before replying, “Of course not!”

Back then, during the period of the Teacher Qualification Examination, he had yet to transcend over, and his previous self didn’t possess the Library of Heaven’s Path either. Thus, it was impossible for the results to just be an act!

Knowing that he would deny it, Shen Bi Ru laughed coldly in her mind.

[Denying it? See how I will expose your true colors!]

“Since we’re free now, I happen to have some questions that I have been unable to answer. Zhang laoshi, would you mind helping me clarify my doubts?” An idea flashed through Shen Bi Ru’s mind and she asked.

“Go ahead!”

Since the other party was treating him to a meal, he should answer a question or two of hers in return.

“Alright, if one is unable to gather spirit energy in their meridians while cultivating…” Shen Bi Ru pondered for a moment before asking a question.

“You don’t know this as well?” Hearing that the question was even simpler than the ones from before, Zhang Xuan stared at the other party in bewilderment before casually explaining, “I have nine methods here that can solve the problem…”

Soon, he finished his explanation.

“Nine methods…” Hearing how the young man casually threw out nine methods at her, Shen Bi Ru’s face warped.

Despite being knowledgeable, she was only aware of three methods. Yet, the other party was able to list out nine in a single breath. Furthermore, there were a few in the mix that were completely foreign to her. She found the entire situation inconceivable.

“That… Then, what if one is unable to guide the flow of spirit energy into the meridians after absorbing it into one’s body?” Forcefully suppressing her astonishment, she asked once more.

“That is simple too, I have eight ways of resolving that!” Zhang Xuan started to explain, “Firstly…”

Shen Bi Ru’s slim body trembled. She had prepared herself mentally for this, but she still found the situation insane.

[The methods he brought up are incredible. If these were to spread out, it would cause an uproar in the world of cultivation!]

“Since you know so many methods, why weren’t you able to list a single one of them out during the Teacher Qualification Examination and instead, scored a zero?”

Forcibly suppressing her shock, Shen Bi Ru asked.

The two questions that she just raised were the exact same questions listed in the previous Teacher Qualification Examination. Since he was aware of so many solutions, why couldn’t he fill them in? Not to mention, to end up with a zero?

“Keng?” Only now did Zhang Xuan come to a realization.

So these questions were from the Teacher Qualification Examinations. As it was part of the memories of his previous self, although he found the questions familiar, he wasn’t able to pinpoint exactly where he saw them.

“That…”

Just as he is stumped for an answer, the dishes that were ordered previously were placed on the table one after another.

“Let’s eat first!”

Looking at the appearance of the dishes and taking in their fragrance, Zhang Xuan’s appetite was whetted up. Couldn’t be bothered with these troublesome matters, he started to dig in.

“Hmph…”

Seeing how that fellow was more delighted to see those delicacies than her, Shen Bi Ru pouted.

Countless people had invited her out for a meal, using all kinds of reasons and excuses just to stay with her a moment longer. Yet, this fellow was here just for the meal itself…

………………………………

“Shang shaoye, don’t be angry anymore. I have applied for the 【Enlightenment Will Trial】 and the academy will bring Liu Yang over for inspection tomorrow. Zhang Xuan would definitely be severely punished! As for that lunatic, Elder Shang has already lent you his beloved pet. When you meet him tomorrow, you will surely be able to give him an unforgettable lesson, so you should be overjoyed instead! Let’s go, I’ll treat you to a grand meal to make up for the sufferings you underwent today. After which, we will find a few girls and… Hehe!”

Shaoye -> Young master

Two young men were walking along the pavement of the academy.

The one leading in front had a swollen and bruised face with clear panda eyes. It was apparent to see that he had fought with someone and got hit on the face. The one following behind him had his body bent forward and was assuming a subservient attitude. The one who was speaking at the moment was the latter.

There was a giant lion strutting proudly behind the two of them. Emanating a ferocious aura, it induced great pressure and fear in one before one could even approach it.

They were Shang Bin, who created trouble in the classroom earlier in the morning, only to be beaten up by Yao Han, and Cao Xiong, who was desperate to get Zhang Xuan into deep trouble.

As for the lion behind them, it was Elder Shang Chen’s beloved pet, the tier 6 savage beast 【Sky Shattering Lion】!

In this world, there were apothecary, blacksmith and many other occupations. Every single occupation was noble in its own right and well-respected by the others.

Of these occupations, Elder Shang Chen was a beast tamer.

This occupation allowed one to tame savage beasts and spirit beasts and control them, turning them into a part of one’s fighting prowess. It was a formidable occupation that was noteworthy compared to the rest.

This Sky Shattering Lion was a beast pet that Elder Shang Chen had trained.

After being done in by the berserk Yao Han, he was aware that he was unable to match up to him in terms of strength. Thus, he approached his grandfather to borrow a beast pet for his usage.

“Un!” Hearing those fawning words, Shang Bin nodded his head as he spat with an aggressive expression, “That Yao Han must be taught a good lesson. Zhang Xuan as well!”

“Of course. With this Sky Shattering Lion, what does Shang shaoye has to fear!” Cao Xiong chuckled.

A tier 6 savage beast was equivalent to a Fighter 6-dan expert, perhaps even surpassing them slightly.

Even if that berserk butler Yao Han wasn’t weak, it wouldn’t be an easy feat for him to defeat the Sky Shattering Lion even in his top form, needless to say, in his current state.

Earlier in the day, he was wrapped up like a mummy, not any better than Shang shaoye‘s current situation.

“Sky Shattering Lion is my grandfather’s beast pet. You are also aware of its wild nature, which makes it is a difficult pet to tame. Grandfather may have handed him over to me, but it would only make a move when someone attacks me. Currently, I am still incapable of ordering it around!”

Looking at the ferocious and mighty Sky Shattering Lion behind him, Shang Bin felt a little helpless.

Savage beasts might be strong, but they were very proud lifeforms. Unless one was stronger than them or had the occupation of a beast tamer, it was impossible to make them listen to one’s orders willingly.

“That may not be necessarily so. If we entertain it with good alcohol and food, it might just listen to your commands!”

Cao Xiong smiled.

“Let’s hope that it’ll be like that!”

In the midst of their strolling and chattering, a massive tavern soon appeared before them.

“We’re here!”

A magnificent signboard sat behind them as they walked into the tavern.

Hongtian Pavilion!

Library of Heaven's Path - Chapter 31: Heart of Tranquil Water

Grabbing hold of the book from Shen Bi Ru, Elder Mo took a glance at it and his entire body trembled.

[This… should be impossible!]

“Alright, is there still anything you are unsure of that you would like to consult? If not, I’ll be leaving!” Zhang Xuan looked at them with puzzlement reflecting on his face.

[Are these two fellows sick?!]

If they wanted to consult him, they should have come up with some harder questions. Yet, they chose to ask those that have been answered within the books. He didn’t even have to churn his brain to derive out an answer for them. How boring.

[To think that one of them is a librarian and an expert while the other one is a reputable and popular teacher… Pui! To be unable to match up to a transcender like me, they are truly lacking in knowledge!]

“If you don’t mind, I have another question that has been plaguing me. How would you interpret ‘Circulating a cycle of qi, reflecting the sight of ten thousand creations’?”

Suppressing the disbelief in his mind, Elder Mo continued to ask.

Another elder has raised this question with him a few days ago. After being stumped by it, he had been scavenging the Compendium Pavilion to seek an answer to it, but to no avail. Thus, he could only depart from the library dispirited. Now that the young lad before him had answered several questions, he couldn’t resist bringing it up to him.

“You don’t even know that?” Zhang Xuan looked at him as though he was looking at an idiot. “That is the utmost basics of cultivation, alright? It refers to the phenomenon where while one’s qi is circulating through one’s body in a complete cycle, one’s mind would seem to be in a state of wandering around the entire world as they comprehend the rules behind creationism! These words are recorded in senior Bai Ming’s 《Theories of Blood and Qi》. The book is on the 27th shelf and the explanation is on the 69th page!”

‘Circulating a cycle of qi, reflecting the sight of ten thousand creations’, this was one of the few flawless teachings that were in the Fighter 1-dan cultivation technique manuals, thus it left quite an impression with Zhang Xuan. It happened that a predecessor of Hongtian Academy had once deciphered it, so he paid additional notice to it. Why would an elder, who is the sentinel of the Compendium Library, need to direct such an easy question towards him?

Elder Mo didn’t reply to his words immediately and instead, just like Shen Bi Ru, walked into the Compendium Pavilion hurriedly. A short moment later, he found the book titled 《Theories of Blood and Qi》 and flipped it over to the 69th page. His body staggered.

It was exactly as he described!

A few days ago, that elder flipped through many different secret manuals, but couldn’t find an answer to his question. Never in his dreams would he have imagined that it would be recorded in an obscure book!

Such an obscure book… To think that he would have read it, to the extent of even remembering… the pages?

Elder Mo felt the world spinning around him and everything seemed so ludicrous to him in this instant.

If it wasn’t for his consideration for his image, he might be tugging on the ends of his hair at this moment.

A moment ago, he accused the other party of causing trouble in the library. In the end, not only was he reading books properly, he even memorized the contents contained within it. He felt a fiery sting on his face and fervently wished for a burrow to appear, so that he could hide in it.

Was he really the same teacher who scored a zero in the Teacher Qualification Examination?

If Zhang Xuan could be the last with such a level of knowledge, didn’t this mean that he wasn’t even qualified to get zero marks?

“Alright. In the future, read more books. The answers to the questions that you have posed are all recorded in them!” Seeing their stunned expressions, Zhang Xuan lectured them in a deep tone. Then, he shook his head and said, “If there is nothing else, I’ll be leaving!”

After saying those words, he lifted his legs to walk away.

He was simply way too hungry. If he didn’t get food anytime soon, he might really faint from starvation.

“Zhang Xuan laoshi, wait for me…”

Only now did Shen Bi Ru recover from her shock and she swiftly caught up with Zhang Xuan.

“What else do you want?” Zhang Xuan said in a slightly annoyed tone.

[Is this woman sick or something?

I had already clarified your queries for you! Are you done yet? Can’t you see that I am hungry and would like to eat?]

“I have yet to eat as well. Do you want to share a meal with me?” Shen Bi Ru gritted her teeth.

She was the Aphrodite of the academy. Many men had asked her out for a meal, only to be rejected by her. She had not even accepted a single one of the innumerable meal dates from Shang Bin.

The shock that this young man generated in her today made her curious about him, thus she decided to ask him out, so as to make use of the opportunity to see what it was that caused the changes in him.

“You want me to treat you?” Zhang Xuan looked at her with a bizarre expression. “What are you thinking of! If you want to eat, use your own money! How can one’s skin be so thick?”

[You had questions for me, so I answered them for you. You still expect me to treat you after that?

How can you be so shameless?]

In his previous life, he had researched numerous ‘action films’, but even so, he was a true shut-in. He had never truly come in contact with the opposite gender before, so how could he understand the thoughts of a lady?

“You…” Seeing the gaze of the young man and hearing his words, Shen Bi Ru almost shot out a mouthful of blood and fainted.

[I am a beautiful lady, alright? Beautiful ladies have special privileges!

So many people had invited me out and I turned down every single one of them. Yet, when I ask you out, you look at me as though I am a monster…

Shameless?!

Shameless your head!

Is there anyone in the world who would term a beautiful lady as such?]

The lady was on the verge of going berserk.

“Fine, I’ll treat you, okay? I’ll treat you!” Grinding her silver teeth together, Shen Bi Ru spat out these words.

“You, treat me?” Zhang Xuan paused for a moment. Due to his previous self being the worst teacher in the academy, his income was nearly negligible. As such, it wasn’t a bad thing to have someone treat him. Thus, he nodded his head, “It’s fine with me, but I want a luxurious meal. I won’t eat just any ordinary mantous[1] and fried pancakes!”

“…”Shen Bi Ru went berserk again.

[Mantou and fried pancakes? The heck with it!]

“Let’s go!” She didn’t want to say anything anymore. She’s afraid that if she continued talking to him, she would die from anger.

The Library of Heaven’s Path allowed him to see through the flaws of all skills and everyone’s mingmen. However, it was unable to peer into the heart of a lady. Zhang Xuan was oblivious to the fact that he had made Hongtian Academy’s number one beauty furious to the point of vomiting blood with just a few simple words of his.

Following behind Shen Bi Ru, Zhang Xuan walked along the pavement towards the entrance of the campus.

Although the night scenery at Hongtian Academy wasn’t as radiant as the school in his previous life, it was still quite an exquisite sight under the illumination of the moon. Shrouded by spirit energy, the atmosphere seemed exceptionally tranquil and peaceful.

In his previous life, he was surrounded by hubble-bubble and smog could be found everywhere. It was very different from the serenity one could experience here. Zhang Xuan subconsciously immersed himself in this enchanting scenery.

Walking in front, Shen Bi Ru thought that the young man following behind her would intentionally ask some questions to break the awkward silence. However, after the absence of sound for a long period of time, she couldn’t resist turning around to take a look.

Sneaking a glance, she was taken aback.

The young man walked quietly as the moonlight illuminated his figure, the image of it reminiscent of a serene painting.

“This… This… Will of Mind 2-dan, Heart of Tranquil Water?”

Her eyes narrowed.

Fighters didn’t just cultivate their zhenqi and physical body. What was even more crucial to them was their mind!

The stronger one’s mind was, the greater control they have over their cultivation. As a result, one’s cultivation could surge even more swiftly, thus allowing them to reach greater heights in the future.

That’s precisely the reason why experts classified the Will of Mind into many different levels.

Heart of Tranquil Water was the 2-dan realm of it!

The mind was harder to train than battle techniques. It was said that of the entire academy, only the principal had reached such a level. Even Shen Bi Ru, who was reputed to possess unparalleled talents and had reached Fighter 5-dan pinnacle by the age of 20, second only to the renowned young genius Bai wangye [2], was still a long way away from Will of Mind 2-dan.

Initially, she thought that it would be too difficult for a second person to reach such a level, but never in her dreams would she dare to think that the trash teacher in the mouths of others would actually reach such heights!

If not for the fact that she witnessed it personally, she would never believe it!

[How is this possible?

That is Will of Mind 2-dan! It is a height harder to climb to than Fighter 6-dan 7-dan!]

“Could it be that… He isn’t a trash at all, but he… intentionally scored a zero in the Teacher Qualification Examination, so as to make use of the insults and derision of others to temper his will?”

Suddenly, a peculiar thought popped up in her mind.

In the past, she didn’t have much contact with Zhang Xuan laoshi, so she wasn’t really aware of his affairs. Today, through their conversation, she realized that he was not only knowledgeable, he had even reached Will of Mind 2-dan Heart of Tranquil Water!

That was a level many dream about, but never achieved in their lifetime!

Looks like his Teacher Qualification Examination results were all feigned. His true goal was to make use of the scorn of others to train his mind, so as to break into the Will of Mind 2-dan.

She found it unbelievable that a person with such Will of Mind would be unable to achieve a pass in the simple Teacher Qualification Examination.

“Hmph, continue putting on an act. See how I’ll expose you!”

Thinking about how she was duped by this fellow, she gritted her silver teeth tightly.

This fellow was simply too hateful. She was resolute to look for a chance to expose him before others!

[1] Mantou -> Bun| Basically, he means he won’t just eat street food/ from vendors by the street.

[2] Wangye is a title granted from the emperor to princes of the country.

Library of Heaven's Path - Chapter 30: Shen Bi Ru's Shock

Shen Bi Ru’s Shock

“Reading seriously?” A wind tugged on Elder Mo’s beard and his face looked so red that it might explode at any moment. “Not jotting down notes to decipher its content and simply flipping the books randomly. Tell me, who reads the way you do?”

“Must reading involve jotting down notes to decipher its contents?” Only now did Zhang Xuan understand why the other party was so mad. He was at a loss to respond.

In his previous life, he was a librarian and his job scope was similar to that of Elder Mo’s. However, back then, as long as one held a borrowing pass, he would be able to enter the premises and no one would bother whether he was eating or drinking inside. As long as one didn’t kill someone or set the place on fire, he was basically free to do as he pleased!

Initially, he thought that Elder Mo was making things difficult for him due to his previous self’s astounding results at the Teacher Qualification Examination. After such a farce, the reason ended up to be just this!

“These books are obtained through the relentless efforts of the academy’s predecessor and every single one of them is the product of their blood, sweat and tears. If you are not here to study, then don’t touch them! Flipping through them the way you do, what can you be doing other than creating trouble?” Elder Mo flung his hands in anger.

“I… Fine, if you insist that I’m creating trouble, then just take it to be so!”

Zhang Xuan wanted to explain, but after thinking it through for a moment, he shook his head and decided otherwise.

The matter with the Library of Heaven’s Path must not be revealed. This also meant that he would be unable to explain his actions of flipping through those books frenziedly.

Since he won’t be here in the future anyway, there was no need for him to clarify it. Besides, his reputation was already as bad as it is, it didn’t matter whether it was sullied further or not.

“At least you’re willing to admit to it! Now, scram!” Upon his admittance, intense loathing could be seen in Elder Mo’s eyes. He waved his hands, gesturing him to leave.

“I’ll be taking my leave!”

Just as he was about to leave, a pleasant aroma surged into his surroundings and a figure appeared before him. Blocking his path, Shen Bi Ru said, “Wait a minute!”

“What is it now?” Zhang Xuan looked at her helplessly. “You read your own book while I read mine. Surely I didn’t bother you then!”

“Hmph!”

Normally, when she stopped someone else, the other party would be leaping in joy. Yet, this fellow looked at her with an annoyed expression. Shen Bi Ru frowned, “It isn’t about that. Didn’t you say that you were reading books in there? After reading for such a long period, surely you would remember some of its contents!”

“What do you mean?”

Not sure what kind of tricks this woman was playing now, Zhang Xuan stared at her doubtfully.

“It’s simple. I noticed that you read 《Eight Methods of Pill Refinement》. It just happens that there are some parts of it that I am unable to comprehend, so I would like to consult you on it. Surely you won’t reject my request?” Shen Bi Ru asked.

Actually, her plan was simple. Wasn’t this fellow before her putting on an act by flipping through all those books?

Thus, if she questioned him on the book and he was unable to answer her queries, his lie would be exposed!

“Eight Methods of Pill Refinement?” Zhang Xuan’s consciousness jolted as the book appeared in his mind. Indeed, he had flipped through this book previously. “If there’s anything you are unsure of, feel free to ask and I will answer your queries. However, I have to eat soon and don’t have much time to spare, so do hurry up…”

“You…”

Clenching her fists tightly, Shen Bi Ru almost fainted from anger.

[His tone is as though a frustrated teacher answering the questions of a student seeking clarification.

Firstly, I am a beauty. Secondly, I am a high-level teacher and one of the popular teachers of the school! If I ask you a question, it is obvious that I am testing your standards. Why does it sound like I am learning from you?

Everyone has a field of specialty that expertise in, so teachers in the academy often consult one another to learn from each other. However, as a fellow who scored zero in the Teacher Qualification Examination, what makes you think that you are qualified for me to be consulting you?]

Suppressing the rage within her that was on the verge of erupting, Shen Bi Ru grinded her teeth, “Just a moment ago, I read a phrase in the book ‘If the herbs scatter, it would be difficult for the pill to form! If the herbs agglutinate, a yellow pill will form!’ I find these words a little bizarre and incomprehensible. Can Zhang laoshi clarify its meaning for me?”

When she said the word ‘clarify’, her teeth almost shattered from the intense force between them, and the sound of its grinding was clear to hear.

As a great beauty, if it wasn’t to embarrass him, she would never seek guidance from a trash.

“You still want to ask questions despite that memory of yours…” He didn’t expect the other party to ask such a question. He pursed his lips and replied, “The phrase should be ‘If the herbs agglutinate, it would be difficult for the pill to form! If the herbs scatter, a yellow pill will form!’ Its meaning is simple. When refining a pill, the moment that the herbal fluid or powder clumps together, it would be impossible to meld their medical properties together. On the other hand, if they are separated and mixed together thoroughly, the pill that would be formed will look like the yellows of an egg!”

After flipping through all of the books in the Compendium Pavilion, he was able to retrieve the correct method for the refinement of the pill with just a jolt of his consciousness. She might be able to stump others with such a question, but directing it towards him? What a joke!

What’s worst was that… She even recited the question wrongly! Her standard was too sub-par!

“How, you can’t reply it, can you! Ah… What did you say?”

She thought that the young man would be unable to reply her question. Not even in her dreams would she fathom that Zhang Xuan would be able to answer the question so casually. Unprepared for such a twist, Shen Bi Ru was dumbfounded, her beautiful eyes almost popping out of their sockets.

She intentionally recited the phrase wrongly, so that he would offer the wrong guidance. In her viewpoint, this fellow was just making up a show in the Compendium Pavilion, not absorbing the slightest bit of knowledge in those books at all. If she were to casually whip out the contents of a book, he would be foreign to them!

Thus, she recited it inaccurately, so that he would make a fool of himself!

Who knew that… he would see through her inaccurate reciting and even offered the most correct answer!

[How… How is this possible?

Could it be that this fellow has really remembered the entirety of 《Eight Methods of Pill Refinement》 just by flipping through it?

But that’s impossible!

He is a fellow who scored zero in the Teacher Qualification Examination, how could he possibly be knowledgeable in something as unconventional as pill refining?]

“Alright, do you have any other questions?” Stroking his shriveled stomach, Zhang Xuan hurried her.

“I still have more!” Despite the overwhelming shock, upon seeing the impassive look on his face, Shen Bi Ru immediately recovered and posed another question, “There is another phrase that I don’t understand. ‘When refining a metal in flames, never meld them when it is impure!’”

After finishing her words, she smiled coldly as she awaited for the stumped look on the other party.

The question she asked previously was on pill refinement while this one was a dictum on weapon forging. This was a phrase she saw on an ancient book. She was unable to understand the saying even after analyzing it for a month. In the end, she only managed to clarify it after consulting a master blacksmith!

Initially, she only wanted to embarrass the other party to let him know the price of offending her. Yet, she didn’t expect him to be able to explain the meaning of the words in the Eight Methods of Pill Refinement!

This provoked the competitive spirit within her, inducing her to come up with a difficult question to leave him speechless.

“This…”

Standing by the side, Elder Mo was surprised when Zhang Xuan was able to answer the first question. Even so, he wasn’t particularly shocked.

Eight Methods of Pill Refinement was a basic manual that innumerable rookie apothecaries would have to learn, similar to what Hongtian Nine Dan Formula was to cultivators. Even if one didn’t learn pill refinement, it wasn’t peculiar for them to know a thing or two about it.

When Shen Bi Ru asked the second question, he was stunned. That’s because even he found it hard to decipher the meaning of these words.

“When refining a metal in flames, never meld them when it is impure!” Just when the two of them thought that he would be incapable of answering, Zhang Xuan shook his head and looks at Shen Bi Ru as though he was looking at an idiot. “What is so hard to comprehend about these words? It just means that when forging weapons, one must first refine the respective materials in fire to thoroughly to clear away all impurities. Only then can the weapon be melded together more effectively! May I trouble you to ask some harder questions? This basic knowledge can be grasped easily after reading more books!”

“This…”

Shen Bi Ru’s slim body jolted.

She had to consult many different people before she got an answer to this question of hers. Yet, this young man managed to point out the crux of the dictum instantly, this…

Not just her, even Elder Mo almost fainted from astonishment.

For Zhang Xuan to answer a question he didn’t know the answer to, could it be that… he was studying seriously when he was flipping through all those books?

“Zhang Xuan laoshi, your answer seems to be incorrect though. I remember that there is an explanation of it on 《Discussions of Miscellaneous Disputes》 which is different from what you claim. It states that if one wants to add metal material to a pill, one would have to refine it first, otherwise it would not coagulate as one!”

In a state of disbelief, Elder Mo spoke up.

“You remembered it wrongly, there isn’t such a phrase in 《Discussions of Miscellaneous Disputes》, neither there is anything of that sort written in it. The one you read must be 《Discussion of Miscellaneous Theories》 written by senior Liu Ze. There is a phrase similar to it in there, but what is written is ‘When refining a metal along with a pill, never mix them when it is impure’, and not refining a metal in flames!”

Zhang Xuan waved his hand majestically.

He wasn’t aware that the both of them were testing him. He truly thought that the both of them couldn’t remember the contents clearly and thus, he casually continued, “Oh, this book is at the corner of the 9th row in the Compendium Pavilion. The words that you just said are recorded on the 49th page! As for the question Shen laoshi just asked, if you hold doubts about my explanation, you can browse through 《Three Arts of Fire Crafting》 left behind by senior Du Qu. It is by the corner of the 15th bookshelf and the explanation of it is written on the 24th page!”

“Let me take a look!”

Shen Bi Ru looked at him with doubtful eyes. She hurriedly rushed back into the Compendium Pavilion and in a short moment, she came back with two books in her hand, 《Discussion of Miscellaneous Theories》 and 《Three Arts of Fire Crafting》. Flipping to the page that the latter said, she staggered and almost passed out on the spot.

[To think that it would be… identical to what Zhang Xuan said, there is not even a single discrepancy!

Not only did he remember the contents of the book, he could even point out which book it came from, its location and even the page number?

Is this for real?

True Martial World - Chapter 126: With a beauty as companion

With Old Man Su gone, Yi Yun and Lin Xintong were left standing in the wilderness.

Under the moon, Lin Xintong was wearing a white dress like a fairy. Yi Yun wore a flying fish robe and had an excellent disposition.

In the wilderness stood a man and woman, both divine looking.

Lin Xintong was a quiet person, and Yi Yun usually didn't say much, so the atmosphere turned silent.

"Old Man Su… uh… Old Man Su has left. Miss Lin, what plans do you have in the next few days?" Yi Yun was first to break the silence.

Hearing how Yi Yun addressed Su Jie, Lin Xintong laughed and looked radiant.

"Nothing much. Master told me not to go far, so I'll just be hanging around here. In the deep parts of the Cloud Wilderness, there are some ancient desolate beasts that I cannot beat."

"I see…" Yi Yun thought of something and said, "Tomorrow, I will be returning to the Lian tribal clan. Miss Lin, if you really have nothing…"

Yi Yun was still considering how beneficial it would be if he could train with Lin Xintong every night.

"Alright," Lin Xintong answered concisely. She surprised Yi Yun as he thought that she wouldn't agree, but she had agreed immediately. He had not even finished what he had to say.

"You will go with me to the Lian tribal clan?" Yi Yun tried to confirm with Lin Xintong.

"I was planning on doing so. I also have things I need to check," said Lin Xintong.

Alright! Yi Yun was overjoyed. With Lin Xintong, it was obvious how fast his strength would improve. He had originally thought he would be taking a trip back to see his sister and might need to take a break from cultivating. But now, he had none of those concerns.

…

The next day at noon, five Jin Long Wei warriors prepared grain, meat, vegetables and clothes in preparation to embark on the journey for the Lian tribal clan.

These people were to send Yi Yun home. To traverse the vast wilderness, one needed to be at the Purple Blood realm, and optimally at the mid or late stages of Purple Blood.

Although Yi Yun was strong, Zhang Tan worried about him traveling alone in the vast wilderness.

Yi Yun rode a near-horned beast by himself. It was his own mount. Together with five other Jin Long Wei warriors, a team of six near-horned beasts could be considered mighty.

When Yi Yun finished packing his things, the members of the Lian tribal clan warrior preparation camp crept up sneakily and stood nearby. Seeing the six behemoths, they lamented.

These members of the warrior preparation camp had come to the Tao tribal clan for the Kingdom's selection. Eventually, they had to return to the Lian tribal clan, because the Tao tribal clan would never allow them to be freeloaders.

The Jin Long Wei would send the unsuccessful candidates from small tribal clans back, but they would only do it once, not repeatedly.

Clearly, if the members of the Lian tribal clan warrior preparation camp did not join the team, they could forget about going back, since the Jin Long Wei would not specifically send them back.

A few men from the warrior preparation camp looked at each other bitterly. It was impossible to stay behind in the Tao tribal clan, but how were they to explain things when they returned to the Lian tribal clan?

They were too humiliated to go back!

Also, to hitchhike, they needed to ask the master, Yi Yun for permission!

They had previously followed Lian Chengyu's lead by taunting and jeering at Yi Yun, but now, they had to beg Yi Yun.

Thinking about it made them distraught. If Yi Yun wanted to make things difficult for them and purposely chose not to bring them along, then they would have to run their own course!

"We're dead, we're dead. We have no way out. Let's put the matter of returning aside first; even if we returned, with Young Master Lian beaten to this state, how are we to explain it to the Patriarch…?"

A man said with a bitter face.

"Are you an idiot!?" said an older man as he slapped him. "Don't you know, things have changed. In the future, Yi Yun is our new boss! Let's rush to kowtow to Young Master Yi and beg for his forgiveness. Acknowledging a new master is of utmost importance!"

When this clever man said those words, the surrounding tribesmen got confused.

“But, we have neither strength nor beauty. Even if we were to kowtow and beg for forgiveness, it would be useless.”

Having come to the Tao tribal clan, they had seen all sorts of experts, and they had realized Yi Yun's amazing power. These men of the warrior preparation camp finally realized their so-called strength was a pile of shit compared to Yi Yun.

"We also have to make a stand. In the future, we will man the fields and work hard. At least we will have a way to live. If not, Young Master Yi can easily squeeze us to death like bugs." The smart man sighed with emotion. He understood that the days of sucking up were gone. No matter how much they fawned over Yi Yun, he would not bother with them. But at least by doing so, they would still live.

"Then… then what about Young Master Lian?" a dumb man weakly asked.

"Young Master Lian? F**k him, he's a useless young master now. Lian Chengyu, this grandson of a turtle has caused so much harm to me!" Upon mentioning Lian Chengyu, this man became angry. If it wasn’t for Lian Chengyu, he would not have such irreconcilable relations with Yi Yun!

After all kinds of discussion, the men of the warrior preparation camp decided to recognize Yi Yun as their master.

They mustered their courage and while dragging Lian Chengyu, shoved each other towards Yi Yun.

"Bam!"

The eight members of the warrior preparation camp knelt down on the ground. With Yi Yun's current status, kneeling before him was taken for granted.

"Young Master Yi, please be benevolent and forgive us!"

"Young Master Yi, I failed to recognize a great person. I deserve to die."

"Young Master Yi, I shall be your slave in the future. If you want me to go east, I'll never dare go west. If you wanted me to catch a dog, I'll never dare catch a chicken."

The few men from the warrior preparation camp showed their regretful faces that were filled with grief and slapped their faces with their big hands. noveltranslationweb.blogspot.com

Pa! Pa! Pa! Pa! Pa! Pa!

As an act of good faith, a few men slapped themselves even louder.

Seeing the members of the warrior preparation camp and their servitude look, Yi Yun could not be bothered with them. They irked him.

Yi Yun was done packing his items and remained silent.

With Yi Yun not showing any reaction, some of the slaves thought they did not show enough sincerity in slapping themselves, so they slapped themselves even harder.

Pa! Pa! Pa! Pa! Pa! Pa!

A few of their faces were slapped swollen.

Yi Yun got frustrated listening to it. "What are you doing?"

"May Young Master Yi show mercy," said a man as he slapped himself, "May Young Master Yi bring us home…"

Yi Yun impatiently said, "Just following would do."

Although these people were bullies, they had never done any evil, so Yi Yun would not do anything to do them.

"Thank you Young Master Yi!"

A few of the slaves were grateful.

A man thought and hesitantly asked, "Then… Then what about the treacherous Lian Chengyu?"

"Bring him along," Yi Yun answered casually. Lian Chengyu was already crippled. The heinous crimes that he had committed which caused all those deaths, were to be dealt with by the people of the Lian tribal clan when he was brought back to the tribe.

"Alright, let's bring the grandson of a turtle back. When we return to the tribe, Young Master Yi will deal with him!" The man was smart, so the few members of the warrior preparation camp dragged the half-dead Lian Chengyu over.

Lian Chengyu's eyes were glazed over. Being dragged by the men along the ground made his face stained with dirt.

After that, two men threw Lian Chengyu into a basket on the back of the near-horned beast as if they were throwing a gunny sack. They did not care if Lian Chengyu was comfortable.

"F**king chicken sure caused me harm!" A man stepped on Lian Chengyu's face to vent his anger.

Yi Yun saw this at the corner of his eye and had mixed feelings. Days ago, Lian Chengyu was the master, but days later he was a prisoner. The vast wilderness was cruel. The strong were honored and for the weak…even survival was a luxury.

The team of behemoths set off.

The six beasts galloped out the Tao tribal clan and along the way, they stirred dust in their wake.

Yi Yun wistfully looked back and seemed to see a white-clothed figure in a loft far in the distance, looking at him with a smile.

Lin Xintong naturally did not go with Yi Yun. In fact, none of the Jin Long Wei members knew that Lin Xintong would follow Yi Yun to the Lian tribal clan.

True Martial World - Chapter 125: Kingdom Knight Conferment

"The young man riding on that behemoth… is he… is he Yi Yun from the Lian tribal clan?" The people of the Tao tribal clan were shocked upon seeing Yi Yun. They had obviously seen him more than once at the selection.

But despite that, they were not sure today.

Although his facial features and shape were right, the difference in disposition was too great!

It was considered an extremely impressive feat to ride on a near-horned beast to the people of the vast wilderness. With his splendor and the splendid flying fish robe, these two qualities made it even more shocking. It was like driving a top-end luxury car in a poor mountain village.

In addition, Yi Yun had an overpowering air of elegance, and his aura stood out from the crowd. Hence, this shock was played to its limits.

It was like he was a dragon or phoenix amongst the people!

The people of the Tao tribal clan wore similar linen clothes like the people of the Lian tribal clan. Seeing Yi Yun in his majestic attire, they felt ashamed.

The youth of the Tao tribal clan who were jealous of Yi Yun could no longer feel so because the gap between them was now too great.

Their strength was inferior, their talent was inferior, they were older and their looks and dispositions were inferior!

What was there to be jealous about? They were on completely different levels!

The people quickly made way as Yi Yun proceeded past them on the behemoth. Many of the people were looking at Yi Yun with awe.

This was the reverence given to outstanding people.

A person's aura was extremely important.

People would know from a glance that a person with an aura was extraordinary!

Yi Yun was just like that.

Many teenage girls of the Tao tribal clan blushed upon seeing Yi Yun, with sparkles in their eyes.

The teenage girls of the vast wilderness had no resistance to a strong, cool and handsome youth that had a bright future ahead of him. They were willing to be indentured as his slaves.

In fact, to be indentured as a slave of a Kingdom Knight was not a humiliation to them. It was actually an excellent thing.

Some of the girls who were twenty years old hated that they were born a few years earlier. They felt that they had no chance to follow Yi Yun, but there were still some girls who did not give up hope. They still stared at Yi Yun with unblinking eyes, as if they wanted to swallow Yi Yun down their stomachs.

Yi Yun rode on the behemoth for fifteen minutes, passing a five-kilometer-long street before reaching the festival square.

The conferment ceremony at the Tao tribal clan was done with great fanfare!

For the ceremony, the Tao tribal clan specially slaughtered a cow, two goats, three pigs, five hunting dogs and ten chickens. These were the five livestock. Special care was made because these animals were known as the five animals and they were an important part of the ritual ceremony.

Even for the Tao tribal clan, it was an expensive affair to slaughter so many animals for the sacrifice.

The Tao tribal clan's shamans and witches were out in full force as they prayed at the altar.

This ritual was mostly for Hu Ya. In addition, the Mortal Blood warriors like Tao Yunxiao, the elites nurtured by the Tao tribal clan and some heirs to the small tribes that had passed the kingdom's selection were to be inducted as Jin Long Wei members.

As for the maimed and mentally unsound Lian Chengyu, he naturally did not make an appearance.

He had lost his qualification in his final battle.

Because of Hu Ya and company, the Tao tribal clan did their very best. It was in a way a ceremony for the Tao tribal clan to bid farewell to the vast wilderness, and their first step into the central plains. Hence, they were could not afford to be haphazard with the ceremony.

The Tao tribal clan had at least a hundred thousand people, so the people gathered at the festival square made it very packed!

These people were paying attention to the conferment ceremony. The youths and young men who could stand on that stage were all enviable people!

Actually, the people furthest in the back could not see a thing, but they were not willing to leave. Just by standing there, it was a way of witnessing a historic moment.

Of all the participants that passed the selection, only Yi Yun was qualified to ride a near-horned beast.

After Hu Ya and company received their Jin Long Wei appointment letters, Yi Yun also received a brocade letter that symbolized his status as a Kingdom Knight.

This brocade letter was a scroll half a foot long.

The scroll was made of silk and it was adorned with silk ribbons. At the two ends of the scroll were blocks made of sandalwood.

The sandalwood was heavy, but the carving was exquisite. The brocade letter also symbolized his superior identity within the Jin Long Wei.

In addition, as a Jin Long Wei elite, Yi Yun received a jade pendant.

This jade pendant was in the form of a flying fish which only Jin Long Wei elites obtained. The jade was greenish-white, and the dragon-fish drawn on it looked like it was alive. Hanging it by the waist, it added the finishing touches to Yi Yun.

It made Yi Yun suddenly look like a carefully sculpted piece of jade, giving off a dazzling luster. Not only did he have a sharp air of elegance, he also had an extremely composed air of nobility!

No one would have doubted that Yi Yun was an heir of a big family clan.

With the brocade letter in hand and a flying fish jade pendant by his waist, Yi Yun stood in the center of the square. Yi Yun was filled with emotion as tens of thousands of people looked at him with admiration.

It was no wonder numerous elites of the vast wilderness dreamed of obtaining the status as a Kingdom Knight. Such glory would have been the pinnacle of their lives.

But Yi Yun felt this was not the pinnacle of his life. Instead, it was just the beginning of his life.

He did not indulge in the glory he had received by being conferred a Kingdom Knight. He knew that his current achievement was nothing. The Tai Ah Divine Kingdom was not the entire world. And even in the Tai Ah Divine Kingdom, he was just the lowest rank among the nobles. There were greater things waiting for him in this world.

He wanted to explore, to climb and to conquer!

The ceremony lasted for six hours. Yi Yun received his brocade letter under the envious eyes of the Tao tribal clan's people before returning to the Jin Long Wei camp.

On the same night as the conferment ceremony, Old Man Su was packing his luggage, in preparation to leave the Tao tribal clan. Yi Yun got wind of the news and felt that he had to bid the old man farewell.

After learning the residence of Old Man Su from Zhang Tan, Yi Yun knocked on the door politely.

This elegant but small courtyard and the high tower behind the yard was a restricted area of the Tao tribal clan. Without the permission of the Jin Long Wei, no one was to disturb Su Jie and Lin Xintong.

"Come in!"

Old Man Su's lazy voice came from the other side. Yi Yun opened the door and saw Old Man Su and Lin Xintong sitting in the small courtyard.

Seeing Yi Yun, Old Man Su was slightly surprised.

Currently, under the bright moonlight, Yi Yun was wearing his flying fish robe, with the flying fish jade pendant by his side, giving off a princely look.

Old Man Su did not watch Yi Yun's Kingdom Knight conferment ceremony, but he never thought that wearing the flying fish robe would have such an effect on Yi Yun.

Lin Xintong was also surprised, her beautiful eyes showing a slight hint of amazement. Lin Xintong had seen many young masters and young elites. They were all elegant and handsome, worthy of being called princely young masters.

But… these young masters lacked that natural flair Yi Yun had. They were not polished from the natural elements.

Artificial hills may be pretty, but they were not as pretty as the naturally formed mountains.

"Keke, you rotten rascal, to think you look all dressed up in that set of clothes!" Old Man Su gave a rare bit of praise.

Yi Yun rolled his eyes and could not be bothered to wrangle with Old Man Su. He simply explained his reason for being here, which was to bid Old Man Su farewell.

Yi Yun did not know where Old Man Su was going, but he could guess that Old Man Su was going to do something dangerous. This was because Yi Yun noticed whenever the destination of Old Man Su was mentioned, Lin Xintong would show worry in her beautiful eyes.

But the old man would just laugh and joke as if he wasn't worried about the trip.

Old Man Su exhorted Lin Xintong to be careful after he left. He showed her care in every possible way.

But Old Man Su did not show any favoritism. After exhorting Lin Xintong, he turned his attention to Yi Yun. He patted Yi Yun on the shoulder and spoke a few words of "encouragement" to Yi Yun.

He said things such as, "Being first in the selection might be quite good, but it's just a selection with a rotten level of quality."

"I say, you actually hurt your hand defeating a retard like Tao Yunxiao? And so what if you injured your hand, why did you waste two of my Jade Spirit Pills! It was such a waste of a treasure!"

"I never expected you to be conferred a Kingdom Knight. It's not bad becoming a noble. As for this Kingdom Knight title… You will hit a dozen of them by just throwing a rock on the street in the Tai Ah Divine Kingdom's capital."

"Although you aren't that awesome, you sure lucked out, producing Purple Air Comes From The East. That was barely passable…"

Old Man Su's words rendered Yi Yun speechless.

The old man was truly wicked with his words. It was like he couldn't say anything that didn't cause harm.

But he knew the old man was leaving for a dangerous job, so he did not wrangle with him. He just listened to what the old man had to say while letting it go in one ear and out the other.

When the moon was at its peak, Old Man Su finally left.

He was in a white robe, riding on a little red horse of unknown origin. Old Man Su swore that the little red horse was a Qilin breed, but no matter how Yi Yun looked at it, the little red horse looked too funny. Especially with Old Man Su's fat ass sitting on it, the little red horse was almost swallowed by Old Man Su's ass.

Seeing Old Man Su's round figure and his fat belly resting on the horse's neck, Yi Yun could only feel embarrassed and depressed.

"Go!" Old Man Su shouted and the little red horse began galloping. Yi Yun really wondered if that mini-pony could withstand Old Man Su's weight.

Under the moonlight, Old Man Su and his horse traveled towards the vast wilderness.

Looking from afar, Yi Yun felt that this scene would have meant more if Old Man Su wasn't that fat…

On the plains, Old Man Su was singing a somewhat tragic song.

The sky is filled with dried yellow grass, with a horse, I travel afar.

The winds of meals attack the world, only to enter a dragon's nest or god's realm.

Heaven smiles with smoke arising, the lands confer me as king…

…

As Old Man Su sang his heroic song, he carried the ten baked chicken Yi Yun had given him, embarking on his long journey.

Behind, Yi Yun turned speechless again upon hearing it. Where the hell did he plagiarize that song from? It didn't even have the slightest rhythm!

True Martial World - Chapter 124: Overbearing Air of Elegance

The day after the Kingdom's selection ended was the day for Yi Yun's conferment ceremony!

When Zhang Tan came looking for Yi Yun, first thing that caught Yi Yun's eyes was not the conferment notice, but an exclusive mount used by the Jin Long Wei!

And Zhang Tan indicated that this mount was specially prepared for Yi Yun.

"This mount… it's mine!?" Yi Yun looked at the eight-meter tall behemoth with great shock. This was a two to three story tall super-behemoth!

Yi Yun never expected this when he entered this world three months ago and saw Zhang Yuxian with a sword slung on his back, riding on such a behemoth across the vast wilderness.

And now, three months later, he actually would have such a beast mount of his own!

"Yes, it's yours. Haha!" Zhang Tan laughed. "If it was any normal candidate, it would take them a year or two after becoming a Jin Long Wei member before they could get their very own near-horned beast!"

"This near-horned beast can travel fifteen hundred kilometers a day. Do not judge it based on its weight, it can go anywhere, be it mountains or canyons! Also, it has one big advantage. It is this reason that it is the Jin Long Wei's standard mount. Can you guess what it is?"

Zhang Tan paused to keep Yi Yun guessing. Yi Yun asked with interest, "It can carry a lot? It has a lot of stamina?"

Zhang Tan shook his head, "No! This near-horned beast can, of course, carry a lot and has great stamina. It can run for three days straight, covering five thousand kilometers without a problem! But this isn't the greatest advantage of the near-horned beast. The greatest advantage is that it eats very little! If a near-horned beast really wants to eat, it can eat a towering tree for its meal. But without food, it can directly absorb Heaven Earth Yuan Qi as its energy source. As a roaming army, supplies are a big problem. Usually, such a big mount's appetite will need several carts of food. But the near-horned beast can starve for years. This is crucial."

"Directly absorb Heaven Earth Yuan Qi?" Yi Yun was stunned but quickly understood. Yes, in this world, there were all sorts of treasures. There were also desolate and fierce beasts. They could absorb the essence of the surroundings and inhale and exhale the Heaven Earth Yuan Qi from birth. Humans had to cultivate to reach such a state.

Humans and beasts had their own advantages.

A large mount that did not need food was a great help to traverse the vast wilderness!

Yi Yun was very pleased with his mount. With a leap, he landed onto the near-horned beast's wide and spacious back. The near-horned beast seemed to have some wisdom and did not resist Yi Yun as its new owner.

This mount was too eye-catching!

"Thank you, Lord Thousand Households!" Yi Yun disembarked his mount and bowed.

"Haha, Little Brother Yi, just call me Old Brother Zhang from now on. The Jin Long Wei will be staying in the Tao tribal clan for some time. Stay for a few more days and cultivate."

When he heard Zhang Tan's words, Yi Yun hesitated slightly before saying, "It's like this. I would love to stay here for a few days to cultivate, but I have an elder sister back in the Lian tribal clan. Because of some reasons, she had to hide in the mountains. Before I left, I left sufficient food for her. But she's a weak girl, so I am worried that she has stayed in the mountains for too long a time. And… my relationship with my sister is very good. She hasn't heard from me these few days, and will probably worry and maybe miss me…."

"Also, I still have benefactors in the Lian tribal clan. Because of a lack of food, they aren't having a good time. I really cannot put my mind at ease." As Yi Yun did not bring Jiang Xiaorou with him, he was unable to be at ease.

In the back mountains of the Lian tribal clan where rabbits were even hard to find, there were no beasts. But even so, he could not afford a single mishap.

Zhang Tan laughed, "It looks like Little Brother Yi is sentimental at heart. Since you said so, then alright. In the next few days, some of my brothers will be coming to the Cloud Wilderness as reinforcements. General Yan has also ordered us to station troops around the surrounding tribes. We are still considered quite free for now. I'll send some brothers with you to bring you back to the Lian tribal clan. You can then reunite with your sister. I'll also get them to bring some good food for your benefactors!"

"In addition, you will need some followers at your new territory. The Jin Long Wei will help you bring them there." Zhang Tan did as he said. With a wave of a hand, he let his subordinates do the preparations.

Yi Yun was pleased hearing that. The Jin Long Wei would bring food, allowing his sister and all his benefactors to go through this difficult period. With his most pressing needs resolved, Yi Yun could also hunt on his own.

As Lian Chengyu had overdrafted the Lian tribal clan's food and resources, the people of the Lian tribal clan were already struggling. Some of them were even forced to eat Guanyin clay to stave off their hunger.

"Thank you, Old Brother Zhang." Yi Yun was not pretentious. Since Zhang Tan had said so, he casually called him so.

"Haha." Zhang Tan laughed heartily and patted Yi Yun on his shoulders, "Little Brother Yi, as soldiers, we are conferred high ranks in the future through meritorious services. You have a bright future ahead. If you were to become wealthy in the future, your sister will also be conferred a title because of you, and she might even become a princess or something!"

"Come, Old Brother will choose a set of clothes for you!" Yi Yun was to be conferred as a Kingdom Knight today. Although it was the preliminary ceremony, he had to be well-dressed and not be dressed in his shabby linen clothes.

Yi Yun's residence had already changed to the Jin Long Wei's camp, where the living conditions were good.

After taking a comfortable hot bath, Yi Yun changed into the new Jin Long Wei clothes from his linen clothes.

During celebratory ceremonies, the Jin Long Wei would wear special ceremonial clothes, as for Kingdom Knights, they could wear a flying fish robe!

The flying fish robe was white in color. Across the chest was an embroidered golden flying fish. It was exquisitely sewn using rich brocade. The beautiful patterns looked as if they were sewn with gold threads.

Yi Yun had always been wearing linen clothes. Even the Lian tribal clan's Patriarch wore a mixture of old and new cotton robes which were already amazing. Usually, he would not be willing to wear it except during ceremonies.

As for the silk brocade, it was a legendary item because it was only obtained from the central plains! Not only the Lian tribal clan, but even the Tao tribal clan's Patriarch had never seen such clothes.

He wore a flying fish robe and around his waist was a Qilin band; and he was wearing moccasins on his feet.

These items, especially the flying fish robe and Qilin band, could only be worn by nobles. Even the richest tycoons were not entitled to wear them.

This was a symbol of nobility!

Just from the gear, Yi Yun could tell the extraordinary status of the Jin Long Wei and the privilege enjoyed by the nobles. Even the lowest ranked Kingdom Knight's clothes, if sold, could be enough for a person to spend the rest of his life.

After putting on his clothes, Yi Yun hung a Yanchi saber by his waist.

This was the standard saber of the Jin Long Wei. The scabbard was gilded with gold. As a unique mark of a Kingdom Knight, there was an oval piece of jade socketed in the middle of Yi Yun's scabbard.

This Yanchi saber was mainly used for ceremonies or rituals. Of course, using it to kill wasn't perfunctory.

This Yanchi saber was not more than three feet long. It was two inches wide and did not weigh more than a hundred catties. Pulling the saber out of the sheath, the blade was cold and shiny. It could slice through metal like mud!

This saber was extremely valuable. With it hanging by his side, it added to his heroic spirit!

After having put on his outfit, he was stunned when he looked into the mirror.

He couldn't even believe that the youth in the mirror was himself.

Having come into this alternate world, he had always been wearing tattered linen clothes, how could he have tried brocade clothes?

As the saying goes, clothes make the man, Yi Yun in his white flying fish robe looked bright and valiant!

Due to the several months of training, Yi Yun's body had improved greatly. With the Purple Crystal's energy transforming his muscles, Yi Yun now had smooth and sleek skin, like a piece of jade. Soft lines featured his handsome face, but his eyebrows contained verve, making him still look masculine.

Although Yi Yun was still short, his body was fit. His legs were long and slender, making him bring out the beauty of the flying fish robe.

Yi Yun was like a precious sword that had been unsheathed. Its blade's beam shining in all directions with a force to be reckoned!

When Yi Yun walked out of the bathroom's locker room, Zhang Tan's eyes lit up upon seeing him. His subordinates all stared at Yi Yun, trying to distinguish if this was Yi Yun or some extraordinary son from a large family clan in the capital.

"Haha, you suit this flying fish robe perfectly! I must say, Little Brother Yi, with your looks, when you become dashing in another three or five years, I wonder how many girls will get into trouble because of you!" Zhang Tan joked without shame. In fact, Zhang Tan was not a serious person nor inflexible. A typical military man amidst a testosterone-filled environment was seldom serious or prim. It was common to brag and goof off. They were often outspoken or enjoyed telling sex jokes to no end.

But Zhang Tan would only be outspoken among people of similar stature, or with brothers whom he had gone through life and death with. In front of his subordinates and commoners, he would appear cold and heartless.

As an old timer in the army, he as an instructor had to maintain the dignity of the Jin Long Wei in front of the recruits.

Yi Yun scratched his head shyly. He was very satisfied with the effects of wearing the flying fish robe.

"Let's go. It's time to confer you the title of Kingdom Knight!" With that, Zhang Tan brought Yi Yun out. Yi Yun rode on his near-horned beast that sauntered through the streets of the Tao tribal clan's city.

The entire Tao tribal clan was bustling because Yi Yun's conferment ceremony was being held in the celebration square of the Tao tribal clan.

The Tao tribal clan prepared the arrangements meticulously. That was because other than Yi Yun's conferment as a Kingdom Knight, Hu Ya was also to be officially inducted as a Jin Long Wei member.

Of course, Yi Yun was the absolute star of the show today.

When Yi Yun rode on the near-horned beast and appeared near the Tao tribal clan celebration square, many people looked at Yi Yun.

Seeing Yi Yun in his brocade flying fish robe, with his Yanchi saber by his waist, many people of the Tao tribal clan became dumbfounded.

True Martial World - Chapter 123: First in Mortal Blood

"Yunxiao!" The Tao tribal clan's elders panicked and quickly left the Tao tribal clan's doctor to treat Tao Yunxiao.

But the medical facilities of the vast wilderness were limited. What could these quacks do for serious injuries that were a result of anger or the loss of blood?

They could only brew good herbs to be used. Hundred-year-old ginseng or lucidum were very good for a low-level warrior, but for a Mortal Blood fifth stage warrior, their effects were great reduced.

The members of the Lian tribal clan's warrior preparation camp looked at the fainted Tao Yunxiao and the busy tribal elders with pity.

Thinking back, when their master Lian Chengyu had failed to break through to the Purple Blood realm, he had vomited blood. This was still fresh on their minds; the scene was so similar to the current scene of Tao Yunxiao vomiting blood…

But, their master, Lian Chengyu was now in a much worse state. He had not said a single word since yesterday. He was probably crippled…

Thinking of this, the few members of the Lian tribal clan's warrior preparation camp looked at Yi Yun with fear. This twelve-year-old youth was a terrifying demon. Even if he wasn't strong enough to kill others, he was capable of making them die or go mad from anger without touching them!

At that moment, Yi Yun had swallowed one Jade Spirit Pill.

Nothing special was needed to be done when eating Jade Spirit Pills. He just needed to chew and swallow.

The round Jade Spirit Pill simply melted in his mouth. It turned into an emerald green liquid that flowed down into Yi Yun's stomach. Along with it came a strong aroma of herbs that refreshed one’s mind. Yi Yun felt the herbal essence spread within his body, opening up his pores.

"Little Brother Yi, quickly shrink your pores or the Jade Spirit Pill's herbal essence will diffuse. This is good stuff," Zhang Tan advised by the side. He had turned envious just by watching.

Yi Yun nodded and followed Zhang Tan's instructions. He shrunk his pores, and cleared his meridians, letting the Jade Spirit Pill's herbal essence circulate within his body.

He felt his meridians refreshed. His right fist was also warm as if a warm energy was enveloping it. Over time, it turned itchy and Yi Yun knew that his wound was recovering.

This Jade Spirit Pill sure is a high-grade medicine!

Yi Yun could not help but look up at the airship. He felt grateful towards Lin Xintong because he knew that his injuries could have recovered even without the Jade Spirit Pills.

But Lin Xintong had specially given the Jade Spirit Pills to him. Because of that, he remembered it well.

"Little Brother Yi. After reaching the Tempered Body, Dragon Pulse state, you will need a lot more energy than others to break through to the Purple Blood realm. When this Jade Spirit Pill melts into your body, slowly refine it. Do not be overeager. Use a few months to absorb it slowly, or there might be adverse effects." Zhang Tan spoke without any reservations. To Zhang Tan, Yi Yun was no longer a student, but someone worthy as his peer.

Be it Yi Yun's future prospects or the value Lin Xintong had for Yi Yun, they all clearly illustrated this point.

And in the Tao tribal clan, only Hu Ya was worth a little of Zhang Tan's attention, but it was just a little.

As for people like Tao Yunxiao, Zhang Tan could not even be bothered.

"Little Brother Yi, tomorrow at an auspicious time, I will confer you the title of Kingdom Knight. Actually, the real conferment ceremony can only be done in the Jin Long Wei campgrounds, outside the vast wilderness. Tomorrow, I'll just be giving you a Kingdom Knight's seal, a conferment notice and the land that will be given to you.

Zhang Tan patted Yi Yun on the shoulders. "Work hard. By inducing Purple Air Comes From The East and to also be valued by Miss Lin, you have a bright future ahead. At that time, this old brother of yours might have to rely on Little Brother Yi. Haha."

With that, Zhang Tan laughed heartily. Just from the way he addressed Yi Yun, he had subtly placed Yi Yun on equal footing.

Zhang Tan was a Jin Long Wei Thousand Households, and Yi Yun had just passed the kingdom's selection, yet they were on equal footing!

But it was no wonder. Zhang Tan was a Kingdom Knight, and so was Yi Yun. They shared the same nobility rank!

Not far, the Tao tribal clan's elders saw this and consciously gulped a mouthful of saliva.

Zhang Tan's position demanded the Elders bow before him politely. They even had to be humble in their speech, but now, Zhang Tan was patting Yi Yun on the shoulder, and kept calling him "Little Brother Yi", and even referred to himself as "old brother"!

This meant that verbally, Zhang Tan had acknowledged Yi Yun as his brother. Zhang Tan's brother would be of similar stature. How could the tribal elders face Yi Yun?

These "lofty" Elders of the Tao tribal clan turned dumb at that moment.

In the past, they could visit a small tribe like the Lian tribal clan with great aplomb, as if they were gods. The Patriarch of a small tribal clan had to meet them in person, bow and be courteous. If they stretched out their foot, numerous people would lick it.

As for the commoners of a small tribal clan, they did not even qualify to admire them. But now, a nobody like Yi Yun had leaped to the same footing as Zhang Tan. They had to bow when they saw Yi Yun?

The thought of needing to bow to a twelve-year-old child made these tribal elders feel like they had swallowed a housefly.

"If we can't afford to offend, can't we hide?" The tribal elders made up their minds. They were determined to take a different path around Yi Yun if they ever encountered him. It was better to take their lives than to speak humbly before Yi Yun.

Up in the airship, Old Man Su was grabbing his beard with a heartache expression. Yes… he was feeling the pinch for his two Jade Spirit Pills.

Lin Xintong was speechless as she stood beside Su Jie. It was just two Jade Spirit Pills.

"Master, you could make a whole furnace worth of Jade Spirit Pills in the time it takes to have a meal." Although Old Man Su was a Desolate Heaven Master, he was also an accomplished alchemist.

Old Man Su retorted, "What? A whole furnace worth of Jade Spirit Pills? Refining drugs also require the ingredients. There’s also the fire. The fire I use is the special earthbound Li Fire, and I have to use a fire array as well as energy from several desolate bones… Lots of resources are needed for cultivation, so we have to be thrifty. That damn brat only has a cut in his hand and he would be fine using the Jin Long Wei's medicine. It's such a waste using the Jade Spirit Pills." complained Old Man Su. From the time they met, Old Man Su had been messing with Yi Yun.

Lin Xintong was between tears and laughter but she decided to remain silent.

"Xintong, that old fellow Marquis Wenyun has finished setting up the array. I will be leaving tomorrow to assist Marquis Wenyun in opening up that ancient array. That ancient mystic realm is fraught with dangers. I can't take you there, so you will be alone for a few days. You must be extra careful. If you encounter any danger, use the protective charm I gave you."

Old Man Su exhorted repeatedly as Lin Xintong nodded, "Master, you can be at ease."

…

"I shall now announce that Yi Yun is first in the kingdom's selection Mortal Blood realm! He will be a Jin Long Wei elite, and conferred the title of Kingdom Knight!" Onstage, Zhang Tan announced Yi Yun's results to tens of thousands of people.

As for Tao Yunxiao, he was carried away by the tribal elders.

The surrounding audience had indescribable feelings. As members of the Tao tribal clan, they had always been proud. In an area spanning hundreds of kilometers, they were the absolute kings, but now, their pride had been shattered by Zhang Tan's words.

"Little Brother Yi, the Jin Long Wei is carrying out a mission in the Cloud Wilderness. We will be staying for a while, so we won't be able to bring you to the Jin Long Wei campgrounds in the central plains to confer you your title temporarily. You can accompany my Jin Long Wei Army and spend some time in the vast wilderness!"

"I will follow the plans of Lord Thousand Households," Yi Yun said without any objections.

Zhang Tan nodded. In the end, he had never asked the relationship Yi Yun had with Lin Xintong.

For figures like Lin Xintong, Zhang Tan knew that he shouldn't delve into things he shouldn't. Even the matter of Lin Xintong giving pills to Yi Yun would be played down by him. He would not mention it again since Lin Xintong's message had only been for Zhang Tan's ears.

Zhang Tan had a faint idea that Lin Xintong did not want many to know about it.

So Zhang Tan decided to simply say that Lin Xintong had given those pills on a whim. He had taken things into his own hands by giving them to Yi Yun.

Zhang Tan faintly knew that the powers behind Lin Xintong were complex. It even concerned the upper echelon of the kingdom. It wasn't something a small fry like him could understand or partake in.

Previously there were rumors that Lin Xintong could become a Crown Princess. No matter if the rumors were true or not, it was better to err on the side of caution, so Zhang Tan would not gossip about Lin Xintong's relations with other people.

Previously when Zhang Tan gave Yi Yun the Jade Spirit Pills, he had transmitted the part about Lin Xintong directly to Yi Yun. It was also to prevent others from hearing it.