Library of Heaven's Path - Chapter 34: Scam

“Ah?” Not expecting that the lady would be angered, Shang Bin was astonished. He immediately explained, “Shen laoshi, I’m not talking about you, I’m talking about Zhang Xuan. If he doesn’t have the money, he shouldn’t be going around treating others. Look, he ended up getting stopped by the waiter, how embarrassing is that. He is sullying the prestige of our academy…”

The more he spoke, the darker his goddess’s face turned, to the point that it seemed as though she would erupt at any moment now. Shang Bin was bewildered by the twist in the situation. At this moment, the waiter interrupted awkwardly, “Shang shaoye…”

“What?” Shang Bin glanced at him with a frown.

“Cough cough, the one that is treating is… Shen laoshi!” The waiter said.

He received the order to cooperate with Shang Bin’s show. Yet, he would have never expected that it would be the lady that’d foot the tab. Before he could report it to him, Shang Bin had already rushed over, making it even more difficult to explain the situation to him.

“Shen laoshi is the one treating?”

Shang Bin was horrified. His eyes widened in disbelief.

[Are you for real?]

He had been asking the goddess out to eat everyday and yet she simply dismissed his invitations. What rights did the worst teacher of the academy have to be sharing a meal with her, not to mention… having her treat him?

“Why? Just because I have no money to foot the tab means I’m feigning generosity and embarrassing myself, is it!” Shen Bi Ru glared at him coldly. She had been embarrassed in front of Zhang Xuan multiple times today and she had been dispirited over it all this while. Yet, this fellow just had to mock her at such a moment. She felt her rage on the verge of flying out of control.

“No, that’s not it…” Shang Bin’s face paled and he looked as though he was about to cry.

Only now did he understands that he had accidentally insulted his goddess in the midst of trying to fawn on her. He immediately waved his hands as though to dispel the misunderstanding, “I didn’t mean that, I mean to… to…”

Stuttering, he was unsure of how he should explain it.

However, as expected of a teacher of the academy and the grandson of an elder. Having experienced and seen many things, he quickly recovered and turned to look at the waiter. Gesturing majestically, he declared, “Alright, Shen laoshi‘s debt is my debt. How much does it cost? I will pay for her!”

“Shang shaoye, you are an esteemed guest of our Hongtian Pavilion, how can we accept your money!” The waiter nodded his head in a panic.

These were the lines they had prepared beforehand, so as to flaunt his background and ability before his goddess.

“That is great…” Shang Bin wanted to tug on the subject awhile longer to showcase his superiority when Shen Bi Ru’s cold voice sounded out once more, “It’s okay, I will pay for my expenses, so that others won’t claim that I am feigning generosity!”

At this moment, she retrieved a hairpin from her head and passed it over, “This jade hairpin is worth at least 5000 gold coins, you can verify it with a specialist. I will be leaving it in your care first. After I retrieve my money, I will be back to redeem it!”

“This…”

Holding the jade hairpin, the waiter was unsure of what he should do.

This wasn’t part of the script they agreed on…

“Shen laoshi, you don’t have to do this. I am acquainted with manager Wu of Hongtian Pavilion, so as long as I speak up, that debt of yours don’t mean anything at all…”

Shang Bin hurriedly stepped forward.

“That’s your problem, what does it have to do with me?” Shen Bi Ru interrupted his words. Then, she turned to look at the waiter again and said, “I will be leaving first if you aren’t going to be looking for a specialist to verify it!”

“I…” The waiter looked at Shang Bin in a panic and the plea in his gaze was clear to see.

“What are you looking at me for?” Shang Bin waved his hand quickly. With a furious gaze, he continued, “I don’t know you at all!”

“Alright!”

Zhang Xuan didn’t expect that a single meal would end in such a farce. Shaking his head, he stepped forward, retrieved the jade hairpin from the waiter and passed it back to Shen Bi Ru. “Why are giving this to him? This meal isn’t even worth 1280 gold coins. Giving him money like this, are you that anxious to be scammed?”

“Scammed? Hongtian Pavilion has nearly ten years behind its establishment. Our prices are fair and we do not discriminate between our customers. There has never been a single person who had such an issue with us before, so what do you mean by those words?”

The moment Zhang Xuan words landed, a middle-aged man walked over with large strides.

It was the manager of Hongtian Pavilion, Wu Chou.

He had talked it through with Shang Bin and he wasn’t supposed to appear initially. However, upon hearing Zhang Xuan talking about a scam, he couldn’t hold it in anymore.

The events occurring here had attracted the attention of many customers. If he didn’t show up and allow the other party to speak as he pleases instead, the reputation of the tavern would be sullied. If that happened, his boss, Elder Hong Hao, would kill him when he returned.

“What do I mean? Do I really have to voice it out?”

Zhang Xuan’s eyelids lifted up slightly and a lazy atmosphere emanated from him.

“Hmph, we use the finest ingredients for every single dish of our Hongtian Pavilion, so that they are served fresh and delicious. Our prices have also undergone the stringent checks of the academy. If you aren’t able to explain yourself, regardless of the fact of whether you are a teacher of the academy or not, you don’t have to dream about leaving here today!”

Manager Wu’s face darkened.

To a tavern, scamming one’s customers was a very heavy sin to bear. If he didn’t settle it now, Hongtian Pavilion could possibly go out of operation when such a reputation spread.

“He is truly courting death!”

Initially, he thought that Zhang Xuan would get away scot-free once again. However, seeing Zhang Xuan accuse Hongtian Pavilion of scamming its customer and offending manager Wu, a glint flashed across Shang Bin’s eyes as he watched the situation gleefully.

Manager Wu might seem like an amiable person with a good temper, but when the reputation of Hongtian Pavilion was on the line, he would be like a raging bull who didn’t know the meaning of retreat!

Looks like the fellow who was the first from the last in the academy was in for a ride of misfortune!

“What is this fellow rambling about…”

Panic could be seen on Shen Bi Ru’s face.

[For Hongtian Pavilion to be opened in Hongtian Academy at such a tremendous scale, its backing is clear to see at a single glance. Yet, you dare to accuse them of scamming their customers in public, aren’t you asking for trouble?

A large tavern like this values its reputation a lot.]

“Since you requested for me to say it, then I will spare with the formalities!”

Despite the Wu Chou’s threat, Zhang Xuan was unfazed. He walked up to the table and said.

“This 【Violet Savage Bear Meat】, going by your claims, is prepared by slaughtering a Savage Bear before soaking it in Violet Flowers for three days. This way, the exterior will be crispy while the interiors will be tender and the meat will be filled with fragrance. However, you all took it out for frying right after soaking it for just a day. Although the texture is still the same, the medical properties of the Violet Flower has yet to soak in, making it would be useless no matter how many of it one eats!”

“As for this 【Honghu Mandarin Fish】, you all advertised it as wild mandarin fishes caught in Lake Hong. However, they are actually mandarin fishes that you all have been rearing in Yeluo Bay. It is easy to differentiate between the two. As wild mandarin fishes have to battle against their natural predators, 【Qinghe Turtle】, the fin of the tail of Honghu mandarin fishes tend to be tougher than those that are reared, and its tail would be significantly thicker as well. One only has to slightly look into the matter to know whether what I’m saying is true!”

“As for this 【Clear Sautéed Nestled Heart Herb】, the ingredients used isn’t even Nestled Heart Herb but Bitter Heart Herb! These two plants are actually one of a kind, just that they are cultivated under different conditions, thus the difference in their names. Nestled Heart Grass grows beside the nests of savage beasts and is taken care by them. Their stems would tend to be thicker and their nutrition value is significantly higher as well!”

“Bitter Heart Herb grows in the wilderness and is extremely cheap. Its stem is thin and its nutrition value is lower by a huge chunk! For the same plate of vegetable, the difference in their value is almost tenfold! Completely different in comparison! Listing it as Nestled Heart Herb but cooking the dish using Bitter Heart Herb, if this isn’t a scam, what else could it be?”

…

Casually pointing to any dish, he was able to clearly point out the origin and flaws in it. Upon hearing those words, manager Wu’s earlier aggression faded as his face paled.

As the manager of Hongtian Pavilion, he wasn’t just involved in attending to the customers, he was also in charge of the affairs in the kitchen. Naturally, he was aware of the authenticity of the Zhang Xuan’s words.

Not only was he not speaking nonsense, his words were… completely true!

The boss wasn’t aware of these things. For his own profit, Wu Chou discreetly got someone to switch them. Not even professional gourmets could tell the differences between Honghu Mandarin Fish, Nestled Heart Herb and their imitation, thus proving that the substitutes for these two were identical.

How could this young man tell? Furthermore, for him to be completely spot-on.

“Damn it!”

“We specially came here from afar to try the authentic Nestled Heart Herb, to think that it would be an imitation!”

“Me too. I’ve heard that the Honghu Mandarin Fish is delicious, authentic and fragrant, thus I specially made the journey here. How dare you all try to fool us!”

“Refund, refund! To think that the number one tavern of Hongtian Academy would resort to using imitations, not to mention that I am a regular customer! I would have never imagined that it was all a scam!”

…

Zhang Xuan’s words were unhurried and rational with sufficient evidence to back up his claims. The crowd who was watching the show immediately burst into an uproar.

Hongtian Pavilion could be considered a reputable tavern, even in the entire Tianxuan Kingdom. Many of its specialties have attracted innumerable experts to make the journey. They would have never imagined that these were all fake.

Library of Heaven's Path - Chapter 33: Feigning Generosity

“Shang gongzi [1], you’re here. Come on in!”

Before the two men and one beast stepped into the tavern, a smiling middle-aged man welcomed them with a smile.

The manager of Hongtian Pavilion, Wu Chou!

“Give us a quiet location. Cao Xiong laoshi and I want to have a good drink together!” Shang Bin said.

“Over here!”

Wu Chou quickly brought them to their seats.

“Shang shaoye, every time I am here, this Wu Chou would behave smugly and disregard my presence. This time, why does he…” Cao Xiong couldn’t resist asking.

Hongtian Pavilion might just be a tavern, but the powers backing it was not one to scoff at. Otherwise, it was impossible for them to be operating their business in the compounds of Hongtian Academy at such a scale!

In the past, when he was here to eat, manager Wu would always disregard him. Yet, this time, his back was bent forward and his attitude was of utmost respect. The disparity in his attitudes made him doubt if he was in reality.

“You should have heard of that there was once an Elder Hong Hao in the academy!” Shang Bin said.

Cao Xiong nodded his head.

Hongtian Academy was founded by Hongtian. After his death, his descendants sustained his heritage. As a result, the elders who have the surname of ‘Hong’ tended to be of more esteemed standing in the academy.

He had heard of this Elder Hong Hao previously. He was an extremely powerful individual and had once vied for the principal seat. However, afterward, for some unknown reasons, he suddenly resigned from his position as an elder and there was no news on him anymore.

“After resigning as an elder, he started a tavern. He used to be best buddies with my grandfather, so manager Wu would welcome me with respect whenever I’m here!” Shang Bin declared gleefully.

“So that’s the reason!” Cao Xiong nodded his head.

[No wonder this Hongtian Pavilion managed to grow to such a scale, it was opened by the previous Elder Hong Hao.

To be received by the manager of such a huge tavern, it is definitely something glorious.]

“Un?”

Just as he was in the midst of enjoying service he had never experienced before, Cao Xiong suddenly froze and his face gradually grew darker.

“What happened?” Shang Bin gazed at him in puzzlement.

“That should be Zhang Xuan, right? How could he possibly have the qualifications to be dining here?” Cao Xiong pointed towards a table by the window.

“Zhang Xuan?” Shang Bin glanced over as well. Upon seeing the young man, he caught sight of the figure seated together with him. His eyebrows shot upwards and rage surged from within. “Why is she together with that trash? I had extended my invitation to her multiple times, but she kept rejecting me. To think that she would be dining with someone else! Damn it! Damn it!”

As the grandson of an elder, a high-level teacher of the academy and a Fighter 5-dan Dingli realm expert, he had invited Shen Bi Ru for a meal multiple times, but she never agreed. Initially, he thought that she would never eat together with anyone. Never would he imagine that she would be sitting together with the renowned trash of the academy!

He almost fainted from anger on the spot.

Slamming his table, he stood up, preparing to rush over to question her. However, he suddenly recalled Shen Bi Ru’s temperament and immediately shriveled back to his seat.

She held intense loathe to those who disturb her. If he were to rush over to interrogate her like this, if she ended up getting provoked by his attitude and raged out at him, there would be no hope for his courtship.

“Shang shaoye, don’t be angry. I have an idea that would reveal the true colors of Zhang Xuan before Shen laoshi! Furthermore, it can accentuate the majestic aura of Shang shaoye!” Cao Xiong was a social expert, allowing him to see through the current situation in an instant. An idea flashed through his mind and he smiled as he tried to coax Shang Bin into action.

“What idea?”

“This Zhang Xuan is definitely here to fawn on Shen laoshi by treating her to a meal! However, as a low-level teacher, how much money could he possibly earn? We only have to interfere slightly to make the final bill out of his reach to shame him before her! Afterwards, Shang shaoye would appear and rescue her from the awkward situation… Shen laoshi‘s impression of Shang shaoye would definitely improve. Perhaps, the flower of love might even bloom as she runs into your embrace…” Cao Xiong revealed his plan.

“Good, let’s do it your way then!” Shang Bin’s eyes lit up as he nodded his head in satisfaction.

Not only would he be able to cripple his opponent, he would also be able to elevate his position in Shen Bi Ru’s heart at the same time. This was truly a brilliant idea!

[Looks like this Cao Xiong isn’t simply capable at teaching, he also has a way with dealing with humans. Looks like he should be properly groomed in the future…]

………………………………

Zhang Xuan didn’t know of the scheme that was being plotted against him. Eating the delicacies on the table, he nodded his head in commendation.

The cooking techniques here might not be as refined as the ones on Earth, but this world was rich in spirit energy, not to mention that the ingredients used in the dishes were fresh and delicious, thus providing a wholly different enjoyable eating experience.

Soon, most of the dishes on the table had been cleaned up and a large portion of them was wiped clean by Zhang Xuan. Shen Bi Ru only nibbled on a small bit of them symbolically.

Seeing how this fellow was only obsessed with eating, disregarding even her presence, Shen Bi Ru curled her lips in anger.

Initially, she thought that he was feigning it to attract her attention. Only now did she realize that he had never thought of her as an important matter…

Regardless of whether it was the genius teachers or star teachers of the academy, they would intentionally fawn on her and offer her favors. Yet, this fellow, the worst ranking teacher of the entire academy, treated her as though she is nothing, making her grind her silver teeth in anger. If it wasn’t for her etiquette, she would have already sent both of her legs flying towards his body.

The more she thought about it, the more furious she got. She knew that if she were to see him continue eating, she would die of anger. She turned around and called out to the waiter, “Bill!”

“A total of 1280 gold coins!”

A waiter walked over.

“1280?” Shen Bi Ru froze in shock. “Why is it so expensive?”

Even for a high-level teacher like her, she only earned 1000 gold coin every month. Yet, to eat away a month of salary in a single meal?

How could it be so expensive?

She had calculated it properly while she was ordering the dishes, and the bill wasn’t supposed to even reach 100. How could it jump up to more than 1000 in an instant?

“I’m sorry, but this bottle of wine here costs 1200 gold coins by itself!” The waiter explained.

Previously, when the both of them were eating, a waiter came forth to ask if they wanted some wine. Shen Bi Ru thought that it would be fine to have some alcohol, so she nodded her head in agreement. How could she have possibly imagined that the wine would be that expensive!

“We were uninformed of the price of the wine you sent over…”

Shen Bi Ru’s face looked extremely pale at this instant.

No matter how foolish she could be, it was obvious that she had been had.

“If you are truly uninterested in it, you should have asked further about it beforehand. Since you didn’t ask, we thought that you would be aware of its price, so we didn’t say anything excessive!” The waiter looked at her coldly.

“Hmph!” Seeing the attitude of the waiter, Shen Bi Ru knew that there’s no point in kicking up a fuss. Instead, it might be bad for her reputation if she were to kick up a fuss on this matter. Thus, she whipped out her wallet and prepared to pay. Then, her face suddenly turned white and awkwardness exuded from her, “I don’t have sufficient money on me now. Why don’t you keep it on my tab first, I will repay you after retrieving sufficient money…”

Today, she only intended to accomplish some reading at the Compendium Pavilion, so she didn’t bring much money. After which, she met Zhang Xuan and consulted him on some matters. Due to the excessive shock then, she totally forgot about the matter, recalling it only at this moment. She only had around a hundred gold coins on her, far from the required thousand plus.

Treating someone to a meal, yet not having sufficient money to foot the tab…

She felt a fiery sting on her face as she fervently wished for a burrow to appear, so that she could hide inside it.

“Don’t order food that you can’t afford! Since you’ve ordered it, pay up. Don’t even dream about eating for free here!” The waiter harrumphed.

“You…”

Shen Bi Ru’s small face flushed in anger.

“What happened?”

At this moment, a stern voice sounded out. Shang Bin, accompanied by Cao Xiong and the Sky Shattering Lion, walked over proudly with widened strides.

Dressed in white, his hands were behind him and his head was tilted high, his posture exuding an aura of superiority. In normal times, with his disposition and outer appearance, accompanied with the ferocious Sky Shattering Lion following behind him, he would have looked like an elegant and dashing gentleman. However, at this very moment, his face was swollen red and his eyes were bruised black. Looking from afar, he looked indescribably ridiculous.

However, he seemed oblivious to it and instead, strutted about proudly. With a deep look in his eyes and a distanced aura, he walked forward and his eyes happened to chance upon Shen Bi Ru’s body. Feigning shock, he said, “Shen laoshi, what a coincidence! You’re here as well?”

He turned around to look at the waiter and asked, “What happened here? It is unbecoming to be making a ruckus here!”

“Ah, so it is Shang shaoye!” The waiter leapt in fear. He no longer put on the pushy attitude from before and instead, revealed a careful demeanor as he explained, “It’s like this, they had eaten but they do not have the money to foot the bill…”

“No money to foot the bill?”

Shang Bin shook his head as a disappointed expression appeared on his face. He gazed at Zhang Xuan and said, “Zhang laoshi, it is not that I want to lecture you, but if you do not have the money, don’t try to feign generosity and treat someone to a meal here. Look, you simply ended up embarrassing yourself! As the worst teacher in the academy, you might be used to it, but to bring shame to Shen laoshi as well, don’t you think you have gone a bit too far!”

“…”

Seeing the arrogant look on the face of the fellow before him, Zhang Xuan paused for a moment before turning around to look at Shen Bi Ru, “Sigh, he seems to be talking about you. If you don’t have sufficient money, don’t feign generosity. Look, you simply ended up embarrassing yourself…”

“You…”

Upon hearing Shang Bin’s words, Shen Bi Ru was already infuriated. Yet, to hear Zhang Xuan repeating the same words again, she almost exploded from all of the accumulated fury. She lifted her head and glared at the gleeful Shang Bin, who was trying to put on an impressive image to win her favor. Luoluo, she grinded her jade teeth together and roared, “Shang Bin, I dare you to say once more who the one feigning generosity is?”

[1] Gongzi -> Gentleman, usually used to address for young males.

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!