Library of Heaven's Path - Chapter 70: Doubts

“The heck!”

“Refuse? Brother, are you serious?”

Shang Bin, Cao Xiong and Shen Bi Ru tugged on their hair, every single one of them on the verge of going mad.

The thrill that they had experienced today was much more than what they had experienced in their entire lifetime.

[Who is Wang Tao? One of the top ten geniuses in the academy. There isn’t a single teacher who isn’t vying to pull him under their wing. Back then, Elder Shang Chen only managed to rope him in through exploiting his identity as the head of the Education Bureau…

A genius like that, accompanied with the personal plea from the Wang clan’s head… The hell, you actually refused it?]

Shang Bin and others felt as though they have just incurred 10000 damage, and they found themselves unable to catch their breath.

Just a moment ago, he just criticized him for being unable to recruit students. Yet, the next moment… the Wang clan’s head sent his son over to him! However, what was the most shocking of all was that… he refused to accept him!

“My heart, my liver…”

Elder Shang Chen felt fresh blood coursing erratically around his throat, threatening to spurt out at any moment.

[Is there still justice in the world? Is there still law in the world?

I am an elder, not to mention the head of the Education Bureau. It is one thing that you withdrew from my tutelage to acknowledge a fellow who scored zero in his Teacher Qualification Examination as your teacher. The worst of it all is that he refuses to accept…]

Elder Shang Chen felt as though his face had been torn off violently, ground and scattered onto the floor. At this moment, he wished fervently for a hole to appear in the ground so that he could conceal himself in it.

Too embarrassing!

He felt as though his dignity had been thrown away all the way to his grandmother’s house!

Standing by the side, Elder Mo Xiang’s eyeballs were also about to fall to the floor.

Just a moment ago, his opinion of Zhang laoshi had improved, but by the looks of it now, it seemed that it was still insufficient!

“Refuse?” Awkwardness reflected on the face of Clan Head Wang. He immediately shot a glance at his son.

“I beg Zhang laoshi to accept me as your disciple!”

Wang Tao hurriedly stepped forward, knelt on the floor and looked at Zhang Xuan with a sincere expression.

It was true that he had looked down on this Zhang laoshi before. However, upon seeing his younger sister’s legs being healed and an explosive surge in her strength, as well as recalling how his sword was clamped by two mere fingers of the other party, he was already impressed with him from the bottom of his heart.

“I refuse!” Zhang Xuan waved him away.

A student could choose his teacher. Similarly, a teacher could also choose his students as well!

Yesterday, this Wang Tao barged into his classroom. Not only was he disrespectful, he even pointed a weapon at him. How could he possibly accept such a student under his wing?

Back then, even though Zhao Ya had only challenged him verbally, she was still punished to clean the washroom!

If a teacher were to not have any dignity, his students would look down on him. If that’s the case, how could his guidance bear any results on them?

“I know that I was rash and I had offended Zhang laoshi, but on the account that I am still immature and ignorant of etiquette, I hope that you will not hold it against me!” Knowing the reason behind his refusal, Wang Tao hurriedly spoke. noveltranslationweb.blogpot.com

The dignity of a teacher could not be sullied. After he wielded a sword to attack Zhang Xuan, it was one thing for the other party to not to fuss over the matter. Yet, at this moment, he still hoped to be admitted under his tutelage. It was no wonder that his request would be rejected!

“Indeed, my son is ignorant of teacher’s greatness, so he was a little rash back then. I hope that you can forgive…”Clan Head Wang Hong quickly explained.

“Wang clan head, there is no need to say these. I don’t think that this is the reason why Zhang laoshi refuses to accept your son!”

At this point, an abrupt voice echoed in the room.

Tracing the source of the voice, it came from the one who had just lost in the Enlightenment Will Trial a moment ago, Cao Xiong.

If it was just a moment ago, with Elder Shang Chen’s prestige and standing, he was surely able to annul the punishment for him. If that failed, he could also think of methods to drag the punishment out, allowing the agreement to gradually fade out of view. Yet, at this moment, the clan head of the Wang clan, Wang Hong, came over to beg Zhang Xuan. It was very probable that he would be unable to escape the punishment from the Enlightenment Will Trial if the situation were to continue on like this.

In any case, the situation was already irreversible. There was no need for him to worry about souring his relationship with Zhang Xuan even further.

“Un?” Hearing someone interrupt his words, Clan Head Wang Hong’s face darkened in displeasure.

“This Zhang Xuan only has the strength of a Fighter 3-dan Zhenqi realm whereas Wang Tao shaoye‘s current level of cultivation is Fighter 4-dan Pigu realm. Since his strength is unable to match up with him, how can he guide him or give him pointers? The reason why he is reluctant to accept him as his student is because he is aware of it as well!”

Shaoye -> Young master

With a savage expression on his face, Cao Xiong roared.

“Indeed, his strength doesn’t even match up to Wang Tao shaoye. To think that he would even consider accepting him as his student, what a joke!” Shang Bin immediately reacted and hurriedly added in.

“Clan Head Wang, please reconsider your decision. It’s alright for Wang Tao shaoye to withdraw from my tutelage, but if he were to acknowledge someone whose cultivation realm is lower than him as his teacher, it would be difficult for him to raise his cultivation level in the future!” A gleam flashed across Elder Shang Chen’s eyes as well.

That’s right, the Zhang Xuan standing before them only had the strength of a Fighter 3-dan Zhenqi realm. This was a fact well-known by everyone in the academy.

A Fighter 4-dan expert acknowledging someone weaker than him as his master, this in itself was a joke!

“This…”

Gedeng, Clan Head Wang Hong’s heart beat.

He had heard of Zhang Xuan’s incredible theories from Wang Ying’s mouth, but he didn’t know his exact level of cultivation.

Although Wang Tao had attacked him before, as he had never told him about it, he wasn’t aware of it either.

If what the other party said was true, and this Zhang laoshi only had the strength of Fighter 3-dan Zhenqi realm, then he was truly incapable of teaching Wang Tao!

It was true that a teacher who was knowledgeable in theories could impart them to his student, but only by cultivating it and testing it out firsthand would he have a greater comprehension of it. If the teacher himself had yet to reach such heights, then it was unlikely that he is able to teach them well.

This was just like in Zhang Xuan’s previous life. If the teacher himself was incapable of solving a problem, then how could he teach his student to do it?

There were many matters that a teacher was required to be precognizant of, so that the student could take note of them while cultivating.

Otherwise, no matter how many incredible theories a teacher might wield in their brain, they were just like a reflection of the moon on the lake, unable to come to be of practical use.

“Zhang Xuan, even if you wish to teach Wang Tao shaoye, do you have the ability to? If you don’t, stop putting on an act here. With your strength as a Fighter 3-dan, you might be able to muddle some freshmen who have just entered the academy, but don’t dream about doing the same with the older students!” Seeing Zhang Xuan remaining silent, savagery and excitement gleamed in Cao Xiong’s eyes.

“Indeed, Clan Head Wang. What Cao Xiong laoshi says makes sense. Zhang Xuan himself has yet to break through to Fighter 4-dan, so it is natural that he is unsure of the method of cultivation at that level. How can he guide a student’s Pigu realm cultivation like that!” Regaining his confidence once more, Elder Shang Chen said as he stroked his beard.

“No, your words are wrong!” Hearing the mocking of the crowd, Wang Tao hurriedly stood up to explain. “Who says that Zhang laoshi‘s strength is unable to match up to me? Yesterday, when I unintentionally offended him, I attacked him with my sword using my full strength. Yet, he managed to catch my sword easily with just two fingers of his. Such a feat is impossible if he is only at Zhenqi realm!”

“Catch with two fingers? Haha, Wang Tao shaoye, even if you wanted to spare him some dignity, you need to come up with something more believable!”

Cao Xiong sneered coldly, “You are a Fighter 4-dan Pigu realm expert and your strength exceeds 700kg. Furthermore, given the weight and the speed of your blade, even a Pixue realm primary stage expert will find it hard to take it on bare-handed, needless to say with two fingers… You can’t be trying to tell me that our Zhang laoshi, who scored zero for the Teacher Qualification Examination, has reached Pixue realm, just like the elders of our school!”

[A sword is light and flexible in its movements, and the full strength attack of a Pigu realm advanced stage expert is fast as lightning. If the other party isn’t well-versed in the opponent’s swordsmanship and know precisely where the attack is going to land beforehand, even a Pixue realm primary stage expert will find it hard to catch his attack… Yet, Wang Tao actually said that the worst teacher in the academy managed to catch his attack easily… You must be joking!]

“I’ve seen it too, teacher used two fingers to hold his sword in place!” Liu Yang explained in a fluster as well.

He had seen the situation that day with his own eyes and there wasn’t any falsehood in his words.

However, given his high trust level in Zhang Xuan, the moment he said it, it seemed as though he was helping him to cover up the lie.

“Clan Head Wang Hong, you are a great clan of cultivators!” Ignoring the explanations of the two, Elder Shang Chen sneered coldly. “Do you think that someone who isn’t at Pixue realm intermediate stage is capable of catching Wang Tao shaoye‘s full strength attack?”

“This…” Clan Head Wang Hong hesitated.

Catching Wang Tao’s attack at full strength with just two fingers, this was a feat that average Pixue realm experts would find difficult to accomplish!

This Zhang laoshi might have incredible theories, but to reach Pixue realm intermediate stage at such a young age… Even he found it hard to believe.

After all, it was too shocking!

“Wang Tao shaoye, I understand that you said those things intentionally to bring up Zhang Xuan’s reputation because you want him to accept you as his student. However, there is a limit to everything. Sometimes, going too far isn’t good…” Seeing Wang Hong stumped, Elder Shang Chen opened up his arms majestically and spoke with a wise demeanor. Just as he was about to continue chatting casually with Clan Head Wang Hong and bring up some profound theories to prove that what Wang Tao said was untrue, he heard the voice of the teacher on duty sounding from beyond the room once more.

“Elder Shang!”

“What’s the matter?” Elder Shang Chen frowned in displeasure.

[Didn’t you see that I am in the midst of acting cool?

How can one be so incapable of reading the situation!]

“There is someone outside who is seeking an audience with Zhang Xuan laoshi…” the teacher on duty said in a fluster.

“Looking for Zhang Xuan? Who?”

[What’s going on today?

Why is everyone looking for Zhang Xuan today?]

“It is… the son of Zhennan Wang, Bai Xun xiao wangye!” the teacher on duty said.

Library of Heaven's Path - Chapter 69: Withdrawing from Tutelage

“Clan Head Wang, you…”

Not just the crowd was shocked, even Zhang Xuan was slightly bewildered by the current situation.

Even if he had taught Wang Ying, there shouldn’t be any need for him to specially make the journey to visit him.

“You treated my daughter’s legs and imparted to her incredibly profound knowledge. It is only fitting for me to come in person to show you my gratitude!” Clan Head Wang nodded his head.

The issue with Wang Ying’s legs had always been a weight on his heart. Not only did this teacher treat her disability, he even brought about a rise in her strength. His capabilities were already comparable to a master teacher!

Before a master teacher, even his identity as the head of the Wang clan meant nothing at all!

“She is my student, so it is natural that I have to guide her well. This is where my responsibility lies, so there’s no need for you to be thankful to me!” Zhang Xuan nodded his head.

The responsibility of an educator was to impart knowledge, impart skills and clarify doubts!

In his previous life, although he might have just been a librarian in a high school, he was still a member of the teaching faculty. As such, he held high respect and love toward this occupation.

Since Wang Ying was his student, there was no reason for him to feel smug for solving her problems to allow her to cultivate better.

Upon seeing the calmness he spoke with, the crowd went insane once more. This was the head of the Wang clan! It was like a beggar meeting a billionaire! How could he still remain so calm, not anxious in the least at all?

“This is where my responsibility lies. Good, good!”

Taking this scene into sight, Elder Mo stroked his beard and he nodded his head in approval.

As the winds of the world changed, the ancient values gradually corroded. In the pursuit of fame and benefits, many teachers have already forgotten their primary objective. It was respectable for this Zhang Xuan laoshi to be able to remain true to his core.

“With this kind of mindset, along with Liu Yang’s high level of trust and Clan Head Wang Hong’s commendation and respect, could Elder Shang Chen be mistaken?”

At this point, doubts started to bloom in Elder Mo’s mind.

Before he came, he had heard many criticisms about Zhang Xuan laoshi from Shang Chen, causing him to think that he was truly a useless trash who is only capable of deceit, flattery and bringing harm upon others. However, by the looks of it now, this didn’t seem to be the case at all!

However, he chose to keep his misgivings to himself and continued to watch over the situation.

“Clan Head Wang, please proceed in!”

As expected of an elder, Shang Chen’s awkward expression recovered swiftly as he invited the group from the Wang clan to their respective seats.

“Clan Head Wang Hong!” Elder Mo clasped his hand.

“Oh, it is Elder Mo Xiang from the Teacher Guild. What kind of wind brought you here today?” Only noticing Elder Mo now, Wang Hong quickly stood up.

The Teacher Guild was the number one guild, rising above that of the Apothecary Guild, Formation Master Guild and many others. Even if the cultivation of the elders in the guild was not comparable to his own, they still weren’t people that a mere Wang clan could afford to offend.

“There is some minor matter that requires my attention!” Elder Mo casually replied. Then, with a puzzled look, he gazed over, “Even if Wang Ying xiaojie were to acknowledge Zhang Xuan as her teacher, there shouldn’t be any need for you to come over personally to pay a visit to him!”

Xiaojie -> Miss/ Young mistress

Who was this person before him? The clan head of one of the Four Great Clans, an incredible expert who lords over a formidable power!

Even if his daughter had acknowledged Zhang Xuan as her teacher, and Zhang Xuan had treated the disability that had been plaguing her for a long time, the situation still shouldn’t warrant a personal visit on his part.

“Looks like Elder Mo is still as wise as always! Indeed, I have something that I need to trouble Elder Shang Chen for!” Clan Head Wang Hong nodded his head with a smile.

“Oh? Trouble me? Clan Head Wang is too polite. Feel free to speak whatever you need me! As long as it is within my abilities, I will try my best to accomplish it!” Hearing that the other party had something to ask of him, Elder Shang Chen’s self-confidence recovered. He looked at Zhang Xuan gleefully as he stroked his beard, putting on an attitude of superiority.

[You just happened to treat Wang Ying’s disability by coincidence, thus impelling Clan Head Wang to spare you an additional glance. However, if we were to look at the situation carefully, regardless of identity or the ability to nurture others, you still pale too much in comparison to me!

Look, Clan Head Wang has something to ask of me…]

“It’s like this. My son has been under your tutelage for these few days and he has been under Shang laoshi’s care. I apologize for not coming over personally earlier to express my gratitude to you!” With a hand gesture from Clan Head Wang, an elder walked forward and presented something. “This is a token of my appreciation for the concern you have shown my son these few days!”

“Clan Head Wang, there’s no need to be so polite. Teaching and nurturing the young generation is the duty of a teacher, I dare not accept your present!”

Elder Shang Chen quickly rejected it.

Given that Elder Mo from the Teacher Guild was here, even if he wanted to accept the presents, he would need the guts to do so!

“Elder Shang’s upright character is worthy of admiration!” Upon the other party’s refusal, Clan Head Wang Hong waved his hand as he dropped the matter. Then, he hesitated for a moment before continuing, “Actually, there is something I would like to discuss with Elder Shang today. Recently, my son has been facing some problems in his cultivation. He realized that elder’s lessons weren’t compatible with him. So… can you withdraw him from your tutelage?”

“Withdraw from my tutelage?”

Upon hearing these words, the calm on the surface but gleeful on the inside Elder Shang Chen staggered and almost fell down.

[Withdraw from my tutelage?

Why would you want to withdraw from my tutelage all of a sudden?]

A student withdrawing from a teacher’s tutelage was equivalent to slapping him in his face, as this meant that the teacher’s ability to impart knowledge was subpar. Initially, he thought that Clan Head Wang Hong was here to delegate some task to him, so he was feeling gleeful about it. In the end, the reason for his visit turned out to be this matter. The heck, if news of it were to spread out, he might even lose his position as head of the Education Bureau!

He could very well die from the shame!

“Indeed! I hope that elder can fulfill this request of mine!” Clan Head Wang Hong said.

“This…” Elder Shang Chen felt a fiery sensation on his face, as though someone slapped it. He felt like throwing a temper, but at the same time, he dared not to. After hesitating for a long period of time, he squeezed out a smile and said, “Clan Head Wang, don’t worry about it. Since your son has already made his decision, then I will grant his request!”

After which, he took the identity jade token from the other party and drips a droplet of his fresh blood on it.

Weng!

His lessons plan on it had been erased.

“My gratitude, Elder Shang!” Clan Head Wang Hong nodded his head in satisfaction as he passed the jade token to Wang Tao.

“There’s no need for such words. The relationship between a teacher and a student should be mutual. If he is unable to adapt to my teachings, it is perfectly normal for him to want to withdraw from my tutelage. Just that, may I know which teacher Wang Tao wants to acknowledge after withdrawing from my tutelage?”

As his heart bled, Elder Shang Chen squeezed out a smile.

Wang Tao was an extremely famous student under his wing. He was an incredible existence that was able to score within the top ten in the level examinations every year!

For such a person to withdraw from his tutelage… Just by thinking about it, he felt like pulling his hair out.

At the same time, he was also perplexed. Since Clan Head Wang Hong was adamant to have his son withdraw from his tutelage, who would he have him acknowledge?

He was an elder, as well as the head of the Education Bureau. He might not be the best teacher in the entire academy, but he was considered as a star teacher. There were many people who would squeeze their way to come under his wing!

He truly couldn’t think of anyone who could make the head of the Wang clan specially make the journey here to help his son withdraw from his tutelage and switch to that of theirs.

“Oh, I already have a candidate in mind!”

Clan Head Wang Hong stood up and walked over to Zhang Xuan. Courteously, he asked, “Zhang laoshi, is it possible for you to accept my son, Wang Tao, under your tutelage? Can you accept him as your student?”

“What?”

“This…”

“This shouldn’t be happening? To withdraw from Elder Shang Chen’s lessons, just to become Zhang Xuan’s student?”

Seeing his actions and hearing those words, the entire Enlightenment Will Tower went deathly silent. Everyone had gone insane.

Especially Elder Shang Chen, he almost puked a mouthful of blood and died on the spot.

[Clan head Wang Hong, you must be joking!

Withdrawing from my lessons just to come under the tutelage of a fellow who has scored a zero in his Teacher Qualification Examination?]

Shang Bin and Cao Xiong were dumbfounded.

The trash teacher whom they had viewed contemptuously before actually made the head of a clan personally step forth to persuade an elder to withdraw his son from his tutelage, so that his son could come under his wing. [The great heavens and the vast earth, can you be any more unreasonable…]

However, before the crowd could recover from their insanity, they heard the faint voice of a young man echoing in the room.

“My apologies, but I refuse!”

Gudong!

Everyone fell to the floor.

Library of Heaven's Path - Chapter 68: Paying Respect to Teacher Zhang Xuan

“Grandfather, I have heard of Clan Head Wang Hong. He is listed in the potential Zongshi board and he ranks within the top ten most influential figures within the kingdom. His cultivation has already reached Fighter 7-dan pinnacle, just a step off from Zongshi! Why would a person of such standing pay a visit to you?”

Shang Bin’s eyes shone in excitement, although he still found the situation before him unbelievable.

In Tianxuan Kingdom, those who knew of the royal family were aware of the Four Great Clans as well. Clan Head Wang Hong, as the strongest individual in the Wang Clan, had already reached Fighter 7-dan pinnacle and his name spread far and wide. Normally, it was impossible to fawn on such a person even if one intended to. Yet, today, he specially made the journey to pay a visit to his grandfather. If it weren’t for him hearing the news firsthand, it would be hard for him to think of it to be true!

“Haha, it must be Wang Tao!” Elder Shang Chen chuckled.

“Wang Tao shaoye?”

Shaoye -> Young master

“That’s right. Wang Tao is the eldest son of Clan Head Wang Hong and eventually, he will succeed his position in the Wang clan. Not only did I accept him as my disciple, I even successfully brought his strength up to Fighter 4-dan Pigu realm. Thinking of it now, the clan head might be aware of my efforts to nurture him, thus, he came here specially to express his gratitude!” Elder Shang Chen stroked his beard, indescribable gleefulness could be heard from his words.

“Wang Tao… is his student?”

Listening to their conversation, Zhang Xuan was taken aback.

He was aware that Wang Ying’s brother was accepted as a disciple by an elder. However, never would he have imagined that the elder would be him.

“Yes!” Shen Bi Ru nodded her head, although her complexion was still awful. “It would be better for you to expend your energy on thinking of a solution to your problem. Elder Shang Chen is obviously against you, and now, he has the Wang clan behind his back as well. In the future, he will be even more domineering. Even if you were to stay in the academy, you will be in for a difficult time!”

“We’ll talk about it in the future!”

Zhang Xuan didn’t care about it at all.

Even if the other party were to pick against him, he wasn’t someone that could be bullied so easily. At most, he just had to reveal his strength and settle the matter with strength!

After all, with the Library of Heaven’s Path which allowed him to see through the flaws of others, it was hard to say which one of them would emerge victorious.

“You…”

Seeing the fellow behaving so nonchalantly, Shen Bi Ru stomped her feet furiously.

She had been worrying about him, and yet he didn’t care about it at all. How infuriating!

“Let’s go and welcome them!”

Gleefully, Elder Shang Chen hurriedly led Shang Bin and the rest to the entrance of the academy.

A personal visit from the clan head of one of the Four Great Clans, it would be worth the effort even if they had to welcome him from outside the academy, needless to say, its entrance.

If he could strike a connection with them, then it was possible that he might even become a candidate for the position of vice-principal for the selection that was going to be held next year!

“Elder Shang!”

Before reaching the entrance, a group of seven to eight people walked over with widened strides. The one leading the group was a middle-aged man. There was an authoritative tone between his brows. It was clear with one look that he had been in an esteemed position for a long time.

The clan head of the Wang clan, Wang Hong!

There were a few elderly following behind him, and every movement of theirs exuded the strength of one that was at minimum Pixue realm. Without guessing, it was clear to see that they are the elders of the Wang clan.

At the very back, there were two youngsters. One of them was Wang Tao while the other one was the grandson of the 2nd Elder, Wang Yan, who was just admitted into the academy this year. It was said that he had been admitted as a student of Lu Xun laoshi. Possessing decent talent, he was favored by him.

“I am flattered by the personal visit of Clan Head Wang. If there is any matter, you can always just pass a message to me. Coming over like this, I am… very honored!” Elder Shang Chen hurriedly said.

“There is no need to be so formal. To tell the truth, I do have a matter that I require your help on…” Clan Head Wang Hong replied with a smile.

“Clan Head Wang, feel free to speak!” Elder Shang Chen quickly responded.

If he was able to do him a favor, then surely he would be able to successfully climb on the massive tree known as the Wang clan…

“I’m sure Elder Shang has already heard of my youngest daughter, Wang Ying. I’ve heard that she had acknowledged a teacher named Zhang Xuan…” Clan Head Wang Hong spoke slowly.

“Zhang Xuan? Is Clan Head Wang here to find trouble with him?”

Shang Bin’s eyes twinkled. He almost leapt from the overwhelming elation upon hearing those words.

Previously, he saw Wang Tao shaoye outside Zhang Xuan’s classroom, and he knew that Wang Ying was deceived into becoming Zhang Xuan’s student. It was within his expectations that the Wang clan would not allow such a thing to happen. However, not even in his dreams would he have expected that the other party would make a move so swiftly, even having their clan head to come in person to settle the issue!

Clenching his fists tightly, Shang Bin roared frenziedly in laughter in his mind.

[So what if you have won the Enlightenment Will Trial? This is the Wang clan, one of the Four Great Clans of Tianxuan Royal City! Not mentioning how you are the worst teacher of the entire academy, even if a reputable teacher like Wang Chao were to offend them, he will also be in for a ride of misfortune!]

Given that Shang Bin was able to think of such a possibility, naturally, Cao Xiong also arrived at the same conclusion. His entire body trembled intensely in excitement, as though he was afflicted with epilepsy.

“Shut up! This isn’t the place for you to speak!” Hearing his grandson interrupt Clan Head Wang’s words, Elder Shang Chen quickly chastised him.

Even though he was the head of the Education Bureau, he had too much work that required his attention. All he knew was that Zhang Xuan had recruited five students, but as for who the five are, he was completely oblivious to it.

As such, he didn’t know that Wang Ying was also his student.

“Don’t worry about…” Clan Head Wang Hong waved his hand to show that he wasn’t bothered by Shang Bin’s interruption. However, halfway through his words, Wang Tao stepped forward and shouted, “Father!”

“What’s wrong?” Clan Head Wang Hong frowned.

“That person there is Zhang Xuan laoshi!”

Wang Tao pointed.

Upon walking into the hall of the Enlightenment Will Tower, he spotted and recognized Zhang Xuan.

“He is Zhang laoshi?”

Looking over, Clan Head Wang Hong’s eyebrows shot up.

“That’s right, this person over here is our academy’s Zhang Xuan!”

He never thought that Zhang laoshi would be so daring to even deceive Wang Ying. A gleam flashed across Elder Shang Chen’s eyes as he introduced him with a smile.

“Hehe! This time, he is in for a tough time. Clan Head Wang is decisive when it comes to killing others. He isn’t as law-abiding as us teachers…”

“He deserves it, to dare to even deceive the precious daughter of Clan Head Wang. Aren’t his guts a little much too inflated…”

Seeing Clan Head Wang Hong turning his attention to Zhang Xuan the moment he walked into the hall, Shang Bin and Cao Xiong laughed heartily in their hearts at his misfortune.

[Which of those who managed to become a clan head of the Four Great Clans aren’t vicious?

As the academy’s worst teacher, he is courting death for trying to coax the daughter of such a person!]

Just when the two thought that Zhang Xuan was doomed this time, an incredulous spectacle suddenly unfolded before them.

They only saw Clan Head Wang Hong taking two steps forward to stand before Zhang Xuan. He wasn’t as angry as they expected him to be, neither did he assault him as they expected him to. Rather… with an excited expression, he bowed deeply and carefully, “Wang Hong pays his respects to Zhang Xuan laoshi!”

His attitude made it feel as though he was paying respects to some great leader, fearful that his abrupt appearance and words would incur the displeasure of the other party.

“The heck!”

“Surely my eyes are mistaken! This… How can this be?”

Shang Bin and Cao Xiong spasmed simultaneously, and the both of them almost lost consciousness on the spot.

[What is going on?

This isn’t how the script should go. Shouldn’t Clan Head Wang Hong roar at Zhang Xuan upon catching sight of him, then pummel him while he’s at it?

Why did he suddenly bow, and even ‘pay respects’…]

It might just be a formality, but not even his own grandfather, Elder Shang Chen, had the privilege of being greeted like this just now…

What rights did a fellow with a score of zero in the Teacher Qualification Examination have to be entitled to such a greeting?

“Calm down, Clan Head Wang Hong. Being angry hurts one’s liver. The worst teacher in the academy isn’t worthy of your wrath… Un? Cough cough…”

Initially, Elder Shang Chen had wanted to play the role of a good person so as to pretend to persuade him otherwise. However, halfway through his words, he saw that sight unfolding before him. In this instant, he felt as though he had eaten a dead rat. His smile froze on his face and he almost choked to death on his saliva.

[Didn’t you say that Zhang Xuan deceived Wang Ying to become his student?

Didn’t you say that Clan Head Wang Hong is here to find trouble with him?

Can someone tell me, what the heck is going on here?]

Library of Heaven's Path - Chapter 67: The Arrival of the Wang Clan

This reverence came from the depth of his heart. There was no way to feign those bright and clear eyes.

That gaze was indubitably the gaze that one directs at someone whom he was impressed with. There wasn’t the slightest impurity in his gaze.

With a single look, Elder Mo Xiang knew that Liu Yang truly revered this Zhang laoshi, and that it wasn’t a fault with the crystal!

“Shut up!” Knowing this, Elder Mo’s face darkened. Cold intent exuded from his glare, “The Will Inquisition Crystal tests one’s heart, forcing them to make the most correct decision in their opinion. Never has a problem occurred with it, and it is impossible for it to malfunction! If you continue on with this nonsense, I will throw you both out!”

“I…”

Seeing Elder Mo so angry, Shang Bin and Cao Xiong went mute, not daring to say a single word more.

“You… How did you do it?”

Upon seeing this result, Shen Bi Ru covered her mouth in shock, unable to believe that such a result was possible.

A trust level of 64, even the star teachers of Hongtian Academy who had led their students for several years couldn’t possibly obtain such results.

From yesterday, this young man had been bringing her countless surprises. She didn’t expect that the surprise today would be even greater!

[No wonder he is fearless. Looks like he has already known that he would win!]

“Since I have won, should we carry out the terms we had agreed on, stripping Cao laoshi of his teaching license and lashing him with a hundred God Slaying Flogs?” Zhang Xuan looked over.

[Since he started the affair, then he should have realized that the same could happen to him as well!

I am a transcender from the modern civilization with a gift pack, do you think that I will allow an ancient person like you bully me?]

“This…”

Elder Shang Chen was in a dilemma.

He had intended to help his grandson vent his anger, yet… Not only did he fail to vent his anger, he was slapped in the face once more. With an awkward expression, he was at a loss of what he should do.

“Let’s not let things go too far. Zhang laoshi, since you have won, let’s just let this matter drop!”

After a moment, Elder Shang Chen said.

“Let this matter drop? If I was the one who lost, Elder Shang Chen probably won’t be saying such words!” Zhang Xuan frowned.

If he was the one who lost today, it was within expectations that the Education Bureau would pursue this matter to no end. It would be impossible for him to not be expelled!

Yet, now that he has won, he actually wanted to try to settle this with just a few words… What kind of joke was this!

“Audacious!” Elder Shang Chen’s face darkened. “Mind your identity! You are just a lowly low-level teacher who managed to stumble upon some luck that allowed your student’s trust towards you to grow rapidly. This is just a one-time exception, is there anything about it to be gleeful about? If you are truly capable, then raise their cultivation realms before we talk about this matter! You have only earned the trust of a single individual, what significance can this hold?”

“That’s right! This Zhang Xuan is born with the innate ability to deceive others, so what if the trust level towards him is high! If I’m not wrong, the reason why the student he had taught previously went berserk is because he had trusted him too much, that’s why he was deceived, causing him to regret his entire life!”

Hearing the chastise, Cao Xiong laoshi quickly reacted and pushed on.

[Trust level is just a criterion to evaluate a teacher’s standards. It isn’t reflective of their true abilities.

There is only one way to prove a teacher’s capabilities. That is… to make their student’s strength grow rapidly!

So what if your student trusts you as though you are their parents?

If you don’t have the ability to guide them along, you still aren’t a qualified teacher!]

“Berserk?” Elder Mo frowned.

“Elder Mo might not have heard of it, but this Zhang Xuan has once caused the cultivation of his student to go berserk! Due to this incident, all of his students fled from him. That’s also the reason why his Teacher Qualification Examination ended with zero marks!” Cao Xiong said with a savage expression. “I suspect that the reason why Liu Yang trusts him so much is because he used some special deception methods. Otherwise, how can a fellow who has scored zero in the Teacher Qualification Examination raise the trust level of a student to be above 60 in just two short days?”

“This…”

It wasn’t impossible for the words that they speak of to be true.

In the past, there was a teacher that used a special method to delude a student so as to take the examination to become a master teacher. The method he used is similar to hypnotism, causing even the subconsciousness of the student to think that he was worthy of trust!

However, these methods were limited by time. After the duration ends, the student’s psyche would be severely damaged!

Could it be that… this Zhang Xuan had used a method similar to that?

If that’s truly the case, it would mean that he didn’t care about the safety of his students at all. Not only was he an unqualified teacher, he would be a criminal as well!

“A teacher should concentrate mainly on nurturing others. If one were to win the trust of his students, yet not possessing the relevant knowledge to impart to them, his students will only be misguided, causing an even greater catastrophe! That’s precisely the reason why no one in or out of the academy trusts him, and why he is unable to recruit many students! His results this term are better than the previous one, but even so, he had only recruited five students!”

Shang Bin interrupted the conversation contemptuously.

“Only recruited five students? That number is indeed a little low…” Elder Mo nodded his head.

“Regardless of the number of students I have recruited, and whether I am able to teach my students well or not, this is the Enlightenment Will Tower, and my student and I are here to participate in the Enlightenment Will Trial. We have already come to an agreement on the stakes beforehand. Now that I have won, do you all intend to go back on your words?” Zhang Xuan said.

[There’s no use rambling on about those useless things, the other party is clearly trying to divert the topic after their loss.]

“Audacious! How can a teacher’s teaching license be revoked so easily because of a gamble? Aren’t you taking this too lightly? Ever since Cao Xiong laoshi joined our academy last year, he has been working diligently. He has nurtured a Fighter 2-dan intermediate stage and innumerable talents joining our ranks had identified him as the teacher they want to acknowledge. He has brought glory and honor to our academy! What about you? You are the only person to have scored a zero in the Teacher Qualification Examination in the hundred years of history of Hongtian Academy, what rights do you have to be spouting nonsense here?”

Elder Shang Chen flung his sleeves and said, “Alright, let’s just end the matter like that! We will talk about it when you are able to cultivate a student to Fighter 2-dan intermediate stage and when more students are willing to acknowledge you as their teachers!”

“Elder Shang…”

Shen Bi Ru raised her eyebrows.

Initially, she didn’t intend to say anything, but never did she expect that an elder would actually help Cao Xiong laoshi cheat. Fury raged in her heart.

[They shouldn’t have made this gamble if they were afraid to carry out the punishment!

They were the one who proposed the gamble, and yet now, they are trying to push away the consequences upon losing. Aren’t they being too shameless!]

“Shen laoshi, my grandfather is right. No matter what, Cao Xiong is a respectable teacher of our academy. It is making a big fuss to have him expelled over such a minute affair! Besides, firing such a talent is a loss to our academy…”

Shang Bin said with a bright smile.

“You… You are being unreasonable!” Shen Bi Ru’s face flushed red. “Just like what Zhang Xuan said, if he had lost, will you all let him off just like that?”

“What does he count as? Can he be compared with Cao Xiong laoshi? Can he nurture a Fighter 2-dan student? Can he attract countless students to the academy through his reputation…”

Shang Bin sneered coldly.

Dong dong dong!

Before he could finish his words, knocking sounds echoed from outside the hall.

“Is there anything?”

Elder Shang Chen frowned. Following which, Zhou laoshi, the teacher on duty today, pushed the door open and walked in.

“Elder Shang, there are people outside seeking an audience. They claim to be… Clan Head Wang Hong and elders of the Wang Clan of Tianxuan Royal City!”

The teacher said.

“Clan Head Wang Hong? Hurry up and invite him in!”

Upon hearing that Clan Head Wang Hong had come personally, Elder Shang Chen stood up abruptly, his eyes twinkling with enthusiasm.

The powers in Tianxuan Royal City were complicated. To become one of the Four Great Clans and remain standing even after a hundred years, their accumulation through the ages and strength was one to behold!

In fact, the standing of Clan Head Wang Hong was in no way inferior to their vice-principal!

For a person of such standing to pay a visit to him along with the elders of his family, just the honor from the act itself was enough to send him into a frenzy. If word were to spread out, it would definitely add a beautiful and powerful stroke to his reputation and qualifications.

Library of Heaven's Path - Chapter 66: This Can't Be True!

“Only 10 points?”

Not only did Cao Xiong feel himself going insane, even Elder Mo and Elder Shang Chen couldn’t help but blink their eyes in disbelief.

[To apply for an Enlightenment Will Trial with just that meager trust level. May I ask… where did your self-confidence come from?

If you wish to take a student off the hands of another teacher, you should at least possess unparalleled standing in the heart of the student. Otherwise, you are just making a fool out of yourself. Initially, we thought that his trust level toward you should be able to reach at least twenty. Even though it isn’t a really high number, it is still within an acceptable range. Yet… The heck, 10? Are you sure that you aren’t joking with us!]

Elder Shang Chen’s face darkened. An inauspicious omen loomed in his mind.

One didn’t fear a godly opponent, only a pig-like teammate. It was clear that the pig-like teammate had already appeared.

By the side, the corners of Shang Bin’s mouth twitched and white foam almost spilled from it.

[Before we came here, you declared proudly that Liu Yang would definitely be willing to come under your tutelage once more. With this level of trust, tutelage it was you said? Tutelage your head!

The heck! You are trying to fool me, aren’t you!]

“So what if his trust level in me is just ten? Liu Yang has a skeptical personality and he doesn’t believe anyone easily! His trust level in me might just be ten, but as long as you fail to exceed that, I will still be the victor!”

A moment later, Cao Xiong recovered and howled at Zhang Xuan.

“Skeptical personality? If he truly has such a personality, then the situation makes sense!” Elder Mo nodded his head.

Humans differed from one to the other. There were a few who were born trusting, while others were born skeptical. No matter how close and amiable a relationship one possessed with him, he couldn’t help but be suspicious of them.

This had something to do with the situation one grew up in. If one was born in a treacherous place full of schemes, it wouldn’t be an easy task to establish trust with them.

Based on his judgement, Liu Yang should possess a trust level of around seventeen to eighteen towards Cao Xiong. Yet, it turned out to just be ten. If it was true that the former had this kind of personality, then everything fitted together perfectly.

“That’s right. As long as his trust level towards you does not exceed 10 points, then it is still unknown who the one laughing at the end will be!”

Shang Bin’s eyes lit up and he nodded his head. He decided to place his trust in Cao Xiong once more.

Cao laoshi might not be famous in the academy, and he wasn’t a star teacher either. However, he had many good reviews. When put against Zhang Xuan, it was like the difference between a delicacy and dung, totally incomparable.

If the former only had ten points, the latter was bound to have far worse results!

At this point, the crowd continued staring at the other crystal ball.

The light had yet to fully fade from it yet, and it was still shrouded in a thin layer of light.

“Why isn’t the result out yet?”

Shen Bi Ru frowned slightly.

“Different illusory realms appear in the tests of the Will Inquisition Crystal, so naturally, the time taken for each of them will be different as well. It is normal for some to be faster than the others!” Hearing the words of his goddess, Shang Bin stepped forward and putting on a knowledgeable look, he explained. noveltranslationweb.blogpot.com

As the grandson of the head of the Education Bureau, he knew quite a lot more about the Enlightenment Will Trial than most of the other teachers.

Normally, this kind of acting cool could attract quite a lot of screams, given his dashing looks and extraordinary aura. Just that, it was a pity that the areas around his eyes were bruised black and his face was swollen red. His lips were as though two hanging sausages and he wasn’t much different from the hunchback from the clocktower. In fact, it seemed as though the word ‘dashing’ had nothing to do with him at all.

“Then, will be results be better if the test is completed faster, or if it is completed slower?” Ignoring his attempt to act cool, Shen Bi Ru continued asking.

“Of course faster is better! If the trial is completed faster, it shows that the student undergoing the trial trusts his teacher from the bottom of his heart to the point that there is no need to even ponder over his instructions. On the other hand, if the trial takes a long period of time, it means that the student does not trust his teacher, and a negative score could very possibly appear…”

With his hands behind his back, Shang Bin smiled faintly. With a confident look, he said, “Shen laoshi, trust me. I might not have undergone the Enlightenment Will Trial, but I have read numerous books regarding it. For Liu Yang to be coerced by Zhang Xuan laoshi to acknowledge him as his master, he is bound to hold some resentment against him. It would be normal for him to score a negative ten or so…”

Just as he was declaring proudly, rationalizing the reason behind the theory out for Shen Bi Ru, he felt a tug on his shirt, interrupting him from his recount on the ending he expected to occur.

“What are you doing?”

Shang Bin knitted his eyebrows together in displeasure. It was hard to him to gain an opportunity to perform before his goddess. Yet, someone just had to interrupt him at such an untimely period.

Turning around, it was Cao Xiong.

At this moment, Cao Xiong laoshi‘s eyes were filled with fear and his body trembled uncontrollably. The confidence he had a moment ago had completely faded. He pointed forward and said, “Shang shaoye, look…”

Shaoye -> Young master

Looking towards the direction of the finger, the glow from the crystal had finally disappeared without a trace, and a line of numbers had floated to the surface.

“Why? Could it be that his score isn’t a negative…”

In the midst of his words, Shang Bin glanced at the numbers that have appeared on the crystal and in that instant, he almost bit his tongue to commit suicide.

“How is this possible? This… I don’t believe it!” Shang Bin was about to go crazy.

The numbers were clearly displayed on the crystal ball—— 64!

This meant that the level of trust had reached 64 points!

A fellow who scored a zero in the Teacher Qualification Examination actually managed to get his student’s trust in him to reach the level of a Master Teacher, comparable to that of the trust between a child and his parents… How was this possible?

Shang Bin looked at Cao Xiong. At this moment, the thought of killing him even flashed through his mind. He felt a stifling sensation in his chest and blood seemed to be welling up at the back of his throat.

It was difficult for him to find an opportunity to act cool before his goddess. He proudly declared that one’s results would get worse as time went by, only for such a situation to occur… [The heck, are you playing with me?

Furthermore… Cao laoshi, can you be a bit more useful?

Didn’t you say that this student has a skeptical personality?

My ass he has a skeptical personality!

How can someone skeptical hold 64 points of trust towards others?

Didn’t you say that you are confident in winning?

10 points against 64 points… The heck do you intend to win like this…]

Tears streaming down his face, Shang Bin felt a stinging sensation on his face. It felt as though his face had been slapped mercilessly by someone else several times. At this moment, he wished fervently to find a hole to hide in.

“64?”

Different from the disbelief and mental breakdown of the other two, Elder Mo stood up abruptly and trembled in agitation.

This level of trust had already reached the standards of a master teacher. Even for him, it was the first time he had seen such results!

A fellow who scored a zero in the Teacher Qualification Examination could actually induce such trust from his students?

How did he do it?

Furthermore… It had just been two days since the start of school. Even if this Zhang Xuan laoshi and Liu Yang had stayed together throughout the entire period, at maximum, they could only have thirty hours of interaction with one another. In such a short period of time, to get one’s trust level beyond 60… Even the legendary 1-star master teacher would find it difficult to achieve such a feat.

There were also different tiers to master teachers. 1-star was the lowest of them all.

Even so, the prestige and influence they held were sufficient to drive others insane.

“The two elders, is this considered as my victory?”

Couldn’t be bothered with the stunned Shang Bin and Cao Xiong, Zhang Xuan directed his gaze toward Shang Chen and Mo Xiang.

“Impossible, there must be a problem with the crystal. Otherwise, how can he have such a high trust level? I will not accept this result!”

Cao Xiong howled.

It was no wonder that he is unwilling to accept it. It was as though a beggar he had been interacting with suddenly turned out to be an emperor. As someone who scored a zero in the Teacher Qualification Examination, he thought that the results would definitely end up as a negative. Yet… Not only was it not a negative, it turned out to be an overwhelming 64, surpassing all teachers within the school. His will could already be considered rather strong given that he had yet to go insane at this point.

“I also agree with Cao laoshi‘s words. How can he induce such a level of trust in his students? If it is true, doesn’t that mean that even Lu Xun and Wang Chao are incomparable to him…”

Shang Bin stepped forward and said through gritted teeth.

Hearing the words of the two, Elder Mo was about to say something when he saw Liu Yang, who had just completed the trial, walking over to Zhang Xuan with glowing eyes that were filled with reverence.

Library of Heaven's Path - Chapter 65: Ten？

“Indeed, one of the requirements in becoming a master teacher is to have a student’s trust in him exceed 60. This is a standard prerequisite! Otherwise, they won’t be qualified!” Elder Mo Xiang nodded his head.

“60…” Elder Shang Chen couldn’t help but be astonished. “This level of trust is equivalent to the position of their parents in the heart of the students!”

Despite being together for their entire life, the trust level between parents and children were only 60. It was clear to see how difficult it would be for the relationship between a teacher and a student to reach such a level as well!

It was no wonder that there wasn’t a single Master Teacher in Tianxuan Kingdom. The prerequisites were simply too harsh!

“If Lu Xun and Wang Chao of your academy were to maintain this standard for thirty years or so, there is a possibly of them becoming an associate master teacher!” Elder Mo stroked his beard.

There’s no need for master teachers to do everything by themselves. Sometimes, they would delegate tasks to their assistants to help them. The role of an associate master teacher was similar to that of an apprentice. It was a path one must walk on if they intended to become a master teacher.

“Associate master teacher?”

Elder Shang Chen gasped in surprise.

For them to be able to become associate master teachers, this clearly showed the standards Lu Xun and Wang Chao possessed.

“I wonder what the trust levels the students the both of them are guiding have towards them are…” he couldn’t help but ask.

“Throughout these years, they have garnered quite a positive reputation. Those older students whom they have guided for many years should be able to reach up to 40! However, it will be difficult for it to rise any higher!” Elder Mo shook his head.

Being an elder from the Teacher Guild, he was knowledgeable about the circumstances of many teachers.

“That’s true!”

Shang Chen nodded his head.

It was difficult to accrue trust and yet, it falls exceptionally easy. Oftentimes, it could be torn apart by just a small incident. If that wasn’t the case, master teachers wouldn’t possess such tremendous reputation!

“I’ve heard that… a genius young lady has appeared in our Teacher Guild. Despite being just eighteen or nineteen this year, she has already become a low-level associate master teacher?” Upon recalling a news, Elder Shang Chen couldn’t resist asking.

“She’s the daughter of our guild leader. She is indeed a talent!” Upon bringing up this person, Elder Mo stroked his beard and nodded his head in commendation.

Associate master teachers could be split into low-level, intermediate-level and high-level as well. To join one of their ranks under twenty was a fearsome accomplishment, even considering the fact that she was only a low-level associate master teacher.

“Incredible!”

Upon receiving confirmation of the fact, Elder Shang Chen nodded his head in commendation.

He might be the head of the Education Bureau of Hongtian Academy, but in reality, he was just a high-level teacher. He didn’t have the qualifications to become a low-level associate master teacher.

After which, Shang Chen didn’t go on further on the topic. Instead, he looked at Zhang Xuan and Cao Xiong, “Elder Mo, how much trust level do you think the both of them will receive?”

…………………………

“You… It’s best for you to leave now. Leave Hongtian Academy and never come back…”

Seeing the young man standing there foolishly to await the results of the Enlightenment Will Trial, Shen Bi Ru couldn’t help but to walk forward and direct these words to him with a suppressed voice.

In her perspective, Zhang Xuan and Shang Bin were two people from completely different worlds. If it weren’t for her, there was no way the two would mix together.

Such a circumstance had arisen because of her. If Zhang Xuan were to be beaten a hundred times by the God Slaying Flog and have his teaching license revoked, she would definitely feel guilty about his plight.

“You wish to leave now? It’s a little too late!”

Seeing his goddess showing concern towards another man, Shang Bin spat out these words through gritted teeth.

[You don’t even show the slightest concern when I am reduced to this state, and yet, you worry about this fellow who scored zero in the Teacher Qualification Examination. Damn it, damn it!]

His face turned savage and he was so angry that he might explode at any moment now.

“That’s right, the Enlightenment Will Trial has already begun. You wish to leave? Dream on!” Cao Xiong walked forward and revealed a face of enthusiastic savagery. “The results are about to be out. By then, you will understand how foolish your actions were!”

“Are you that certain that you will achieve victory?”

Seeing how confident the other party was, as though the winning ticket was in his hand, Zhang Xuan shook his head and asked.

“Hehe!” Staring at the young man as though he was a fool, Cao Xiong sneered coldly, “Let me tell you the truth then. This Liu Yang was specially invited here by me. I have been living with him for half a month and our trust level should probably exceed 20! What about you? Do you think you are capable of reaching 10 points? After deceiving him over to your side from me forcefully, I think it is very possible for your score to be negative!”

While zero meant no trust whatsoever, negative meant resentment. The greater the resentment, the more negative the number would be.

He still clearly remembered Liu Yang’s lingering and reluctant gaze when he was pulled away from him. How could someone who had guided a student to go berserk make this proud fellow concede to them!

It was very probable for the relationship between the two to still be frosty, so how could Liu Yang not bear any resentment toward this fellow!

“Hongtian Academy is the number one academy of Tianxuan Kingdom. If a student were to really hold a trust level below that of ten points towards his teacher, his teacher will probably become a laughingstock and the event will be known across the entire kingdom!” Shang Bin laughed mockingly. “Oh, that’s right. I forgot. Since your reputation is already as bad as it can get, there is no need for you to worry about becoming a laughingstock…”

“You all…”

Seeing the two of them putting him down, Shen Bi Ru’s angry face flushed pink. Just as she was about to refute them, she noticed that the person in question, Zhang Xuan, was still maintaining an impassive and calm face toward their insults, as though he wasn’t bothered by their mocking at all.

To tell the truth, Zhang Xuan really didn’t care about it.

[These fellows can talk as much as they can now. When the result comes out in awhile, it will be interesting to see them cry…]

…………………………

“The two of them?”

Hearing Elder Shang Chen’s words, Elder Mo Xiang hesitated for a moment before deducing, “This Liu Yang was recommended here by Cao Xiong laoshi, so his trust level towards him should be slightly higher. Even so, in my opinion, it should only be around 18 or 19. After all, 20 is a large hurdle to overcome! As for Zhang Xuan… If he truly coerced Liu Yang, then it is likely for the trust level to be negative!”

“If the trust level turns out to be negative, Hongtian Academy will be embarrassed. At that moment, I will be depending on Elder Mo!”

Elder Shang Chen said.

“Naturally!” Elder Mo’s eyes were bright and stern. “As an elder from the Teacher Guild, I will not allow such scum to appear in our midst! If it turns out to be negative, then there is no doubt that Liu Yang has been coerced into acknowledging him. I will report the incident up to the guild and adamantly push for Zhang Xuan’s teaching license to be revoked!”

Hearing the other party’s promise, Elder Shang Chen smiled. Then, his eyes twinkled and he pointed forward, “Look, the results are about to be out!”

The moment his voice sounded, the light the two crystal balls were emanating from the center of the room started to waver and gradually dim.

In the Enlightenment Will Trial, the person who was involved in the trial had to go through all kinds of illusory realms before they were able to make a choice from the bottom of their heart. At this instant, the fading of the light meant that he had already undergone the experiences required for the test, and the results were about to be revealed.

Weng!

Numbers lightly wavered into existence on the crystal ball by the left.

“The results are out. Misfortune is about to befall you…”

Seeing the numbers slowly floating into existence on the crystal ball, Cao Xiong’s excited eyes gleamed.

This time, not only would he be able to accept Liu Yang back under his tutelage, he would also be able to throw Zhang Xuan out and earn the favor of Shang Bin shaoye. With such a pillar of support, wouldn’t his future in the academy be smooth-sailing?

Shaoye -> Young master

Probably, in less than a few years, he would be able to rise through the ranks successfully to become a high-level teacher.

Just as he was getting excited over the scene playing in his mind, the numbers in the crystal ball finally stopped wavering, and they appeared before the crowd.

“His trust level in me definitely exceeds twenty…”

Roaring, Cao Xiong hurriedly turned his attention to the crystal ball. Yet, with a glance, his excitement choked in his throat and he felt like a duck being grasped at its neck. His eyes widened to the point that they were about to fall onto the floor, “This… How can this be possible?”

The results unfolding before him drove him to the brink of insanity!

This was something he dared not to imagine!

Liu Yang was a student whom he personally invited over. Furthermore, the two even accompanied one another for half a month, giving rise to their close relationship. How could he possibly only hold such a level of trust towards him?

The giant numbers on the crystal ball were clear and conspicuous. As though it was a long sword, it stabbed into his heart—— 10!

Liu Yang’s trust level toward him was a mere 10 points!

Anything below ten meant a lack of trust. Ten was right at the boundary, but it wasn’t too far off from it.

Just a moment ago, he even narcissistically boasted that the trust level would be at least twenty. Yet, the result slapped him hard in his face.

“Is this the basis of your confidence?”

Zhang Xuan looked over.

“I…” Cao Xiong failed to catch his breath and almost fainted on the spot.

[I had gone through so much trouble, traveling the distance to find you and bring you over. After which, we even spent so much time together. Yet, how can your trust level be so low… Brother, what is wrong with you…]

Looking at Liu Yang, the thought of suicide even flashed through Cao Xiong’s mind.

[Where is the trust?

Where is the basic trust between humans?]

Library of Heaven's Path - Chapter 64: Trust Level

If one was expelled from the school, at the very least, he would still be a teacher. Even if not in Hongtian Academy, he could still teach at other academies!

On the other hand, if one’s teaching license was revoked, it would mean losing their identity. No matter where they go, it would remain as a stain on their history and they would suffer from the mocking of others!

That’s precisely the reason why Elder Shang Chen got Elder Mo from the Teacher Guild here. After all, despite being the head of the Education Bureau in Hongtian Academy, he didn’t have the qualifications to strip a teacher of his teaching license. Just then, he didn’t expect that… before he could even talk about it, this fellow had already brought it up!

Furthermore, adding a hundred God Slaying Flogs into the mix…

God Slaying Flog was a unique object created specially within Tianxuan Kingdom. One’s flesh would tear apart and they would feel excruciating pain when beaten by it. Yet, it didn’t hurt their core. No matter how powerful a person was, they would probably be half-dead by the time the sentence was completed.

[Do you find the punishment insufficiently harsh, or do you think that you aren’t dying fast enough?]

Everyone looked at the young man as though he was an idiot.

“Zhang Xuan laoshi, you…”

From behind, Shen Bi Ru laoshi barely managed to avoid fainting on the spot.

[Are you really unable to tell that this is a trap Shang Bin and Cao Xiong specially dug out for you? Their purpose is for you to leap in. Initially, being expelled from the school is already harsh enough. Yet, not only do you not try to push it down, you even raise the stakes up higher. Have you really gone insane…]

“Don’t blame anyone else since you are courting death!” Harrumphing coldly, Cao Xiong looked at Shang Chen, who was standing in the middle of the crowd. “Elder Shang, I concur with Zhang laoshi‘s suggestion. I hope that the academy can grant our request.”

Seeing him accept it so readily, Liu Yang slapped his forehead and looked at him with eyes of sympathy.

[Zhang laoshi is really evil!

He first feigns guilt so as to boost the other party’s confidence. After which, he makes use of the situation to up the stakes. Most probably, Cao Xiong laoshi won’t even know what is going on even after he is played to his death!]

“It is fortunate that he became my teacher. Otherwise, my life would be over…”

Upon recalling how he almost became the student of this Cao laoshi, Liu Yang shuddered and cowered backward.

“Un, alright then. Since both parties have agreed on the stakes, then let’s start the process!” Elder Shang Chen nodded his head. Two crystal balls, about the size of a watermelon each, were brought forward and placed on a stone pedestal. Completely transparent, they radiated warm light.

“These are crystal balls made of 【Will Inquisition Stone】. Zhang Xuan and Cao Xiong, both of you will drip a droplet of fresh blood on one of them each! After which, Liu Yang will touch them and the crystal balls will reflect the true thoughts in his mind in the form of 【Trust Level】! The one whose trust level is higher, he will emerge victorious! Are there any other questions?”

Elder Shang Chen asked.

“None at all!”

Zhang Xuan and Cao Xiong nodded their heads.

The Enlightenment Will Trial was actually a simple process. It only involved making use of the Will Inquisition Stone to peer into the innate world of the student. Whichever teacher the student trusted more, that teacher would win.

The rules might be simple, but the Will Inquisition Stone was an expensive commodity, not to mention that it was the type of product that was exceptionally rare. Furthermore, it was a single-use consumable. Thus, unless required, the academy was unwilling to use such means.

As for the expenditure required for the process, normally, it was compensated by the losing side.

In the eyes of Cao Xiong and the rest, Zhang Xuan was just an incapable trash who had scored a zero in the Teacher Qualification Examination. How could it be possible for Liu Yang, a student among the top hundred, to become his student willingly?

He was bound to lose the moment the trial started!

By then, not only would he be expelled from the academy shamefully, he would be bankrupt as well and his reputation would be in the gutters. Truly killing three birds with one stone.

“Let’s begin!”

Seeing that the two have no objections to it, Elder Shang Chen gestured with his hand.

Zhang Xuan and Cao Xiong walked upwards to a crystal ball each and dripped a droplet of their fresh blood on the crystal balls.

A warm glow radiated and their faces reflected in the Will Inquisition Crystal Balls.

“Go!” Elder Shang Chen said.

Liu Yang walked over and placed his left and right hands on a crystal ball each.

Weng!

The crystal balls immediately lit up and their radiance enveloped his entire body.

“The Will Inquisition Stone has hypnotic abilities. The moment one comes into contact with it, one will descend into an illusory realm. In there, all actions done will be a result of one’s true will, and no external factors will influence one’s will. If one was truly forced to become a student, not only will one not hold any trust towards his teacher, one might even hold feelings of abhorrence towards him! As such, the Enlightenment Will Trial is the most straightforward and accurate method to differentiate whether a student is truly willing to acknowledge a teacher!”

Gazing upon Liu Yang who had already closed his eyes and descended into the illusory realm, Elder Mo Xiang slowly said.

“Indeed, trust level represents the level of trust one holds towards another, and the maximum of which is a hundred points. Every ten points is a demarcation zone and zero points means an absolute lack of trust! Ten points means slight trust, twenty means average trust… The relationship between a teacher and student tends to be around thirty. It is said that the more incredible teachers can make a student’s trust in them reach fifty. That is considered an extremely fearsome result, and it is extremely rare for such results to appear, even considering the entire Tianxuan Kingdom! After all, a child’s trust towards their parents only hovers around sixty or such!”

Elder Shang Chen stroked his beard as he continued.

The conversation between the two was, in fact, telling the others about the concepts behind the Enlightenment Will Trial.

Humans were thinking creatures and each of them had their own thoughts. It wasn’t that easy a feat to have one trust in another.

Not mentioning others, even one’s parents, who have lived with them since young, were unable to reach a hundred points of trust!

Needless to say, a teacher.

Only through long periods of interaction could one’s trust level in another slowly rise up.

Yet, it had been barely two days since the start of school. Furthermore, given Zhang Xuan’s horrid reputation, how could he induce trust in any of his students?

It was clear to see even when thinking with one’s toes.

“Right, Elder Mo, I heard that one of the prerequisites to become a master teacher seems to be the student’s trust level, may I know if it is true?”

After explaining the process, Elder Shang Chen remembered something and was unable to hold in his curiosity, he asked.

Teachers could be divided into low-level, intermediate-level and high-level. Zhang Xuan belonged to the bottom category, low-level, whereas Shen Bi Ru and Shang Bin have already attained the ranking of high-level.

Most people’s journey came to an end as a high-level teacher.

The two famous teachers of Hongtian Academy, Lu Xun and Wang Chao, were also at this level.

Master teachers, however, were a level above that of high-level teachers!

Master teachers weren’t just famous for their reputation, they possessed their unique insights into cultivation. One could only become stronger under the tutelage of such a person, allowing them to eventually becoming a heroic figure of a territory.

Emperor Shen Zhui was neither the queen’s son or the eldest son. By logic, it was impossible for the crown to be passed down to him. However, it was said that during his youth, he once studied under a master teacher for a few days, causing his strength to increase by leaps and bounds, thus becoming the strongest of the younger generation. Eventually, he even became the number one expert of the royal family, therefore forming the basis for him to inherit the throne to further the country’s greatness!

It was the dream of countless people to study under a master teacher!

Teachers could only be considered as a lower occupation of the Upper Nine Paths. However, if one were to become a master teacher, then even among the numerous occupations among the Upper Nine Paths, they were without a doubt, and indisputably, a member of the number one occupation.

This was especially so, given the occupation’s frightening ability to rally people. Even the popular occupations like apothecary, blacksmith, formation masters… weren’t able to compete at all!

Teachers were known to have innumerable students all over the world. This was even more true for a master teacher. It was very possible for any expert one sees or hears of to be his student. The moment something happened, many people would answer to their calls, to the point that even those in authority dared not offend them.

It was said that there was once an emperor from a great kingdom who offended a master teacher. With a single call, dozens of Fighter 8-dan Zongshi realm experts surged in and in less than a day, the entire kingdom was destroyed. The royal family was completely purged, not a single descendant of their bloodline remained.

This was precisely why it is a known fact among cultivators that one could offend anyone, just not a master teacher!

Who knew how many students he has? Who knew how many experts there are in their midst?

Offending them was equivalent to stirring a hornet’s nest. Even if one didn’t die, he would be crippled!

Of course, the title of a master teacher wasn’t that easily attainable. There were many conditions and prerequisites to it, and earning a student’s trust rapidly was one of it.