Library of Heaven's Path - Chapter 287: Painter Guild

"Princess Mo Yu passed the master teacher examination?"

Zhang Xuan asked with doubt. Wasn't her still an apprentice when they were at Red Lotus City?

He had spent only twenty days in the Poison Hall. Could it be that the princess began the master teacher examination the moment she arrived in Tianwu Kingdom and had passed it?

"Princess Mo Yu is one of the most renowned geniuses in Tianwu Kingdom. She has just returned from her training half a month ago and, upon her return, passed the 2-star apothecary examination before taking on the master teacher examination. In a single breath, she overcame countless tests, and all that is left is the Question Symposium tomorrow. As long as she conquers the Question Symposium, she will become a true 1-star master teacher!"

The lady's eyes shone with excitement. "The only one who can outdo her feat of becoming a 1-star master teacher at twenty-two would be the number one genius in Tianwu Kingdom, Mo Hongyi!"

"Mo Hongyi?"

Despite being a 2-star apothecary, 1-star beast tamer, 1-star master teacher, and apprentice physician at twenty-two, she actually isn’t the number one genius?

"You don't know about him?"

Seeing the confusion on the other party's face, the lady became speechless.

If she hadn't witnessed his apprentice token for herself, she would have thought that he was a fake. noveltranslationweb.blogspot.com

It is one thing for you not to know about the various tests in the master teacher examination and the [Question Symposium]...

But to not even know Mo Hongyi... Which corner of the world did you pop out from?

"Is he famous?" Zhang Xuan asked.

Upon hearing those words, the lady suppressed the stifling sensation in her chest and asked, "It can't be that... is this is your first time coming to Tianwu Royal City?"

"Un!" Zhang Xuan nodded.

"Fine!"

Seeing how the other party admitted to the matter so frankly without the slightest bit of embarrassment, the lady rolled her eyes.

Anyone else would surely be filled with embarrassment and a sense of inferiority upon being asked such a question, but this fellow answered it so boldly.

It is as though coming to Tianwu Kingdom for the first time is a glorious affair...

It is truly a wonder how he has such confidence.

"Since you don't know about him, let me tell you!"

The lady explained, "Mo Hongyi is reputed as the number one genius in Tianwu Kingdom in the past thousand years of history and his name is known throughout the surrounding thirteen countries. Despite being just twenty-six this year, he is already a 1-star pinnacle master teacher, 2-star apothecary, 2-star formation master, and 2-star blacksmith!"

Zhang Xuan widened his eyes in shock.

1-star pinnacle master teacher, 2-star apothecary, 2-star formation master, and 2-star blacksmith...

Despite being just twenty-six, he was shouldering four great occupations of the Upper Nine Paths!

From the looks of it, he is on a totally different level from Lu Xun, who is also reputed as a genius in Tianxuan Kingdom. In fact, even Mo Yu is far from his match.

Seeing the change in the other party's expression, the lady nodded her head in satisfaction before continuing on, "Not only so, this Great Genius Mo's talent in cultivation is also outstanding. Three years ago, he achieved Zongshi realm and defeated the Zongshi realm intermediate stage General Tie Shu. After which, with a single sword, he slaughtered the Five Northern Warriors who have been plaguing the northern regions! One must know all five of them were Zongshi realm experts, and three of them had even reached Zongshi realm intermediate stage! For him to kill all five of them single-handedly, I would not have dared to believe it if I had not heard it from a reliable source."

"At the start of this year, he reached Zongshi realm advanced stage. Just a while ago, at the Heaven Spring Peak, he battled the Zongshi realm pinnacle Master Hong Ruo, defeating him within a hundred blows. Furthermore, in the midst of the battle, he successfully achieved a breakthrough in his cultivation, reaching Zongshi realm pinnacle. Even the emperor had complimented him as a genius who appears only once in a thousand years, and that his future accomplishments would be limitless!"

"Zongshi realm pinnacle at twenty-six? Furthermore, he is capable of battling those with cultivation above his?" Zhang Xuan was astounded.

It was no wonder why he could be reputed as the number one genius in the past thousand years. This Mo Hongyi was indeed a fearsome figure.

In comparison to him, all of the so-called 'geniuses' he had seen were as though fireflies before the sun, too insignificant to mention.

"Since this Mo Hongyi's surname is Mo, does it mean that he is part of the Tianwu royal family as well?"

Suddenly, Zhang Xuan noticed a peculiarity and asked.

Princess Mo Yu's surname is Mo, so this means that the royal family of Tianwu Kingdom goes by this surname. Can this Mo Hongyi be a member of royalty as well?

"That's right!" The lady nodded her head. "He is a son of one of the princes but he isn't favored by the emperor. Although he is Princess Mo Yu's elder brother in terms of seniority, his standing pales far in comparison to hers. Even so, given his talent, no one dares to underestimate him!"

"Un!" Zhang Xuan agreed.

In this world, even though one's birth determines his nobility, as long as one is willing to work hard, he can nevertheless earn respect.

Mo Hongyi was an example. Even though he wasn't in line for the throne, given his current prestige, if he truly wanted the crown, the other princes were not likely to be a match for him.

When one's capabilities exceed a certain level, schemes and ploys become laughable deeds that are comparable to playing house.

Seeing the other party enter into contemplation, the lady continued, "However, even though he's an incredible figure, I revere Princess Mo Yu more. Not only is she beautiful, she's talented as well. I want to be like her, polite, humble and possesses an earnest desire for knowledge. Just like her, I'll work hard and make a name for myself with my own capabilities!"

"Polite, humble, and possessing an earnest desire for knowledge?"

Zhang Xuan had been with this Princess Mo Yu for many days, but why hadn’t he notice these strengths of hers?

Shaking his head, he chose not to dwell on this question. Recalling all that the other party had said before, he asked, "The Question Symposium that you spoke of... Other than Princess Mo Yu, how many other people are taking it?"

Upon hearing his question, the lady rolled her eyes once more.

"Do you think master teachers are like cabbages in the market, available whenever you want it? There might not even be a single person who successfully passes every test in the master teacher examination in the whole of a year! I've specially traveled here from Quanhai City just to spectate the princess's master teacher inauguration ceremony, so how can there be anyone else?"

"Quanhai City?" A book appeared in Zhang Xuan's mind, and within it was a map of Tianwu Kingdom.

For example, if Tianwu Royal City were Tianxuan Royal City, Quanhai City would be similar to Baiyu City, the second largest city in Tianwu Kindom. Given that this talkative and extroverted lady was escorted by a Zongshi realm bodyguard, it was likely that her standing wasn't ordinary.

But that is to be expected as well. It is impossible for one to become a master teacher without sufficient connections to search for a good teacher to guide them.

After another short exchange, Zhang Xuan learned that her name was Ling Xiaoxiao and that she had just become a master teacher apprentice during the year.

The reason why she spoke so much to him was that they were fellow apprentices and that she thought that they should look out for one another.

"The Question Symposium will be carried out tomorrow afternoon at the Master Teacher Pavilion. If you wish to take the master teacher examination, you should take a look. I'll be leaving now, farewell!"

After speaking for a short while longer, Ling Xiaoxiao realized that this apprentice known as Zhang Xuan seemed to be completely ignorant of the master teacher examination. As such, she lost her interest to chat with him.

In her opinion, it would be several decades before he would be eligible to take the master teacher examination, and they were of two completely different standards.

"I should first find a restaurant to dine in before looking for lodging!"

Biding the lady farewell, Zhang Xuan stretched his back lazily.

He had already obtained a clear idea of the Master Teacher Pavilion’s location and it was getting late. Furthermore, after seven consecutive days of consuming dry rations on the back of the Howling Firmament Beast, Zhang Xuan had gotten sick of that food.

After eating his dinner, just as Zhang Xuan was about to look for an inn to settle in, he saw a massive building before him. On the plaque hung above its entrance were two majestic words which felt vigorous and soulful, as if it would soar out from the board at any time.

"Painter Guild?"

Recognizing the words on it, Zhang Xuan's eyes lit up.

The Painter, just like Apothecary, is an occupation of the Nine Paths and there is a guild to oversee its affairs. However, Tianxuan Kingdom was too small and remote, so it didn't possess the qualifications to build a branch.

Zhang Xuan didn't expect to see the Painter Guild right after entering Tianwu Royal City.

"I should take a look!"

Of the numerous skills that Zhang Xuan possessed, after pill forging and beast taming, the one he was the most skilled at was painting, and he was capable of even producing a painting of the fifth level. Since he managed to chance on the guild, it was a good chance for him to take the examination to become an official painter.

After all, he had only acquired the emblems of a 2-star beast tamer and 1-star apothecary at the moment and this looked rather plain.

As for poison master, even though his mastery in poison had also reached the level of a 2-star, he was in disguise as the envoy's 'senior granduncle' then, so it was impossible for him to take the poison master examination. Naturally, he didn't manage to obtain the corresponding emblem.

But even if he were to have successfully acquired it, given how hostile the other occupations were toward poison masters, he wouldn't dare to take it out either.

As such thoughts flashed through his mind, Zhang Xuan stepped into the Painter Guild.

As expected of the Painter Guild. Its vast hall was arranged in an orderly and artistic manner, making one feel as though he has stepped into a painting.

Slowly walking inward, Zhang Xuan felt as if he were walking leisurely in the midst of a book, and an indescribable sensation of comfort embraced him.

Hung on the walls around him were all kinds of art pieces, and every single one of them was astonishingly lifelike, having reached the first level of paintings, Reality Depiction.

A painter has to grasp the first four realms of a painting, Reality Depiction, Spiritual Canvas, Infused Intentions, and Breathtaking Verisimilitude before he can be qualified as a 1-star. Even though a painting of the first level sounds unexceptional, several years of effort is required before one can produce such a painting.

Without sufficient experience and comprehension, it is no simple task to depict a scenery realistically.

Those who are capable of drawing these paintings are at minimum apprentice painters.

"Gongzi, may I know what kind of painting you are looking for? I can bring you around!"

As Zhang Xuan slowly browsed through the paintings, a green-robed attendant suddenly walked up to him politely.

"Are these paintings for sale?"

Zhang Xuan pointed to those pieces hung on the wall.

"Indeed! Isn't gongzi here to buy a painting? The attendant nodded.

If the Painter Guild doesn’t sell paintings, where else can one buy them?

"Oh..." After giving the matter some thought, Zhang Xuan felt embarrassed for asking this question. It was similar to how the Apothecary Guild sold pills. It was absurd to think that the Painter Guild doesn’t sell paintings.

Nodding his head, Zhang Xuan asked, "These are all paintings of the first level. Are there any higher level paintings?"

"Please follow me upstairs! In the guild, the paintings on the first floor are mainly those of the first level, the paintings on the second floor are mainly those of the second level, and so on. Gongzi, what level of painting are you interested in buying? I'll bring you up right now!" The attendant's eyes lit up.

The higher the level of the painting, the more expensive it was. As an attendant, he received a commission based on the price of the painting sold. The more expensive the painting Zhang Xuan bought, the more money the attendant would earn.

"Is there..."

Just as he was about to ask if there was any painting of the fifth level for him to look through, he saw a crowd charge forward.

"Hurry up, Ji Mo gongzi is out!"

"He passed the 1-star painter examination?"

"Indeed! The examination has just ended and in order to thank the crowd for their support, he intends to conduct an open painting, and will auction the finished art piece on the spot!"

"Open painting? Great! I will get his painting for sure..."

...

People in the crowed started to discuss among themselves.

They were mostly young ladies and, walking slightly forward, Zhang Xuan could see a few middle-aged men. Judging by the clothes on them, they were likely to possess great wealth.

"Ji Mo gongzi, painting?"

Zhang Xuan looked at them contemptuously.

"Ji Mo is the young master of the capital's Ji Clan. Despite just being in his teens, he is already an official painter of the guild..." Upon speaking of Ji Mo gongzi, the attendant's face grew red in agitation as well. "Gongzi, if you intend to purchase a painting, you should take a look at the open painting too. If you can buy Young Master Ji's painting, you will have made your trip here worth it."

Library of Heaven's Path - Chapter 286: Tianwu Royal City

The vast lands of Tianwu Kingdom span tens of thousands of kilometers.

Due to the backing of 2-star master teachers, it is classified as a Tier 1 Kingdom.

Tianxuan, Beiwu, Hanwu, Beichen, Qianyuan, Anyuan, Baili... With Tianwu located right at the center of twelve other neighboring kingdoms, Tianwu Kingdom became the cultivation and trading hub in the area, a sacred land where countless people yearned to traveled to.

Princess Mo Yu had long left on her Viridescent Eagle, and thus, Zhang Xuan was the only person on the Howling Firmament Beast’s back. Out of boredom, Zhang Xuan worked on increasing his knowledge in the Library of Heaven's Path and, at the same time, reinforced his cultivation and evaluated his current condition. noveltranslationweb.blogspot.com

"Along with the rise of my cultivation, the effect of the Heaven's Path Golden Body is becoming increasingly insignificant..."

When Zhang Xuan was at Tongxuan realm, the Heaven's Path Golden Body had allowed him to easily subdue cultivators of the same realm. Upon reaching Half-Zongshi, the effects had become less apparent. Eventually, when he reaches Zongshi realm, its potency would be reduced further.

To the point that it becomes insignificant.

It appeared there was a need for him to look for additional physical body cultivation techniques for further upgrade and training.

As for Heaven's Path Fist Art, Heaven's Path Leg Art, Heaven's Path Movement Art... Even though they were simple moves, they wielded incredible strength. From the looks of it, before he reached Zhizun, it was unlikely for him to be outdone in terms of battle technique. Thus, there was no hurry for him to look for new books.

"I'll have to take the master teacher examination as soon as possible after reaching Tianwu Kingdom. Only after becoming a master teacher will I gain the rights to enter the Master Teacher Pavilion and browse through records on Kong shi..."

On the way here, he had written what Gu Mu told him about Kong shi on a blank piece of paper and confirmed the matter using the Library of Heaven's Path. It was true that Celestial Kong shi was afflicted with the Innate Fetal Poison just like him and that he was later cured of the poison.

That was to say, the Innate Fetal Poison wasn't without a cure. It was just that at his current standard, he was unable to identify the correct method to cure it.

After coming to this conclusion, Zhang Xuan felt reassured. However, at the same time, doubts emerged in his mind. His previous self was only an orphan, so why would an 8-star or 9-star poison master go so far as to poison him himself?

Could it be possible that he possessed an incredible background and came from a powerful family?

Even though Zhang Xuan was perplexed, he decided not to think too much about the matter. Putting aside the fact that his previous self was an abandoned orphan, he, as a transcender, felt uncomfortable at the thought of abruptly stumbling upon people claiming to be his parents or one of his kins.

Rather than to feel distressed, it was much wiser to just ignore it altogether.

In any case, with the Library of Heaven's Path in his grasp, Zhang Xuan could only grow stronger. The world is vast, and there was nowhere that he couldn't go!

After traveling for another two days, when the sun was about to set in the west, a towering city appeared before Zhang Xuan's eyes. Under the orange glow of the evening sun, the city appeared just like a vast mountain range which extended into the horizon.

The city was more than several dozen times larger than Tianxuan Royal City. Its infrastructures were beautiful and elegant and the ancient city walls which stood dozens of meters tall were comparable to relics of history and were altogether an imposing sight.

Staring down from above, the streets in the city were well-connected and filled with crowds walking to and fro. All kinds of carriages and horses were traveling in and out of the city, creating an image of a lively painting.

As the trading hub of thirteen kingdoms, Tianwu Royal City was extraordinarily grand. It simply wasn't something that any of the cities Zhang Xuan had seen could compare to.

"Let's go down!"

Knowing that a city of such scale would surely have restrictions on massive savage beasts such as the Howling Firmament Beast, Zhang Xuan decided not to cause a ruckus. Thus, he landed at a location in the mountains not too far from the city, where the Howling Firmament Beast could behave freely, before walking toward the grand city with big strides.

"Please wait a moment! You've to pay the entrance fee to enter the city!"

He was about to walk through the gates when a group of guards stopped him.

"Entrance fee?"

Only upon looking around him did he realize that all visitors had to pay a certain sum to enter the city. If there wasn't such a restriction, the Tianwu Royal City's population would surely suffer from an uncontrollable population growth, possibly to the point that even the Tianwu royal family would be unable to manage the situation.

"That's right! Unless you're a master teacher or apprentice, you'll have to pay the toll fee!"

The guard said.

Master teachers were the foundation to the progress of the world, and thus, they possessed a high status in society. No matter where they went, they would be granted special privileges. This was something that the other occupations can never enjoy.

"Enough, what's the use of wasting your breath on him? Given his age, how could he be a master teacher or a master teacher apprentice?"

"That's right. Hurry up, there is a huge crowd waiting behind you!"

Seeing that the fellow was wasting their times, the two guards became impatient. The crowd behind which was waiting to enter the city was also urging them to hurry up.

What are you putting an act for?

Since its establishment several thousand years ago, a toll had been imposed on all entries into the city. For you to not even know such a basic fact, which backward place did you come from?

"How much does it cost?"

Ignoring their irritated gazes, Zhang Xuan asked.

"100 gold coins!" A guard replied.

"100?" Zhang Xuan was astonished.

Even a star teacher in Hongtian Academy earn only two thousand gold coins per month. Hundred gold coins for an entrance fee was indeed exorbitant.

"That's right!"

Seeing the shocked expression on the other party's face, it was clear that he was someone who had never seen the world. The guards stared at him contemptuously.

To make such a huge fuss over a hundred gold coins, it is clear that he is a poor bloke.

"I don't have money..."

Zhang Xuan shook his head.

Upon hearing those words, the guards revealed an expression that screamed 'I knew that you would say that' and bellowed, "If you don't have money, don't waste our time here! For you to think that you can enter the city like that, you must be dreaming..."

However, before he could finish his words, the irksome fellow before him lifted up a token in his hand and looked at him with an excited expression, "But with this, I shouldn't have to pay any money, right..."

"No matter what you have, it doesn't make a difference... Ah? A master teacher apprentice identity token..."

Halfway through his words, the guard recognized the token in the other party's hands. His entire body trembled in shock, and all of the words that he was about to speak choked in his mouth. At this point, he was already on the verge of tears.

"Are you... a master teacher apprentice?"

Those guards who were criticizing him just a moment ago turned pale upon seeing the token.

They had thought that he was a countryside bumpkin, but to think that he would be a formidable figure.

Brother, if you're a master teacher apprentice, you could have just entered straight away. Why do you have to go through all the trouble to ask us about the toll fee? Aren't you intentionally making things difficult for us...

"Please enter..."

Suppressing the stifling sensation in their chests, the guards stepped aside immediately to open up a path for him...

If the royal family were to find out that they had troubled a master teacher apprentice, their heads might be lopped off their necks.

Upon seeing that the token Liu shi and the others could allow him to enter freely, Zhang Xuan nodded in satisfaction. "To think that this toy would be this useful, saving me a hundred gold coins so easily..."

"..." The guards.

They had seen misers, but they had never seen such a scrooge.

For a master teacher apprentice, a figure who induces respect no matter where he goes, to be so happy just because he saved a hundred gold coins...

Behaving like that, aren’t you doing injustice to your prestigious identity?

Ignoring the stifled guards, Zhang Xuan walked right into the city.

Even though he had several ten million gold coins in his storage ring, he nevertheless maintained the mindset of a spendthrift. After all, gold coin saved is a gold coin earned. As for the opinions of others...

What does it have to do with me!

...

The streets within the city were wide, shops could be seen all around and vendors shouted passionately to gather customers. The remaining sunlight from the setting sun reflected off the towering buildings, inducing in oneself a warm feeling.

"As expected of Tianwu Royal City, an object picked at random from any vendor is of much higher grade than those in Tianxuan Kingdom!"

Walking along the street, Zhang Xuan glanced at the various products sold in the stores and he could not help but feel astonished.

Him right now was like Granny Liu stepping into the Prospect Gardens, curious about everything around him.

Even though he had read about most of the objects present here in the books, it was a different thing to see them in person.

"So you're a master teacher apprentice as well?"

Zhang Xuan was looking around his surroundings when a voice sounded behind him. Turning around, he saw a lady in her twenties looking at him with a perplexed expression.

This lady was dressed in a light green robe. Even though her appearance paled in comparison to amazing beauties like Shen Bi Ru and the others, she had an amiable face which felt pleasant to the sight.

An elder dressed in an obvious bodyguard outfit stood beside her, and the aura he exuded felt deep. From time to time, a spark of light would flash across his eyes.

He was a Zongshi realm expert!

To be able to hire a Zongshi realm expert as her bodyguard, this lady was likely to be of an extraordinary standing.

"Un!"

Zhang Xuan replied casually. It was likely that these two saw his apprentice token when he entered the city, so they gave chase to ask him about it.

"Me too!"

With a laughter, the lady flipped her hand and a token appeared in her palm.

To think that she would be a master teacher apprentice as well.

"Incredible!" Zhang Xuan was impressed.

In Tianxuan Kingdom, even someone as outstanding as Lu Xun was unable to become a master teacher apprentice, but a random lady he met on the streets turned out to be one. The disparity between both kingdoms was indeed huge.

The lady was clearly satisfied with Zhang Xuan's response, and her attitude toward him improved significantly. "My teacher is 1-star Master Teacher Cheng Xuan. May I know who you're studying under?"

"My teacher isn't well-known, and I doubt you would have heard of him!" Zhang Xuan shook his head.

He didn't actually have a teacher, and this token was given to him by Liu shi and the others. As such, he could only beat around the bush.

Seeing that the other party was unwilling to disclose anything, the lady also didn't pursue this any further. Instead, she looked at him with a doubtful expression and asked, "For you to arrive at the capital at such a time... can you be here for the [Question Symposium] as well?

"Question Symposium?" Zhang Xuan was bewildered. "What's that?"

"You don't know?" The lady stared at Zhang Xuan as though he was a monster. "The Question Symposium is the final test for the master teacher examination. Only those who have passed the Question Symposium can become a true master teacher. Since you're a master teacher apprentice, how can you not even know about it?"

Zhang Xuan was confused.

He only obtained the apprentice token by impersonating as 'Yang shi's' disciple, so there wasn't anyone to explain to him the process of the master teacher examination. Previously, Liu shi and the others had only spoken briefly about the eligibility for the examination, and they hadn’t touched on anything else in detail. Thus, he didn't know about the Question Symposium.

"That's right!" The lady hesitated for a moment, and a thought seemed to have flashed into her head. Coming to an epiphany, she said, "I get it, you must have just become an apprentice not too long ago! As a new apprentice, it is a long way before you can take the master teacher examination. Naturally, your teacher wouldn't have told you about the examination yet!"

Zhang Xuan nodded in agreement.

Putting aside how long it had been since he became a master teacher apprentice, it wasn't even two months since he arrived in this world. Besides, there wasn't even a single master teacher in Tianxuan Kingdom, and there wasn't a single book on master teachers. Thus, it would be a wonder if Zhang Xuan knew about the examination process.

"Since you've just become an apprentice, you need not be so anxious. Study hard, and as long as you pass the examination within ten years, you will bring glory to your ancestors!"

Hearing that the other party had just become an apprentice, the lady's attitude became even more amiable. "After all, we can't expect ourselves to be as talented as Princess Mo Yu and pass the master teacher examination at twenty-two!"

Upon speaking of Princess Mo Yu, her eyes began to glow in reverence.

---

Granny Liu stepping into the Prospect Gardens

Reference to the Dream of the Red Chamber. It is similar to Alice walking into Wonderland.

Library of Heaven's Path - Chapter 285: Master Teacher Pavilion, Here I Come!

Roar!

In the split moment when Gu Mu's attention was diverted by Zhang Xuan, the Lava Beast charged forward once more, generating frightening torrid air currents that threatened to rip him apart.

Taking a deep breath, Gu Mu prepared to face it once more with the sword in his hands. However, at this moment, his senior granduncle's voice sounded once again.

"Don't fend off its attack, keep your sword back into your storage ring!"

"Don't fend off its attack?"

Upon hearing those words, Gu Mu glanced at the agitated Lava Beast which was charging toward him and he nearly keeled over.

If he doesn’t fend against such a violent attack, won’t he be killed instantly?

"Hurry up!" In the midst of his hesitation, the voice urged him.

"Alright!"

Even though he was doubtful, he didn't think that his senior granduncle would go through so much trouble to kill him. Thus, he kept his sword back into his storage ring, and at this moment, became completely defenseless.

"Stretch your head toward him!"

Right after he kept his sword, the next instruction reached his ears.

Gu Mu staggered, and he nearly fell off the granite tile into the lava.

I can still accept it, albeit reluctantly, when you tell me to keep my sword and not fend off its attack, but why in the world do I have to stretch my head forward?

Senior granduncle, are you in such a hurry to see me die?

Looking at how furious the Lava Beast is charging at me, wouldn't it bite my head off immediately if I were to stretch it over?

This isn't beast taming at all, this is a tribute...

"Don't waste any time, hurry up!"

The voice by his ear urged him.

The duo was conversing through zhenqi telepathy. Even though they had exchanged quite a few words, only two breaths had passed. At this moment, the ferocious Lava Beast was just three meters away from Gu Mu, and it could bite down on him at any moment now. It was already too late to try anything else.

"Forget it, I'll just give it a try!"

Reminding himself of the fact that his senior granduncle could have easily killed him when he was unconscious, he told himself that there was no need for him to use this gigantic fellow to murder him. Gritting his teeth, he stuck out his head, pointing it right into the other party’s gaping mouth.

"This..."

As the duo spoke using telepathy, Liao Xun was completely oblivious to their exchange. Upon seeing the envoy trying to send his head into the mouth of the Lava Beast, he was horrified. His entire body trembled violently, and he was about to pass out.

Others would prepare delicacies and treasures to attract a savage beast's attention in order to tame it. It was his first time seeing someone offer his own head...

Even those who surpassed Zhizun realm would have their brain matter spurt out upon the bite of the Lava Beast!

If the envoy were to be killed here, he wouldn't have to dream about holding on to his position as the new Hall Master. He would be summoned by the headquarter immediately and be questioned for a month or two before being sentenced to death by poison.

He quickly turned to look at the 'senior granduncle', but the other party was watching the situation impassively. There wasn't the slightest bit of anxiety in his eyes.

"Senior granduncle..."

Liao Xun couldn't help but yell for the other party to do something. However, before he could say anything else, he saw the other party point forward with his finger.

Hurriedly turning his head over, he witnessed a sight that left his eyes widened.

Gu Mu’s head was already within the Lava Beast’s mouth and if the latter closed its mouth, he would be killed on the spot. However, at this crucial moment... Not only did the Lava Beast not bite down, it even turned around to flee.

Isn't it intent on tearing Gu Mu into pieces a moment ago? Why would it back away when the other party has delivered his head to it?

What... is this situation?

He wasn't the only one who was bewildered by what was happening. Gu Mu was also confounded.

He had already prepared himself for his death and he hadn’t expected such a situation to occur.

"Don't blank out. Quickly, rush forward and grab its tail!"

Gu Mu was still trying to make sense out of the situation when his senior granduncle's voice echoed once more.

At this point, he was already holding complete confidence in the other party's words. Thus, he stepped against the granite tile immediately and flew forward as if he were a swallow. In the blink of an eye, he had caught up with the other party.

Closing his arms, he embraced the creature’s bulky tail tightly.

Roar!

Having his tail grabbed, the Lava Beast panicked. It began to thrash about immediately with all its might, and lava splashed into the surroundings, burning hole after hole in Gu Mu's clothes.

"What do I do next?"

Sensing that his zhenqi was reaching its limits from fending against the lava’s heat, Gu Mu asked anxiously.

"Hold its tail tightly, no matter what it does!"

Zhang Xuan replied.

"Alright!"

With vicious tenacity, Gu Mu held onto the Lava Beast's tail with his four limbs. No matter how the other party struggled, he refused to let go. At this moment, he had no choice but to furiously pump even more zhenqi to fend off the intense heat in the surroundings.

Roar! Roar!

With its tail grabbed, Lava Beast was infuriated and it howled ceaselessly in anger, trying its best to shake Gu Mu off. However, its movements gradually slowed, and in less than a single minute, it went limp, its condition resembling a dead snake.

"This..."

Seeing the Lava Beast collapse, Gu Mu heaved a sigh of relief. He thought that he was going to die, and the current situation was unbelievable to him.

He had felt the ferocity from the Lava Beast when he faced it just a moment ago, that if it could, it would surely have torn him into pieces. But... when he stretched his head toward the other party, why did it refuse to bite down and, instead, back off? Also, why did grabbing its tail result in this situation?

"Alright, bring it up to shore!"

Gu Mu was still wondering when he heard his senior granduncle's instruction in his ears.

"Yes!"

Grabbing onto the tail end of the paralyzed Lava Beast, he exercised his zhenqi and dragged it to shore.

In no time, the human and the beast were on the concrete granite ground.

Zhang Xuan walked up to the Lava Beast the moment it was on shore. With a flick of his wrist, a few silver needles appeared in his hands and he threw them straight at the Lava Beast.

"Tell it to submit to you. If it agrees, I'll help it achieve a breakthrough in its cultivation. Otherwise, die!"

After which, Zhang Xuan sat quietly by the side.

"Alright!"

Gu Mu walked up to the Lava Beast and relayed Zhang Xuan's words. A moment later, its massive head nuzzled against him, displaying its submission.

The contract was established swiftly and Gu Mu had successfully tamed the Lava Beast.

Liao Xun was completely dumbfounded, observing everything from beside

He had seen people tame beasts, but he had never seen anyone doing it so speedily!

That is a Zhizun realm pinnacle savage beast! For it to submit to a human so easily, isn't this... too simple?

If taming a beast is that easy, doesn’t that mean that I can be a beast tamer as well?

He wasn't the only one who thought so. Gu Mu also felt as if he was in a dream.

If not for the massive Lava Beast nuzzling against him continuously, he would truly doubt if everything was an illusion.

"Senior granduncle..."

Knowing that the one who pulled this miracle off was the senior granduncle, the duo turned to look at him immediately.

"This Lava Beast lives in the lava, and it doesn't have any peer or companion. It has never come into contact with any other life forms, and as such, it has a skeptical personality, having a fear of coming into contact with unfamiliar things!"

Knowing the question that was lingering in their minds, Zhang Xuan explained.

Even a person would become autistic after living in seclusion for too long, needless to say, a savage beast.

A Zhizun realm pinnacle savage beast possesses an intelligence that is in no way inferior to humans. Living in the depths of the volcano, it had not once met another lifeform. As such, it was filled with curiosity and fear for Gu Mu.

"When you utilized brute force and tried to kill it, it had retaliated instinctively. Even though this Lava Beast didn’t have any battle experience, it held the advantage of being on its home ground, and it would have been impossible for you to emerge triumphantly!" Zhang Xuan continued.

Gu Mu nodded.

In that battle just now, he could barely fend off the other party's attacks. He clearly wasn't a match for the latter.

If it had continued that way, he would surely have died.

"Even though keeping your sword and sending your head to it was a clear act of suicide, the skeptical Lava Beast was doubtful toward your actions, and it felt fear! That's because... the move was irrational!"

Zhang Xuan smiled, "On top of that, the Lava Beast has a huge weakness on its mouth. Upon seeing your irrational movement, it began to suspect if you had noticed that weakness and that you were baiting it. Thus, it chose to escape instead."

"So that's the case!"

Upon hearing the explanation, Gu Mu and Liao Xun came to a realization.

Gu Mu felt relieved that he had listened to his senior granduncle earlier on. Otherwise, if he were to continue fighting against the Lava Beast, he would have become a cripple by now.

"Then... Why did grabbing its tail cause it to fall limp and lose its ability to fight?"

"Do savage beasts need to breathe?" Zhang Xuan looked at him.

"Of course they need to breathe..." Surprised by the question, Gu Mu was stunned for a moment before he hurriedly nodded his head.

Just like humans, savage beasts require air to survive.

"The Lava Beast had been living in the lava, but when we first arrived, we didn't see it. Don't you find it strange?"

Gu Mu was taken aback by Zhang Xuan's words.

The reason why fishes can breathe in water is that it has gills that can filter out water and absorb the oxygen contained within it. Lava is in fact just molten granite and it is impossible for there to be oxygen within the thick lava. When the three of them first arrived, they did not observe the Lava Beast's head. It was only after Liao Xun threw a stone at the lotus that it jumped out.

Can it be that... this fellow doesn’t need to breathe?

But that is impossible!

It is not heard of that a savage beast can survive without breathing!

"The breathing organ for Lava Beast, which is to mean the nose that we speak of, isn't on its head. Rather, it's on its... tail!" Zhang Xuan explained.

"On its tail?"

The duo hurriedly turned to the Lava Beast, and they saw two rows of fine opening on its tail.

"Usually, this fellow would hide in the lava, exposing only its tail to breathe. Furthermore, its tail is the same color as the lava, and that's the reason why we failed to notice it when we first arrived!"

Zhang Xuan smiled, "The reason why I had you hug the other party's tail is to obstruct its breathing. While a cultivator would still be able to sustain himself through his zhenqi, the same can’t be said about savage beasts! Not to mention, it was thrashing around the scorching lava, causing its stamina to fall rapidly! Naturally, it would lose its ability to fight! I didn't notice these special characteristics from the start as well and I only managed to deduce them during your battle."

"I see!"

Gu Mu finally comprehended the situation the reason why his senior granduncle didn't say anything at the start. The other party wasn't toying with him, he was observing the characteristics of the Lava Beast to formulate a plan to subdue and tame it.

It was laughable that he mistook his intentions... It was truly embarrassing!

Upon knowing all these facts, Gu Mu's reverence for his senior granduncle reached a new peak.

He was able to deduce the characteristics and personality of this Lava Beast within such a short period of time while observing their battle and formulate a method to tame it. Even a 4-star beast tamer would be incapable of accomplishing the same feat!

On top of that, the needles which he shot out at the Lava Beast probably curbed the other party's movements. Otherwise, it was impossible for the taming process to proceed so smoothly. noveltranslationweb.blogspot.com

"Now that the Lava Beast has been tamed, you can now harvest the lotus seed!" Done with his explanation, Zhang Xuan waved casually.

"Alright!"

Gu Mu nodded, and without a word ado, he leaped into the lava once more, flitting swiftly toward the Crimson Flame Lotus.

Actually, upon seeing Gu Mu successfully tame the Lava Beast, Zhang Xuan had heaved a sigh of relief as well.

Just like humans, the Library of Heaven's Path will compile a book on a savage beast when it is engaged in a fight. The reason why he had Gu Mu face off with it was to compile a book to view its flaws.

Once he knew its flaws, the rest became simple.

Without the obstruction of the Lava Beast, Gu Mu brought a lotus pod back in no time. There were nine gold lotus seeds within and it emanated a fragrance which rejuvenated one's spirit.

"Senior granduncle, this is the Crimson Flame Lotus Seed..."

Placing the lotus seed carefully in a jade box, Gu Mu passed it forward.

"Un!" Grabbing over the box, Zhang Xuan took out two of the seeds and passed it over to Gu Mu. "One is for you, while the other one is for this Lava Beast!"

They had agreed beforehand that Gu Mu would take one Crimson Flame Lotus Seed, while the rest would belong to Zhang Xuan.

Due to the presence of this Lava Beast which was already at Zhizun pinnacle, Zhang Xuan decided to give him another seed.

After all, if not for this envoy telling him about it, Zhang Xuan wouldn't have known that there was such a treasure hidden in this Poison Hall branch and he would have missed it.

"Thank you, senior granduncle!"

Gu Mu was moved with great agitation.

"Here, I will leave this one at this branch. Whoever who reaches Zhizun realm pinnacle first will gain the right to consume it!"

Zhang Xuan took out another seed and passed it to Liao Xun.

The latter was also extremely grateful to Zhang Xuan.

Even though the Crimson Flame Lotus Seed was a precious commodity, it wasn't of much use to Zhang Xuan.

As long as he was able to find sufficient secret manuals, breaking through Zhizun realm pinnacle wasn't a problem at all. As such, the bottleneck in cultivation which others faced was non-existent for him.

Since it wasn't much use to him, and that he had obtained it from the Red Lotus Range Poison Hall branch, he didn't think that it was right for him to deprive the branch of all seeds.

After giving three of the lotus seeds out, Zhang Xuan kept the remaining six in his storage ring.

"Since I'm done with the matters here, it's time for me to leave!"

Zhang Xuan had accomplished his primary aim of browsing through the books in the Poison Hall, and he obtained the Crimson Flame Lotus Seeds on top of that. After conducting the last treatment for Gu Mu, he bided the others farewell.

"Senior granduncle... Where can I find you if I wish to greet you in the future?"

Even though he knew that the other party would leave after harvesting the Crimson Flame Lotus Seeds, Gu Mu nevertheless felt a reluctance to part with him.

Even though he had merely known the other party for a few days, the latter had treated his trauma and helped him tame a Zhizun realm pinnacle savage beast. The favor that he had showered upon him was so great that it would be hard for him to repay.

Even though he had roughly guessed that the other party might not be his senior granduncle as he claimed to be, it didn't hinder his respect for him in any way.

"The world is my home. If we're fated, we'll eventually meet!" Zhang Xuan shook his head.

He was assuming a pseudo identity, and it was best for them not to meet ever again.

"Senior granduncle, this is my identity token. I know that it is useless to senior granduncle, but if you have any kin or students who are in trouble, you can get them to take this to Xuanyuan Kingdom's Poison Hall to look for me. As long as it is within my means, I'll do my best to help!"

With a flick of his wrist, he retrieved a jade token and then passed it to Zhang Xuan.

"Alright then, thank you!"

Knowing that the other party was doing this to repay the gratitude, Zhang Xuan didn't turn him down. He took the token and kept it in his storage ring.

"Farewell!"

After saying all that had to be said, Zhang Xuan walked out of the Poison Hall with large strides.

He remembered the roads he took on the way here with the Great Herb King, so even without anyone to lead him, he was able to leave easily.

Five days later, he finally stepped out from the perimeters of the Red Lotus Range.

He yelled with a deep tone, and after a moment, the Steelfang Howling Firmament Beast appeared in the air above him.

Leaping onto the back of the Howling Firmament Beast, the latter unfurled its wings, and the duo headed straight toward Tianwu Royal City.

Master Teacher Pavilion, here I come!

Library of Heaven's Path - Chapter 284: Go Down and Beat It Up

Upon hearing those words, Gu Mu and Liao Xun's eyes lit up, "Can it be that senior granduncle intends to subdue it?"

The person before them was an incredible expert who had surpassed the Zhizun realm. No matter how domineering this giant fellow was in the lava, if he were to make a move personally, he would be able to kill it effortlessly.

"It is just a small savage beast, it's not worthy of being my opponent!"

Zhang Xuan shook his head, revealing an expression full of disdain. However, on the inside, he was spurting blood.

Me, subdue it?

What a joke!

That is a Zhizun realm savage beast! Even if I were to face it on land, I will run as far as I can. To want me to subdue it...

If I were to really get closer, I would become a delectable meal for the other party.

"Then..."

The duo was perplexed.

"It isn't easy for a savage beast to achieve a Zhizun realm pinnacle cultivation. It would be a pity to kill it!"

Zhang Xuan shook his head, and a benevolent expression appeared on his face, "Gu Mu, since you're my junior, I'll give you this opportunity to tame this savage beast! Once it becomes your tamed beast, harvesting the Crimson Flame Lotus Seed will be easy!"

"Me... tame it?"

Gu Mu was still wondering what ideas Zhang Xuan had in mind when he heard the other party's words. He staggered and nearly blacked out.

Even on land, it would be difficult for him to defeat this massive fellow. To face him in lava was equivalent to courting death!

To talk about taming the savage beast... it would already be a huge blessing for him to not be the one who gets tamed!

"Senior granduncle, I know nothing about beast taming..." With a reddened face, Gu Mu shook his head hurriedly.

He had dedicated himself to the Way of Poison. Even though he had heard of beast taming, it was something very unfamiliar and foreign to him.

To tame a humongous fellow who has achieved the same cultivation realm...

Better not. I wish to live a much longer life.

"There's no need to worry about that, I can guide you!" Zhang Xuan's eyebrows shot up. With an imposing tone, he spoke, "Don’t you believe your senior granduncle?"

"I dare not..." Shuddering, Gu Mu hurriedly bowed. Then, unable to hold back his curiosity, he asked, "Senior granduncle... Can it be that you are well-versed in beast taming as well?"

Even though this senior granduncle of his didn't appear much older than him, his mastery of poison far surpassed him, and his understanding of the Way of Medicine didn't seem to be mediocre. Could it be that he is versed in the art of beast taming as well?

If that was the case, he would surely have been a legendary figure. But if that was the case, why hadn't he heard of him?

"I know a thing or two!"

Nodding his head, Zhang Xuan placed his hands behind his back as he walked to the mouth of the volcano. The Lava Beast was swimming in the lava around the Crimson Flame Lotus, resembling a gigantic snake. To harvest the seeds, it was impossible for them to get close without alarming it.

Turning around, Zhang Xuan stared at Gu Mu. "This is a Zhizun pinnacle savage beast, and countless people dream of taming such a savage beast. This is a good opportunity, are you really reluctant to grasp hold of it?"

"I..." Seeing the other party's serious expression, Gu Mu hesitated for a moment. Then, with a slightly reddened face, he asked, "Can I... really tame it?"

Taming a savage beast of the same cultivation realm meant that his fighting prowess would be increased twofold. In truth, he was tempted by the idea.

On top of that, if it were to consume the Crimson Flame Lotus Seed, it was possible that it would be able to break through its bottleneck. At that time, with the strength of the human and the beast in unison, he would have a much better chance at exacting vengeance.

Just that... Isn't taming savage beasts a skill that only beast tamers are capable of?

Guide me?

Even if you were to guide me, it is impossible for me to become a beast tamer instantly and be able to tame this incredible savage beast!

"If you follow my instructions carefully, taming it shouldn't be a problem!"

Sensing that the other party had been tempted by his offer, Zhang Xuan swung his sleeves and spoke indifferently, "The choice is yours. If you are unwilling to do so, we can drop the idea. It's just a Zhizun realm savage beast, I can kill it effortlessly. However... If you miss this opportunity, there won't be a second chance."

"This..."

Gu Mu's eyes flickered with hesitation and doubt. But eventually, he gritted his teeth and nodded, "Alright, senior granduncle. What should I do... Do I need to prepare anything?"

It was indeed a good opportunity for him. Not only did the savage beast rival him in strength, it did not fear poison. The moment he succeeded, his standing in the Xuanyuan branch would rise greatly.

Even though Gu Mu had never tamed a savage beast, he had seen others do so. He knew that a beast tamer would have to prepare numerous items beforehand so as to attract the other party's attention and win its goodwill.

He would have to find a way to deepen his bond with it and gradually gain intimacy before it would submit to him.

"There's no need for it, and there's no time either!"

Zhang Xuan shook his head, "Since this fellow has decided to camp around this Crimson Flame Lotus, he must be extremely fond of it. No matter what it is that we prepare, it is impossible to be more attractive to it than this lotus. Besides, the lotus seed has already matured and it is ready for consumption. If we were to start making preparations now, by the time we're done, it would have already eaten all of the seeds."

"That..." Gu Mu was perplexed.

If we do not prepare any gifts for the Lava Beast, how will we attract its attention?

At this moment, the 'senior granduncle's' voice sounded once more.

"It's simple. You'll jump down right now and beat it up. After that, I will tell you how you should tame it!"

"Beat it up?"

Gu Mu's face turned green.

Other people would be thinking of ways to win the trust of the savage beast and move it. Yet, this senior granduncle asked me to attack it...

Won’t we incur this gigantic fellow's wrath this way? Once this fellow bears hostility toward us, wouldn't it become impossible for me to tame it?

More importantly... It is highly probable that I would be unable to return once I go down...

Are you sure that you are sending me to tame this savage beast, not to feed it?

Sensing his hesitation, Zhang Xuan knew what he was worried about. Thus, he reassured him, "Don't worry, I'm here. It won't be easy for that fellow to kill you."

"Yes!" Gu Mu clenched his jaws.

That's right, senior granduncle is a formidable figure who has surpassed Zhizun realm. With him here, how can I possibly be subdued by that mere Lava Beast?

Of course, if he were to know that this 'senior granduncle' of his had merely a Half-Zongshi cultivation realm and that he could easily crush him to death... He would probably burst into tears.

Having made up his mind, Gu Mu took in a deep breath and flicked his wrist. The next moment, a sword appeared in his palm. Pumping the zhenqi in his body, he slashed at the ground several times swiftly, and the firm granite ground was immediately cut into tiles of similar sizes.

There were roughly seventy to eighty tiles, and each of them was a square of a chi wide.

He stacked those tiles up and placed them before Liao Xun.

"Hall Master Liao, I'll have to trouble you to build a footpath for me later on!"

"Alright!" Liao Xun nodded.

Even Zhizun realm pinnacle cultivators were incapable of flight. To fight with the Lava Beast from above the scorching lava, he had to build suitable footpaths.

By throwing these tiles into the lava, Gu Mu would be able to utilize the feedback between the granite and the lava to move about.

This is a feat that only Zhizun realm experts are capable of. A Zongshi wouldn't even be able to tolerate the heat wave, needless to say, tread above the lava.

"Senior granduncle... I'll be going down now!"

Now that the preparations were in place, Gu Mu took in a deep breath.

Zhang Xuan waved casually in response.

Hu!

Upon seeing the senior granduncle's response, Gu Mu pumped his zhenqi to the maximum, and with a flick of his wrist, threw out a granite tile, and it landed on the surface of the lava. At the same time, he rushed forward and leaped toward the tile.

Stepping lightly on the tile, he was able to push himself upward once again.

Most Zhizun realm experts would have cultivated lightweight movement techniques, which allowed them to even tread across the surface of the water. As such, treading the denser lava wasn't a problem at all.

Sou!

Seeing the other party starting to descend, Liao Xun immediately estimated his landing spot and threw a tile over. noveltranslationweb.blogspot.com

As though a dragonfly treading on water, he stepped on the granite tile and leaped upward once more. Just like that, he quickly arrived before the Lava Beast.

"Let's begin!"

Gathering the entire might of his body into his sword, Gu Mu roared and stabbed straight at the Lava Beast.

Since he was facing the Lava Beast, he had to give his all without reserve. Otherwise, the one who will end up dead would be him.

Roar!

Seeing that someone had made an attack against it, the Lava Beast flew into a rage. Roaring loudly, his bulky tail lashed out.

Hualala!

Magma splashed about the field with great force.

Before Gu Mu could reach the Lava Beast, he felt an overwhelming heat gushing straight at him. Gu Mu hurriedly twisted his wrist to turn the stab into a parry.

Ding!

The tail struck his sword, and the aerial Gu Mu was sent flying instantaneously as if he were a cannonball.

Sou!

After determining precisely the other party’s landing spot, Liao Xun swiftly threw a tile over for Gu Mu to step on.

Even though the both of them didn't have any experience of working together, as a Zongshi realm pinnacle expert, Liao Xun wouldn't commit a mistake in the simple job of throwing tiles.

"Senior granduncle, what do I do next?"

Not expecting the creature to be so formidable, as to be able to send him flying with a single strike of its tail, Gu Mu questioned in a panic.

"Give me a moment, I haven't thought of it yet. You should continue for now..." Zhang Xuan waved his hands.

"You haven't thought of what to do? Continue...?"

Gu Mu nearly failed to land on the tile and almost fell into the lava.

This senior granduncle is too unreliable!

It was just a moment ago that you claimed that you will guide me to tame the savage beast, that I should first engage it. The battle has already started, yet you have not come up with an idea...

Do you need to be so darned?

Hu!

Just as Gu Mu was feeling dismal, the provoked Lava Beast charged up to him, and its sharp dagger-like teeth abruptly closed in on him.

The attack came too swiftly, and Gu Mu didn't have any time to evade. Thus, he could only face it head on with his sword.

Peng!

The sword came into contact with the Lava Beast’s sharp teeth. Feeling a numbness in his hands, Gu Mu was sent flying once again.

Lava flowed beneath Gu Mu. Even though he was able to move around using those granite tiles, without the solid earth for his feet to apply his force on, the strength he could exert dipped significantly. At present, he was only capable of displaying sixty to seventy percent of his full strength,

It was impossible to face the frenzied attacks of the Lava Beast in his weakened state.

"Senior granduncle, are you ready yet?

It took much effort before he managed to stabilize himself once more. He glanced at Zhang Xuan immediately to rush him, but what he saw was the other party standing on the spot with a blank expression, as though he was... daydreaming.

A chill surged into his heart, and at this, Gu Mu really cried.

If only he knew this senior granduncle of his was that unreliable, he would have never come down.

Now that this fellow was fixated on him, it was impossible for him to escape even if he wanted to. Will he really meet his end here?

"Forget it, I'll go all out!"

Knowing that it was impossible for him to escape, he gritted his teeth and lifted his sword high up. Zhenqi flurried through his body as though a storm, and he sent the sword right down on the Lava Beast.

Peng!

When the two came into contact, Gu Mu was sent flying ten meters backward once more.

It was fortunate that Liao Xun was able to determine his landing points accurately each time with precise timing. Otherwise, he would have long fallen into the lava and be reduced to ashes.

Ding ding ding!

After crossing a few more blows with the Lava Beast, Gu Mu was already on the verge of collapsing. At this moment, a voice sounded by his ear.

"Alright, listen to my instructions!"

Turning around, he saw his 'senior granduncle' looking at him with a calm expression.

Library of Heaven's Path - Chapter 283: Lava Beast

This is... the Innate Fetal Poison!

It’s a type of Innate Poison!

Upon identifying the poison, Zhang Xuan felt as if he could go insane.

Innate Fetus Poison is a poison that affects a fetus in its mother's womb. The poison melds with one's blood and soul, making it impossible to cure.

Zhao Ya possessed the Innate Pure Yin Body and, after awakening her unique constitution, gained overwhelming strength and incredible beauty befitting of a queen. On the other hand, Yuan Tao possessed the Innate Emperor Bloodline and, after its awakening, gained an invincible defense, becoming a human-shaped meat shield...

Zhang Xuan had always been envious of them, and now, he realized that he possessed an innate constitution as well, just that...

These are all innate constitutions, but why the huge difference?

Other people's innate constitution allow their cultivation to soar, but his innate constitution was instead threatening to claim his life...

"Innate Fetal Poison is a unique poison that is planted into the body of a pregnant mother. It fuses with the fetus within her before it is born and causes an innate lack of Fetal Vitality. Those who have been inflicted with this poison rarely live beyond thirty, and this constitution is also termed as the Constitution of Premature Death... and there is no cure for it."

Zhang Xuan was on the verge of tears.

Other people possess overpowered innate physical constitution, while I possess the innate Constitution of Premature Death...

Premature death your head!

Is it even possible to pull an even bigger prank on me?

If I won't live beyond thirty, doesn't that mean that I only have a decade more to live? My days are numbered...

Suppressing his dismay, he searched through the books in the Library of Heaven's Path and found seven to eight other books with descriptions on Innate Fetal Poison, but... these descriptions tallied with the poison aura hidden in his body.

That meant that without a doubt, Zhang Xuan was inflicted with this poison.

Just that...

"To be capable of planting the poison in the mother and have her pass it to her offspring without being noticed, the one who planted the poison must be at minimum a 7-star poison master. But I am only an orphan, there shouldn't be any need to go through so much trouble..."

After confirming the poison in his body, Zhang Xuan brooded for a moment before doubts started appearing in his mind.

Having read so many books on poison in the Poison Hall, Zhang Xuan had gained an in-depth understanding of the usage of poison. For one to plant an Innate Fetal Poison into a person without being noticed, the poison master must be above 7-star.

He would be either an 8-star or even a 9-star poison master.

A poison master of this level already possesses unparalleled cultivation. Why would he waste so much effort just to deal with an orphan like him?

His previous self was just an insignificant figure living in a backward place like Tianxuan Kingdom. Being an orphan, he was so poor that he did not have a single cent in belonging. Nothing about him was exceptional, except for his cultivation before he reached eighteen. But after that, he fell behind and even earned a reputation as the worst teacher in the entire history of Hongtian Academy.

How can a figure like him be worthy of the attention of a poison master standing at the pinnacle of the pyramid... Isn’t this inconceivable?

"This poison fuses with one's body, and under normal circumstances, one wouldn't notice it until his death. It is due to the Heaven's Path zhenqi that I cultivated being too pure that it was forced to reveal its presence. Even so, there's no way for me to treat it..."

Zhang Xuan felt helpless.

The first time he noticed this poison, he thought that someone had planned to murder him, and his previous self was killed by that person. But from the looks of it now, he had been overthinking.

This poison had accompanied him from birth, and it was hidden so deeply that even a 9-star poison master wouldn't be able to notice it. Without a doubt, this would have been a perfect murder. Even if Zhang Xuan were to die, it would be impossible for anyone to pinpoint the murderer. In fact, even if Zhang Xuan were a poison master it would have been almost impossible for him to notice the poison aura. However, the Heaven's Path zhenqi that he cultivated was simply too pure. Flowing through his meridians and blood, no impurity was able to able to remain hidden. As such, it was forced out of its hiding.

Even so, Zhang Xuan could do nothing about it. Nourished during the pregnancy of its former host, it had already gained intelligence such that even the Heaven's Path zhenqi was incapable of expelling it. Furthermore, it would grow more and more potent with the passing of time, and Zhang Xuan would surely die before reaching the age of thirty.

The heck!

What in the world is this! Other people are blessed with golden fingers which allow them to reign supreme in their worlds, but he was given a time bomb instead. Furthermore, it was the type that straps tightly to you, in order to ensure your death.

It was likely that this poison had played a part in the death of his previous self. Under uncontrollable depression and a strong will to end his life, the poison aura acted up prematurely, claiming his soul. However, Zhang Xuan's transcension occurred before the poison aura could corrode the body fully.

Zhang Xuan's sudden fall as a genius, due to his cultivation stagnating, was also related to this poison aura.

Before reaching Zhenqi realm pinnacle, his previous self advanced swiftly in his cultivation, and he was reputed as a genius that appeared only once every hundred years. However, he ended up being stopped before the gates of Pigu realm for countless years. The reason for this was that the poison aura fused with his entire body, and this severely suppressed the might of his once murky zhenqi.

Unless one achieved the level of purity of Heaven's Path zhenqi, it was impossible for him to overcome the suppression of the poison aura and reach higher realms. Given the murky zhenqi that one could only cultivate practicing the inferior cultivation techniques in Tianxuan Kingdom, there was no way his previous self could have reached Pigu realm.

"All poisons must have a cure. However, the tier of this Poison Hall is too low. Maybe I would be able to find a solution within the books at a higher tier branch..."

Even though Zhang Xuan felt dismal at his condition, he wasn't ready to give up.

After comprehending the Heaven's Path Poison Art, Zhang Xuan had gained an extensive understanding of poison.

Every cause is linked to an effect, and similarly, there isn't such a thing as an incurable disease in the world. Even though the books Zhang Xuan compiled in the Library of Heaven's Path stated that there wasn't a solution to the poison, that didn't mean that it was truly incurable. He could perhaps find a remedy in another higher tier Poison Hall.

"This Innate Fetal Poison will not act up before I reach thirty. That is to say... I have to find a remedy within the next ten years!"

As though a dagger, the Heart of Tranquil Water state sliced away all negative thoughts from Zhang Xuan's mind. Zhang Xuan heaved a sigh of relief.

He had transcended for barely more than a month, and he had already reached Half-Zongshi up from Zhenqi realm pinnacle. It was hard to imagine what heights he would reach in the next ten years, and by then, he might have already found a cure.

There was no need for him to panic.

But the matter nevertheless weighed down on him heavily, exerting a constant stress on him.

Often, what happens in practice do not obey logical theories. It took Zhang Xuan great luck to live once more, and he didn't want to die for such an absurd reason.

"Summon Gu Mu!"

Standing up, Zhang Xuan instructed the Great Herb King and Butler Lu, who were guarding the entrance to his room.

"Senior granduncle, did you call me?"

Not too long after, Gu Mu walked into the room.

"Sit!" Zhang Xuan gestured. "The reason why I had you come over is that I have something I would like to ask you!"

Gu Mu sat upright immediately. "Senior granduncle, please speak!"

In the last few days, Zhang Xuan had taken out some time to conduct a second treatment for the person before him. After which, the latter felt rejuvenated, and he felt as though he had returned back to the time ten years ago when his stamina was at his peak. Endless energy seemed to gush through him.

After two treatments, he knew that this senior granduncle before him possessed heavenly means. He had long been fully impressed by the latter, and he didn't dare to hold any doubts or vile thoughts toward him.

"Have you heard of the Innate Fetal Poison?" Zhang Xuan asked.

Gu Mu came from Xuanyuan Kingdom Poison Hall branch, and he had read through profound secret manuals. It was possible that he might know something that Zhang Xuan didn't.

"Innate Fetal Poison?"

Gu Mu hesitated for a moment before answering, "I've heard of this poison. It is a lethal poison which is implanted into the womb of a woman, and the poison fuses itself with the fetus along with its growth. There's no cure for the poison!"

"No cure?"

"Yes!" Gu Mu nodded. However, he suddenly thought of something, and hesitation flickered on his face. "But..."

"But what?" Zhang Xuan stared at him intently.

"I've heard a rumor, but I can't ascertain its authenticity!"

After hesitating for a moment longer, Gu Mu said, "It is said that the greatest man in history, Empyrean Kong shi, was afflicted with Innate Fetal Poison. No one knew how he resolved it, but he lived to ten thousand years old and passed away from old age."

Empyrean Kong shi was known as the number one master teacher in the world, the founder of the Master Teacher Pavilion. He was revered by countless people in the world, and there wasn't a single master teacher or master teacher apprentice who didn't know of him.

"Oh?"

Zhang Xuan had once heard Huang Yu spoke of him and he felt immense respect for the legendary figure as well.

However, he didn't expect that senior to be afflicted with the Innate Fetal Poison as well, to have been in a similar predicament as him.

However, since he managed to overcome it, it meant that there was a cure for the poison.

"However, this is only a legend spread among the civilians. If one wants to know about the matters surrounding Kong shi, one would probably have to pay a visit to the Master Teacher Pavilion as a master teacher. Poison masters like us only know a thing or two about him from the rumors... But, why would senior granduncle ask about this?" Gu Mu asked doubtfully.

"I am just casually asking about it!"

Zhang Xuan waved his hands casually. At this moment, Zhang Xuan decided to pay a visit to the Master Teacher Pavilion right after he settled the things here.

An autobiography would be compiled on the life of outstanding figures in each occupation and kept in their respective guilds so that the later generations can learn from their example.

Since Kong shi was the founder of the Master Teacher Pavilion, it was likely that his records were in the Master Teacher Pavilion.

If he was truly afflicted with Innate Fetal Poison and if he eventually lived to the end of his full lifespan, it would mean that he had managed to resolve the poison.

If there was a precedent of success, Zhang Xuan would need not panic that much.

"What's the situation in the Poison Hall?"

Having a plan in mind, Zhang Xuan decided not to linger on this topic.

"After several rounds of examinations, I have already decided on the new Hall Master; he is the Vice Hall Master Liao Xun! Also, the Crimson Flame Lotus Seed is nearing maturity and we can pick it tomorrow."

Gu Mu replied.

"Tomorrow? Great!" Zhang Xuan's eyes lit up.

He had obtained the knowledge he required and had also identified the poison he was suffering from. As such, there was no further need for him to remain here, and it was best for him to leave as soon as possible.

After Gu Mu exited the room, Zhang Xuan continued to look through the books in the Library of Heaven's Path to augment his knowledge, and he took time to reinforce his cultivation as well.

Even though there weren't sufficient Zongshi realm cultivation techniques in the Red Lotus City to form the Heaven's Path Divine Art, there were sufficient lines of information that were correct, allowing Zhang Xuan to start on the next level of cultivation.

After several tries, Zhang Xuan was able to clearly sense the Half-Zongshi zhenqi in his body growing more and more powerful, and he was barely a step away from stepping into the Zongshi realm.

Even though the Library of Heaven's Path was capable of peering through the flaws of all objects and beings, Zhang Xuan nevertheless required a stable foundation to reach greater heights. Thus, he had been studying whenever he had the time, and in just ten days, his knowledge had expanded by more than twofold. His understanding of beast taming and poisons had deepened significantly, and even without the assistance of the Library of Heaven's Path, he could be considered as a knowledgeable veteran.

At the same time, Zhang Xuan practiced a round of the Heaven's Path Fist Art, Heaven's Path Leg Art, and Heaven's Path Spear Art each once more.

These skills were the most fundamental of all but were capable of bringing out the strength in one's body perfectly. They boost Zhang Xuan's abilities in offense significantly, allowing him to stand against some Zongshi realm intermediate cultivators, and perhaps, even kill them.

Of course, if Zhang Xuan were to use the Library of Heaven's Path ability to detect flaws and the Heaven's Path Movement Art along with it, by going all out at the expense of his own body, he might be able to kill even a Zongshi realm pinnacle.

It was completely unheard of for a Half-Zongshi to defeat a Zongshi realm pinnacle in a straightforward fight. Even the most talented genius in the Master Teacher Pavilion would be incapable of such a feat.

"Senior granduncle, the Crimson Flame Lotus Seed has matured!"

Zhang Xuan spent his entire time cultivating, and at the daybreak of the second day, Gu Mu knocked on his door.

"Alright!"

Nodding his head, Zhang Xuan stood up.

Zhang Xuan had waited ten days for this treasure which could increase the chances of breaking through Zhizun realm by 20%, and finally... it had become ready for picking!

"The Red Lotus Range is a gigantic volcano, and our Poison Hall branch is built at the opening of the volcano. When the branch was built back then, a formation master was invited to build a formation to seal the volcano and gather Earthen Flames to nourish the Crimson Flame Lotus."

Even though Liao Xun had become the official Hall Master, he didn't dare to pull his rank before the duo. On their way there, he explained the situation to them respectfully.

"Envoy, senior granduncle, this way!"

Liao Xun had also followed Gu Mu's way of addressing Zhang Xuan.

Proceeding forward, the trio soon arrived at an altar.

"The mouth of the volcano is hidden below!"

Liao Xun pointed.

Zhang Xuan glanced downward.

A gigantic altar with a radius of more than a hundred meters laid before them. From afar, it looked ancient. Rather than an entrance to the volcano, it seemed more like a piece of barren ruin.

Zhang Xuan was perplexed, but having heard the history of the branch, Zhang Xuan knew that there was likely to be a formation in place, so he kept quiet.

And just as he deduced, Liao Xun stepped forward to the altar. With a flick of his hands, he whipped out the token representing his identity as the Hall Master and placed it in an opening at the center of the altar.

Hong long long!

The world spun, and the sight before them changed immediately.

A seemingly endless staircase that led downward appeared on the flat and vast altar.

"This way!"

Liao Xun led the way, and after walking down the staircase for nearly two hours, a vast underground palace appeared before them.

At the center of the palace was the huge mouth of the volcano. Scorching flames burned on the surface, and waves of heat gushed forth from it, making it grueling for anyone to approach.

Feeling the heat surging from within, Zhang Xuan's expression turned grim.

They had yet to enter through the opening but just the torrid air in the main hall was sufficient to cause any Pixue realm cultivator to collapse.

"Envoy, senior granduncle, that is the Crimson Flame Lotus!"

Stepping forward to the entrance of the volcano, Liao Xun pointed.

At the center of the volcano, amidst the searing lava, a crimson lotus floated. On it was a lotus pod filled with countless seeds, exuding a slight fragrance.

"How beautiful!"

Zhang Xuan's eyes lit up.

The Crimson Lotus before him was two to three meters tall, and its entire surface was fiery-red, resembling raging flames.

It was several hundred meters away from their present location, but they could already feel the heat wave emitted by it searing their skin. Putting aside Zhang Xuan, even a Zhizun realm expert would find the heat hard to tolerate.

"How do we pick the lotus?" Zhang Xuan asked.

Not only was the heat wave emitted by the Crimson Lotus intolerable, the crux was that it was floating on the surface of the lava several hundred meters away from the shore. How can one reach it?

Step into the lava?

Even with the powerful Heaven's Path Golden Body, Zhang Xuan would be reduced to ashes the moment he stepped in!

Needless to say, the rest.

"I've no idea. My teacher was burnt to ashes while attempting to pick the lotus seed upon observing that it was nearing maturity..." Liao Xun shook his head sorrowfully.

The abrupt death of the old Hall Master was due to his attempt to pick the Crimson Flame Lotus Seed.

"The Crimson Flame Lotus Seed matures once every century, and each time, someone would succeed. The headquarter has always received your tribute, so why would the old Hall Master be burned to death?"

Gu Mu asked doubtfully.

This Poison Hall branch had been guarding this lotus since its inception, and it wouldn't make sense for them to spend countless medicinal herbs to nourish it just to hand it over to the hands of another.

Besides, this branch had been supplying the headquarter with a certain amount of lotus seed every century, so they had to have a way to harvest it.

"We do have a way, but we're no longer able to utilize it. Look!"

Liao Xun smiled bitterly. Picking up a rock, he threw it straight toward the Crimson Flame Lotus.

He was a Zongshi realm pinnacle expert, and under the augmentation of zhenqi, the stone flew at an incredible speed with a screeching sound, as though it was tearing air apart.

"What are you doing..."

Seeing the other party throw a stone with such immense force toward the Crimson Flame Lotus, Gu Mu's expression darkened.

The Crimson Flame Lotus had matured, and upon being struck, it was highly likely it would fall into the lava. Once it fell in, it would be nearly impossible to find.

"Envoy, take a look!" Liao Xun said.

In the midst of their exchange, the stone was already right before the Crimson Flame Lotus. Just as it was about to strike the lotus, the lava surrounding the flower tremored violently and suddenly, and a bizarre creature flew upward. Opening its mouth, it swallowed the entire stone.

That bizarre creature was shaped like a snake, and it was several dozens of meters long. Covered in a thick layer of bright red scales, it swam leisurely in the lava, creating an extremely peculiar sight.

"What is that?"

Gu Mu didn't expect such a bizarre creature to be swimming in the scorching lava. He pondered for a moment, and his eyes suddenly narrowed, "Can this be the Lava Beast that you brought up with the headquarter previously?

Upon seeing the creature, he suddenly recalled the contents of the report the Red Lotus Range branch submitted to the headquarter previously.

Not only did the report talk about the abrupt death of the old Hall Master, it also spoke of a savage beast that lived in the lava around the lotus, and they have termed it as the Lava Beast.

He thought that it was just nonsense the other party came up with to avoid handing over the Crimson Flame Lotus Seed, and the possibility of it being true never flashed across his mind.

"Yes, this is the Lava Beast. The unique scales around it grants it tolerance to high heat, allowing it to live in the lava. Its strength is comparable to a Zhizun realm pinnacle expert..." Liao Xun flashed a bitter smile.

"To think that such a creature exists in the world!"

Gu Mu wasn't the only one shocked, Zhang Xuan was perplexed by the sight as well.

The temperature of the lava below was definitely above two thousand degree Celsius. They could never have imagined that such a huge creature would be able to survive such extreme conditions if they hadn't seen it for themselves.

"Indeed. This creature appeared all of the sudden, and for the past few years, it has been guarding the Crimson Red Lotus as though it was his property. Anyone who tries to approach it would have to suffer his attacks!"

Liao Xun explained.

"It is one thing if we are on the shore, but the lava is its haven. Furthermore... it has reached the level of Zhizun realm pinnacle. Honestly, we are helpless before it!"

"This..."

Gu Mu's expression darkened.

Even though he had achieved Zhizun realm pinnacle as well, if he were to battle with this gigantic fellow in the lava... There was a nine out of ten chance that he would die here.

"Does poison not work?"

Zhang Xuan couldn't resist asking.

The Poison Hall was adept at using poison, so it was plausible that they could kill the creature using it.

"The Lava Beast isn’t afraid of even the searing Earthen Flames, so how can any ordinary poison be effective on it..." Liao Xun said.

The lava was about two thousand degree Celsius hot. Most poison would be reduced to ashes before it can even reach the lava, thus making it nigh impossible to use poison.

"We've tried all kinds of methods, except... finding a beast tamer to tame it. Honestly speaking... there doesn't seem to be any other solution!" Liao Xun shook his head. "However, this is our greatest secret, and the Poison Hall doesn't interact with any other occupations. It is highly likely that inviting a beast tamer will cause unnecessary trouble!"

The Poison Hall didn't possess any connections with the other occupations; there were some which were actually hostile to it.

Inviting people from another occupation here would mean having to reveal their den, and this could potentially bring them a catastrophe. If so, they would have wasted their years living in seclusion in the Red Lotus Range.

"That's right..."

Understanding this fact as well, Gu Mu shook his head.

Poison and brute force wouldn't work, and they couldn't hire a beast tamer either... It was indeed a huge question how they could harvest the Crimson Flame Lotus Seed.

"Will beast tamers be able to subdue that fellow?"

Hearing the duo’s conversation, Zhang Xuan hesitated for a moment before speaking.

"Perhaps... I can give it a try!"

---

Golden finger refers to the gifts/talents one receives upon transcending to an alternate world. For example, Zhang Xuan's Library of Heaven's Path can be considered as a golden finger.

Kong shi is most probably a reference toward Confucius, otherwise known as Kong Zi. He is a philosopher who had formulated a line of thoughts that became known as Confucianism. On top of that, he is also informally known as the first teacher.

Library of Heaven's Path - Chapter 282: Heaven's Path Poison Art

"Yes!"

Gu Mu knew that his physical condition had already deteriorated to the worst possible state, so he thought it would take several months to treatment for the other party to alleviate his situation. Yet, contrary to his expectations, the other party said that three treatments were sufficient. Thus, he couldn't help but feel amazed by his 'senior granduncle' once more.

"Your current condition shouldn't pose any problem to you in the short term, so I will arrange for the other two treatments at a later date. Also, I'll leave the matter regarding the Crimson Flame Lotus Seed up to you! After all, you're the envoy, so I will stay out of this matter!"

The carrot and stick each has to be employed at the right moments for it to be useful. Knowing that Gu Mu was completely impressed by him, Zhang Xuan wasn't worried about being attacked by him again. Thus, as he spoke, he walked up and sat at the centermost position in the hall.

Gu Mu nodded before turning to Liao Xun and the others, "Other than the Vice Hall Masters and the elders, the rest of you can leave now!"

"Yes!"

No one dared to disobey the words of the envoy. Soon, only the four elders and the three Vice Hall Masters remained in the room.

"I'm here for two matters!"

Flinging his sleeves, Gu Mu scanned the surroundings.

Even though he behaved as an obedient junior before Zhang Xuan, acting cautiously and subserviently, it was a fact that he was still a Zhizun realm pinnacle expert and a 3-star pinnacle poison master. Destroying this branch didn't mean anything at all to him.

His absolute strength granted him unparalleled authority, and no one dared to talk back to him.

"Envoy, please speak!"

Liao Xun and the others quickly bowed.

"Firstly, I will choose the new Hall Master. Secondly, I am here to pick the Crimson Flame Lotus Seed, which should have matured by now." Gu Mu said.

"Crimson Flame Lotus Seed..."

Liao Xun and the others shuddered, their faces turning pale at the same time.

"Crimson Flame Lotus lives in the regions where the earth flames burn, and it feeds on lethal poison to nourish itself. Both the flower and the leaves contain lethal poison, and they are ideal ingredients to concocting poison. However, despite the lethal poison on the other parts of the lotus and its surroundings, its seeds remain untainted. On the contrary, it is an unparalleled treasure for cultivators trying to surpass Zhizun realm. The reason why the Red Lotus branch was established several thousand of years ago at this spot was to monopolize this lotus."

With an authoritative tone, Gu Mu spoke, "Now that the lotus seed has matured, I'll take the seeds and leave the flower and leaves to you. I presume that you have no problems with this, right?"

"There's... no problem!"

Liao Xun and the others smiled bitterly as they nodded.

The envoy had already spoken, and the 'senior granduncle' was observing beside. Even if they had a problem with his words, they wouldn't dare to voice it out!

"That's good. How much longer will it take before the lotus seeds mature?"

Seeing the lack of opposition to the matter, Gu Mu nodded his head in satisfaction before asking.

He chose this period of time to come after having estimated the maturing of the lotus seed, but the specific date that it would fully mature eluded him.

"Reporting to the envoy, there's still ten days to its maturity!"

Liao Xun replied.

"Ten days? Good. Prepare the best room in the Poison Hall for my senior granduncle. In this ten days, I will pick out the new Hall Master!" Gu Mu said.

"Yes!"

Everyone nodded in response to the envoy's instructions.

Knowing that it would take ten days before the Crimson Flame Lotus Seed mature, Zhang Xuan decided to make use of this time to digest the information which he had just absorbed to analyze the poison aura within his body.

In any case, since he hadn't yet cured the other party completely, so even if Gu Mu were to realize a lapse in his statements and conclude that this 'senior granduncle' of his was a fake, it was unlikely he would do anything to him.

Besides, he had displayed numerous incredible feats which even 5-star poison masters were incapable of. Most probably, he wouldn't dare to pick a fight with him either.

...

Ignoring the issue of selecting the new Hall Master, Zhang Xuan sat quietly in his room after instructing the Great Herb King and Butler Lu to guard his door. He was analyzing the books which he had gathered, and his mind operated at maximum efficiency.

"Correct!"

Muttering under his breath, the countless books on poison on the shelves merged into one and formed a thick secret manual.

Knowing that this was the [Heaven's Path Poison Art] that he wanted to compile, he grabbed it lightly and started browsing through it without hesitation.

"Poison is a type of medicine. It can kill, and can also save lives..."

Written on the first page of the book was an introduction to poisons.

This Heaven's Path Poison Art manual formed with the books on poison here was clearly much more advanced, detailed, and profound than the one formed with the books in Tianxuan Kingdom. Zhang Xuan's understanding of poisons deepened with each page he read.

After an unknown period of time, Zhang Xuan's eyes suddenly opened. The confusion which could be seen in his eyes before was replaced with clarity.

"To think that the study of poison is so vast and profound as well!"

Recalling the content he has just learned moments ago, Zhang Xuan felt amazed.

It was no wonder why poison masters were the subjects of fear for countless people. In terms of the complexity, it wasn't inferior to apothecary, blacksmiths, and the other Upper Nine Paths occupations. In terms of offensive ability, it might even exceed them.

For example, with Zhang Xuan's current cultivation, he would definitely be unable to match a Zongshi realm intermediate stage cultivator. However, if he were to utilize poison, he could easily kill a Zongshi realm pinnacle expert!

Or perhaps, even a Zhizun realm expert!

Of course, poison wasn't omnipotent either. Without a sufficiently high cultivation, one would be unable to conceal the killing intent within them, and their attempt at poisoning the other party would be easily detected. If so, they would probably be killed before they could even do anything.

Furthermore, there were some formidable poisons which required a poison master to use his blood essence and zhenqi to trigger its effects.

Even if a person who wasn't a poison master or didn't possess sufficiently high cultivation were to be given a potent poison, he would be unable to utilize it. On the contrary, he might even be killed by it instead.

It is just like how everyone knows about the might of the atomic bomb, but without sufficient knowledge and strength, it is impossible to control. Even if you were given one, you wouldn't be able to threaten anyone with it. On the other hand, you might even put yourself in danger by wielding it.

Potent poison is just like a powerful weapon. Without sufficient strength and mastery, putting aside coming into contact with them, even if one was several hundred meters, or even several thousand meters away, it was possible for him to be poisoned to death by it!

It is an incomparably dangerous tool!

Initially, Zhang Xuan thought that if he formulated a potent poison, he wouldn't have to fear even Zhizun realm pinnacle experts. But from the looks of it, he had been overthinking.

"While I don't intend to harm anyone through poison, I can avoid being harmed by others with this knowledge!"

The strength that a poison master could potentially wield alarmed Zhang Xuan.

While he didn't intend to kill anyone with poison, he had to be careful to not allow anyone to obtain a chance of poisoning him.

It was just like the poison aura in Zhang Xuan's body. If he had been guarded against all poison masters beforehand, he wouldn't have landed himself in such a difficult situation.

"According to the manual, the highest level that a poison master can attain is to create the Poison Body. It is entirely possible for me to cultivate it!"

Zhang Xuan smiled.

Just like any other occupation, being a poison master is heavily reliant on talent.

Talented poison masters would possess Innate Poison Body. Not only does the Innate Poison Body grant one incredible sensitivity to poison, it would also give them extraordinary resistance toward it. That is to say, if a poison master possesses this constitution, even if he were to consume the poison concocted by other poison masters, he wouldn't suffer any effects or damage, as though eating an ordinary meal.

Even more so, rumors have it that a person with such a constitution can absorb the energy contained within the poison they consume in order to raise their cultivation.

Of course, this constitution is incredibly rare. Even within billions of poison masters, there might not even be a single one.

Similar to Zhao Ya's Pure Yin Body, one had to be born with this constitution to possess it, so it was impossible for Zhang Xuan to cultivate the Innate Poison Body. However, the countless secret arts that poison masters cultivate contained in the books of the Poison Hall had formed a corresponding cultivation technique alongside the Heaven's Path Poison Art.

And if he were to cultivate according to the cultivation technique, even if he is unable to reach the level of the Innate Poison Body, he would be able to significantly increase his physical immunity to poison. This was much more efficient than the special techniques poison masters utilize to temper their physique to make it more resilient toward poison.

"I should give it a try!"

Without any hesitation, Zhang Xuan willed for the book on the cultivation technique to appear and started browsing through it.

After an unknown period of time, he exhaled a mouthful of turbid air and stood up all of a sudden.

Geji! Geji! Geji!

The bones throughout his body crackled as though fried beans and his aura evolved in an instant.

"Even though it pales in comparison to Innate Poison Body, it grants me immunity toward ordinary poisons. In my current state, consuming poisons formulated by a 3-star poison master wouldn't hurt me in any way!"

Sensing the changes in his body, Zhang Xuan smiled.

There was an obvious change in his body after cultivating the Heaven's Path Poison Art and his immunity toward poison had increased.

Even though it wasn't the Innate Poison Body, he had achieved perfect immunity to poisons concocted by 3-star poison masters and below.

"More importantly... After cultivating the Heaven's Path Poison Art, on top of curing people and inducing a breakthrough in their cultivation, my Heaven's Path zhenqi can also be turned into lethal poison with a single thought, killing an enemy instantaneously!"

Rather than his physical body, the greatest change from cultivating the Heaven's Path Poison Art was actually his zhenqi.

The purity of the Heaven's Path zhenqi made it an unparalleled tool in healing injuries, rejuvenating one's stamina, augmenting one's life force, and inducing a breakthrough in cultivation...

And after cultivating the Heaven's Path Poison Art, Zhang Xuan was now capable of converting the Heaven's Path zhenqi into a lethal aura that was impossible to withstand. Once it seeps into one's veins, even a Zhizun realm expert would be unable to neutralize it.

As clear as spring water, it was capable of diving into any holes or acupoints within the human body. Even if one were to know where it was, without sufficiently pure zhenqi, it would be impossible to expel.

This was no different from terminal stage cancer. Even if one knew the cause and solution to the problem, it was impossible to treat.

As expected of the Heaven's Path zhenqi. Life and death hinged on just a single thought.

Zhang Xuan didn't know that it could wield such an incredible power.

"Now that I'm done cultivating the Poison Body, I should check on the poison aura!"

Having finished cultivating the Poison Body, Zhang Xuan exhaled deeply. He turned his attention once more to the poison aura hidden in the depths of his body.

In the past, he understood very little about poison, and thus, he was unable to ascertain what the poison hiding in his body was. Now that his knowledge was comparable to a 3-star poison master, such that Gu Mu might not even be a match for him, he finally possessed the capability to look into the origin of the poison aura and find a way to expel it.

Upon entering the state of Heart of Tranquil Water, Zhang Xuan's mind began clocking at a rapid speed.

"This poison aura can hide within my bloodstream and escape the pursuit of my Heaven's Path zhenqi..."

As he examined the poison aura hidden in his body, books after books of poison appeared before his eyes, and countless knowledge flooded his mind.

There was more than a million type of poison in the world, and every single one of them had a different concoction and cure. Even the slightest mistake could cause a huge difference in the result. noveltranslationweb.blogspot.com

Thus, Zhang Xuan didn't panic. He took his time and sieved through the countless books in the library slowly.

"Green Spirit Poison, that's not it! Phantom Shadow Toxic, that's not right either! Clear Snake Venom, that doesn't seem like it..."

Zhang Xuan compared the poison based on its color and traits to those listed in the books one by one. After a period of time, Zhang Xuan suddenly halted. His face paled, and his eyes were filled with disbelief.

"To think that it would be this. How... How is this possible?"