Chapter 1037: Don't Worry, Just a Quick Insert

Guild Leader Han was truly losing his mind. He couldn't fathom why these students trusted such an unreliable Dean so implicitly.

After all, he and the others had spent two days and two nights together. While their cooperation wasn't perfectly seamless, they had developed a good rapport. Under normal circumstances, even if someone ordered them to attack, they would hesitate, if only for a moment, out of a sense of camaraderie. Yet, they didn't hesitate for a second, launching their attack immediately. It wasn't mere obedience; it was blind faith!

Especially moments ago, he had explained the potential consequences: if this fellow chose the wrong node, everyone could perish. Yet, they still advanced without a second thought. This was tantamount to staking their very lives on this young man, without the slightest hesitation. Even a Dean shouldn't command such blind trust, devoid of any critical judgment! They were simply fanatical followers, blindly trusting him regardless of the consequences.

Struggling to clamber out of the rubble, he looked up at the sky once more. He saw the formation flag in Zhang Xuan's hand had already left his grasp and was flying straight towards a specific node.

“It’s over…”

His pupils constricted. He had previously deduced that this specific node was where the power was most turbulent and violent. If the formation flag were inserted there, it wouldn't just fail to release the power; it would likely trigger a full-scale explosion. He never imagined that his lifelong esteemed reputation, Han Xu, would end here, and that he would be essentially 'played to death' by a fellow who completely disregarded the rules. The thought alone filled him with profound sorrow and despair.

Boom!

Just as he was consumed by sorrow, believing there was nothing left to live for, the surging power below finally reached its peak and erupted. The violent tremor made the earth appear to boil. Many students standing near the pit lost their footing one by one, tumbling to the ground, and even Master Wu and the others showed expressions of fear.

“This time it seems even fiercer than before…”

His pupils constricted, and Guild Leader Han's face turned grim, his eyes wide with disbelief. The power surging up from below this time was many times stronger than before; the seal above appeared as though it could be torn to shreds at any moment. If such immense power had been present earlier, not only would he have been unable to resist it, but even with twenty thousand students, it would have been utterly useless.

What on earth happened? How could the power have suddenly surged so dramatically?

“It’s over…” Guild Leader Han's face twisted in despair.

Previously, resisting even that lesser force had required immense effort. Now, with such ferocity, there was no doubt the seal would fail. The colossal power would inevitably erupt, obliterating an area spanning thousands of kilometers into dust.

Just as he felt all hope was lost and everyone was doomed to die there, he heard Dean Zhang, who was floating in the air, raise an eyebrow.

“Good, don’t be nervous. Just a quick insertion!”

As he spoke, the formation flag, which had already been launched, suddenly accelerated, piercing straight towards the node he had identified. The moment the true qi made contact with the node, the seal, which had been on the verge of exploding, suddenly calmed, like a startled wolfdog whose tail had been stepped on. Its previous ferocity vanished with a soft 'pop,' and it became as gentle as a tranquil pool of clear water.

Immediately after, a rumble echoed from the node, and a powerful surge of energy shot straight up into the sky, as if a balloon had been punctured. A massive blast of air seemed to tear through the very heavens.

“It’s… resolved?”

Completely stiff, Guild Leader Han vigorously rubbed his eyes. Wasn't this node supposed to be the most violent and ferocious point of power? How could inserting the formation flag lead to the power being smoothly dispersed, achieving an effect that was previously unimaginable?

Not only was he dumbfounded, but Liu Mo, who had flown a great distance and only just managed to return, was equally flabbergasted. He didn't use a formation plate, nor did he even glance at the terrain. He simply took the formation flag and casually inserted it… and the turbulent airflow ceased. Was this truly a formation technique? "I've studied formations for so many years; how have I never heard of such a maneuver?"

He hastily turned to look at the students below, only to find they showed no surprise whatsoever, as if they had long known the Dean would effortlessly halt the violent power. He and his teacher, Guild Leader Han, hadn't been able to resolve it in two days and two nights. Yet, this person arrived, spent mere minutes, casually took a formation flag, inserted it… and the task was complete. Could it be that what this fellow said earlier about the two of them being foolish… wasn't sarcasm, but the plain truth?

Filled with dejection, he watched Zhang Xuan descend step by step from the sky, pausing above the numerous students.

“Everyone, you've all worked tirelessly these past two days. The hidden danger here has been completely resolved, so please rest quickly and recover your strength!”

“Thank you, Dean!”

“I knew it; there’s nothing the Dean can’t resolve!”

“That Guild Leader Han was previously swearing he was a peak seven-star formation master, but he didn't seem all that impressive!”

“The more incapable a person is, the more they boast. Look at our Dean; he’s so formidable, yet has he ever boasted?”

“Indeed, the Dean is truly too humble…”

Upon hearing the Dean personally confirm that the problem had been resolved, everyone below erupted in an uproar, their faces flushed with excitement. They immediately sat cross-legged on the ground and began to recover. Two days of non-stop work had greatly exhausted them; many had even sustained serious injuries. However, none of the injuries were too severe, and with time, they could recover quickly.

He arranged for everyone to cultivate and recover their physical strength. If any injuries were too severe, Zhang Xuan personally stepped in to provide treatment. He was busy for nearly an hour, and only when he saw all the students fully recovered did he finally breathe a sigh of relief.

“No wonder… these students trust him unconditionally, without a second thought… It turns out he doesn’t see himself merely as a Dean, but as a teacher, friend, and comrade to each and every one of them…”

Witnessing this scene, both Guild Leader Han and Liu Mo wore bitter smiles. They finally understood why, in a moment of crisis, these students had placed their unquestioning faith in Zhang Xuan instead of themselves. In the four major academies under the Qingyuan Conferred Empire, every Dean held a revered position, often higher than their own. Yet, such a distinguished figure showed no impatience toward even four-star or five-star Master Teachers. Instead, he meticulously cared for each one of them… This level of dedication was something countless others simply couldn't achieve.

“Alright…”

Having finished these tasks, Zhang Xuan returned to Master Wu and the others. Facing Guild Leader Han and Liu Mo, he quickly cupped his fists and said, “I truly apologize. The situation was critical just now, and I feared that any delay might lead to unforeseen complications. Please forgive my impoliteness!”

“Dean Zhang, please don't say that. It was we who were reckless…”

Both Han Xu and Liu Mo’s faces flushed crimson; they wished the ground would swallow them whole. They had initially acted with good intentions, believing that any mistake could lead to an unmanageable disaster. Yet, their interference had almost delayed a critical undertaking, and the thought filled them with profound shame. Fortunately, Dean Zhang was not petty and disregarded formalities, allowing them to be knocked down. Otherwise… they would undoubtedly have become culprits of history.

“The power will still take some time to dissipate, and the seal isn’t fully opened yet. Perhaps we should return to Huoyuan City first and wait for the Combat Master Hall members there.” Zhang Xuan said. Although he had resolved the hidden danger of the seal, entering it would still require time, especially for the turbulent power to completely dissipate, which would certainly take at least two or three more days. Additionally, the members of the Combat Master Hall and the other three academies had not yet arrived, so they needed to wait for them to gather.

“Alright!”

Nodding, everyone boarded their flying sacred beast and headed towards Huoyuan City.

The Master Teacher Pavilion had an independent residence, where they all settled in. As for the numerous students, Zhang Xuan arranged for Dean Zhao and others to escort them back first. The interior of the ancient relic was fraught with peril, and it would be far too dangerous for these students to venture in. It was best for them to return to the academy for now.

After waiting a day at the residence, the Deans and elders from the three major academies, along with all the members of the Combat Master Hall, finally arrived. Liao Chong, who had escorted Zheng Yang to the Combat Master Hall headquarters, did not come. Instead, two other centurions arrived, both of whom were even stronger, having reached the peak of Saint Realm Three.

“You are Zhang Xuan, Dean Zhang?”

One of them displayed intense hostility the moment he laid eyes on Zhang Xuan. He had heard about the Combat Master Hall's ignominious retreat and knew that this Dean, though only at the Half-Saint level, possessed astonishing combat prowess, proving to be no weaker, and even stronger, than their own combat masters.

“Yes!” Zhang Xuan nodded.

“Do you dare to spar with me?”

The centurion's battle intent surged.

“A spar?” Zhang Xuan looked resigned. What you fear most often comes to pass. He merely wanted to be a quiet, handsome man; was that really so difficult? Being too exceptional is exhausting!

“Indeed. Do you dare, or do you not?” The centurion's gaze was piercing.

“We’ve only just met. Isn't it a bit crude to immediately resort to fighting? Come, let's drink. I'll treat you…” Taking out a wine gourd, Zhang Xuan's expression was sincere.

The centurion shook his head. “If you don’t wish to fight, that’s acceptable. I will find a way to prove that the Combat Master Hall cannot be insulted with impunity!” Seeing that he refused to fight and instead offered a drink, the centurion snorted coldly and turned to leave.

Upon inquiry, it was learned that this combat master was named Feng Xun, a notorious warmonger within the Combat Master Hall. Hearing that a dignified combat master had gone to assess ordinary students only to be soundly defeated, he developed intense hostility and desired a match against Zhang Xuan. The other centurion leading the Combat Master Hall, named Jiang Yuan, appeared amiable on the surface, but his eyes likewise gleamed with fierce battle intent. Combat masters had always been synonymous with invincibility, yet they had repeatedly met with setbacks at Hongyuan Academy. As a centurion, he naturally wished to reclaim their dignity.

“Martial Uncle, this time, four of us have come from the Qingyuan Empire: Master Wu, Guild Leader Han, Liu Mo, and myself—all of whom you’ve met. From the Combat Master Hall, besides Jiang Yuan, Feng Xun, and Zhuo Qingfeng, there are twelve other combat masters. As for the three major academies, there are three Deans plus their elders, making a total of nine individuals… In other words, approximately thirty people will be entering the ancient relic this time.” Master Mu approached and explained in detail.

“Understood,” Zhang Xuan nodded. Originally, Zhao Bingxu and others also wished to enter, but Zhang Xuan did not agree. This ancient relic was fraught with peril; if they all entered, the academy would be left without a single elder and would undoubtedly descend into chaos.

“According to our estimations, the ancient relic will open tomorrow, and we are to depart first thing in the morning…” Master Mu said.

“Alright!”

Zhang Xuan nodded, bid farewell to Master Mu, and returned to his courtyard. Just as he was about to rest, he saw Luo Ruoxi sitting on a stone stool in his courtyard, chin resting in her hand, lost in thought.