Chapter 1139: Xing Hall Master Suspects

“Thank you, Teacher Sun!”

Though shocked, they knew it wasn't the time to dwell on such thoughts. They collectively looked at the cultivation technique and memorized its content. They were well aware of what this technique, accessible to everyone, signified.

The other party, having obtained this inheritance, could have easily kept it hidden, not sharing it with anyone. With it as a foundation, he could readily attract countless followers, establish a major power, and amass infinite wealth. He could even use it as leverage to make demands of them; for the sake of their ancestor's secret manual, they would likely agree to any condition.

But he didn't do that. He casually presented it, as if it were worthless. This level of composure and generosity was beyond their reach. That they had ever doubted such a person was laughable. Their faces flushed, and the three of them wished they could sink into the ground.

They had always believed that everyone harbored selfish motives, and true selflessness was impossible. Only upon witnessing this individual did they realize that such truly selfless master teachers existed in the world! Only a person like this was truly worthy of the title "Teacher."

“Teacher Sun has bestowed upon our Green Source Empire Combat Master Hall the grace of imparting knowledge, which means he is like a mentor to all of us. From now on, should there be any request, our Combat Master Hall will spare no effort, even if it means sacrificing ourselves!” After reviewing the Glazed Heart Refining Art several times and confirming that everyone could cultivate it without any issues, Hall Master Xing stepped forward and, with a solemn expression, cupped his fists.

Although this cultivation technique was left behind by the founding patriarch of the Heart Palace, the individual before them had modified it, making it essentially his own technique. Having learned his cultivation technique, they were indebted to him for his instruction, acknowledging him as a mentor. This kind of bond was undeniable. In any case, the Green Source Combat Master Hall had incurred a massive debt of gratitude, one that could not be erased by mere words or small favors.

“Hall Master, you're overstating it…” Unexpectedly, the other party was so solemn, Zhang Xuan quickly waved his hand.

“This kind of benevolence cannot be overstated! With this Glazed Heart Refining Art, the overall strength of our Combat Master Hall will surely increase significantly, and dealing with that trouble will certainly become much easier!” Hall Master Xing smiled.

The reason the Combat Master Hall members were so quickly swayed and joined the Suspended Society was twofold: first, the opponent's mastery of combat had indeed reached an unbelievable level; and second, many combat masters' mental cultivation was insufficient. Now with this cultivation technique, which everyone can practice, as long as their mental state improves, their strength will inevitably increase. As for the exchange meeting three days from now, who will win or lose is truly uncertain!

“This set of mental cultivation methods, if diligently practiced, will clarify one's mind, make them immune to inner demons, and indeed greatly enhance their understanding of martial skills and combat!” Nodding, Zhang Xuan suddenly remembered something and said, “By the way, I also have some students whose mental cultivation is disastrously poor. Could I teach this technique to them?”

After all, this technique belonged to the Combat Master Hall, so he had to consult with them before teaching it to Wang Ying and the members of the Suspended Society.

“Of course you can. This was passed down from the patriarch to Teacher Sun, and Teacher Sun modified it. Everything is up to your discretion!” Hall Master Xing couldn't help but smile.

Just a few students, it's no big deal! Palace Master Liao and Palace Master Wei also nodded with smiles simultaneously. This is already considered your cultivation technique; teaching it to your own students is nothing. For their Combat Master Hall, it would have no impact whatsoever.

“Then I'll thank the Combat Master Hall on their behalf!” Zhang Xuan nodded.

Most of Wang Ying, Liu Yang, and the members of the Suspended Society were quite young. Facing the many battle-hardened combat masters of the Combat Master Hall, they would surely be at a disadvantage. Learning this Glazed Heart Refining Art might help resolve their mental deficiencies, preventing unforeseen issues during the exchange and making it smoother.

“Teacher Sun is too modest…” Everyone hastily cupped their fists.

After a few more exchanges, remembering their earlier conversation, Zhang Xuan couldn't help but ask, “What exactly is that big trouble you mentioned?” This was his second time asking.

Since the other party had agreed to pass on the secret technique to his students and the members of the Suspended Society, he had received a great favor. If he could help them resolve their trouble, it would be no major feat. He was also curious about what kind of problem could stump even the formidable Hall Master Xing.

“Thank you for your concern, Teacher Sun. With this Glazed Heart Refining Art, we are confident that we can handle any trouble,” Hall Master Xing said with a smile.

The other party had already helped them tremendously by imparting this cultivation technique and simplifying it so that everyone could practice it. If they couldn't handle the remaining matters themselves, what face would their Combat Master Hall have left in the world? It would be utterly disgraceful.

“Hall Master…” Just as he finished speaking, Palace Master Liao on the side looked over and secretly transmitted a message: “This Teacher Sun, with only peak Saint 1-dan strength, was able to evade the combined attacks of the three of us without harm… His combat prowess is truly terrifying! If he could guide our combat masters, wouldn't their strength increase significantly in a short period?”

“This…” Hall Master Xing was stunned.

Although the person before them was only at Saint 1-dan, his combat experience and understanding of battle had absolutely reached an unbelievable level. Even he, the Hall Master, and many other palace masters, would likely be no match for him at the same cultivation level. Being so formidable, he was certainly much stronger than the members of the Suspended Society. If he were willing to offer guidance, the overall strength of the Combat Master Hall would undoubtedly increase greatly again in a short period. At that time, defeating the Suspended Society and restoring their dignity would not be difficult.

“Although this is a good idea, our Combat Master Hall has already received such a great favor from him without cause. To continue troubling him for our sake… it's truly inappropriate!” Hall Master Xing said.

While Palace Master Liao's idea was good, continuing to impose upon the other party was not what he desired. Furthermore, if an academy from a first-tier empire came for an exchange, and the Combat Master Hall couldn't handle it, yet asked a Spirit Awakener for help… it would be utterly humiliating to admit.

“It's good that you can handle it…” Seeing their confidence, Zhang Xuan knew that pressing further would imply a lack of trust, so he scratched his head. “Actually, to be honest, I really do have something to ask of you!”

“Please speak, Teacher Sun…” Hall Master Xing quickly said.

“May I borrow your Combat Master Hall's cultivation techniques for Saint 1-dan and above? The more, the better. I've recently reached a bottleneck in my cultivation and need to 'absorb from all rivers' and learn as much as possible…” Zhang Xuan said.

It had been over a month since he reached peak Saint 1-dan in Qiu Wu Palace. His *zhenqi*, strength, and soul had all reached their limits, and it was time for a breakthrough. Being stuck at peak Saint 1-dan for so long made him feel somewhat ashamed and unable to face others.

“The Combat Master Hall does indeed possess cultivation techniques for Saint 1-dan and above, but not in great numbers.” Hearing that he wanted to borrow cultivation techniques, Hall Master Xing was momentarily stunned.

“Not many?” Zhang Xuan asked, puzzled. A typical Master Teacher Pavilion, when it came to cultivation techniques, usually had thousands, even tens of thousands of volumes. What did ‘not many’ mean?

“It's like this: the Combat Master Hall's cultivation techniques and secret manuals aren't like those of the Master Teacher Pavilion, where you can simply apply once you reach a certain level. Instead, one must pass trials. Only by meeting the minimum strength requirements for the current level can one receive the techniques for the next level…” Seeing his confusion, Hall Master Xing explained.

In the Master Teacher Pavilion, as long as you reached a certain level or accumulated enough merit points, you could view the secret manuals for the next level. The Combat Master Hall did not have such a regulation. Combat masters have extremely high requirements for combat power at the same level. Only when one reaches the peak of that level, with cultivation so stable that further advancement is impossible, and passes an assessment to confirm their strength, can they obtain the techniques and secret manuals for the next level. Otherwise, without solid accumulation at the same level, subsequent progress would become unstable, making it impossible to advance to higher levels or be invincible at the same level.

“Moreover, our Combat Master Hall exists for battle, and the cultivation techniques we practice are relatively standardized. This makes it convenient for setting up formations or exchanging *zhenqi*… Therefore, the quantity of our cultivation techniques and secret manuals is far less than that of the Master Teacher Pavilion!” Hall Master Xing continued.

Zhang Xuan understood. Combat masters were essentially the army of Master Teachers. For an army, cultivating standardized techniques was most suitable. This way, if injured in battle, they could complement each other's *zhenqi*, and it would be easier to set up powerful grand formations.

“Of course, while our cultivation techniques are fewer in number, their quality is extremely high, which should be more enlightening for you. Besides, even if they are few… we still have several hundred types!” Although he didn't know why Teacher Sun wanted as many types of cultivation techniques as possible, since he made the request, he must have his reasons and goals. It was better to clarify things beforehand to avoid trouble later.

“Several hundred types of cultivation techniques are also fine. Where can I see them, and how does the assessment work?” Zhang Xuan asked. He was somewhat curious about the Combat Master Hall's assessment. Since only by passing the assessment could he view the techniques, he might as well go and take a look, and also test his own strength. He had always cultivated diligently without much fanfare, and hadn't specifically tested what level he had actually reached.

“The cultivation techniques and secret manuals are all in the Inner Breath Palace. Coincidentally, I am the Palace Master of the Inner Breath Palace. If Teacher Sun wishes to see them, I can take you there,” Palace Master Wei said with a smile.

“Then I'll trouble you!” Zhang Xuan nodded with a smile. He didn't want to meddle in their private affairs and wasn't bothered by them. Since he had come to the Combat Master Hall, he might as well use the opportunity to improve his strength.

“Teacher Sun, you're too polite…” Palace Master Wei said no more, exchanged greetings with Hall Master Xing, and the two walked out.

Seeing them leave, Palace Master Liao looked over, his face full of doubt. “Hall Master, have you ever heard of seeing many secret manuals inspiring insight? Doesn't reading more secret manuals make it harder to distinguish truth from falsehood and make one's thoughts more muddled?”

“I haven't heard of it… but this Teacher Sun is a true genius! He's probably on par with that Teacher Zhang Xuan from the Master Teacher Academy…” Hall Master Xing sighed, then suddenly paused. “Hmm? Teacher Zhang Xuan just arrived in Green Source City, and this Teacher Sun appeared, and both seem to be around the same age, and both are geniuses…”

“Palace Master Liao, I remember Zhuo Dingfeng once brought a portrait of Teacher Zhang. Where is it? Could you retrieve a copy for me? At the time, I thought he was just an academy principal from a small place, so I didn't pay much attention or even look at it!”