Chapter 1264: Specially Appointed Elder

“Teacher Zhang is teaching?”

The old blacksmith froze, listening intently. Sure enough, a faint, almost imperceptible sound drifted from afar.

Due to the distance, it was hard to hear clearly, but just a whisper of the sound made his *qi* surge within him, flowing in accordance with the words he heard.

“This is… a Master Teacher’s Heaven’s Mandate of Speech?”

His throat dry, the old blacksmith understood. His eyes lit up, and he could no longer suppress his excitement.

Although just a blacksmith, he knew many legends about Master Teachers. This Heaven’s Mandate of Speech, when applied to pots and pans, imbued them with sentience. If sold later, their price would reach an astonishing level.

Previously, a single iron pot, crafted by his hands, would sell for one gold coin. Now, even a mid-grade spirit stone might not be enough to buy one…

Of course… the prerequisite was to first catch all those runaway pots!

After an unknown period, he finally caught up with the pots and pans. As he held his hammer again, the old blacksmith felt a profound connection, as if they were blood-related.

It felt as if it had grown into his hand, losing all its weight.

“With this, I won’t have to wait until the afternoon. I can forge eighteen iron pots in no time. My life will change dramatically from now on…”

Clenching his fists, he looked towards where the voice had originated. The old blacksmith knelt straight to the ground, his eyes reddened.

“Thank you, Teacher Zhang…”

Identical scenes were unfolding throughout the streets and alleys of Qingyuan City.

Zhang Xuan’s Heaven’s Mandate of Speech not only improved cultivation but also greatly benefited other auxiliary occupations. Alchemists who previously struggled to concoct pills found immediate success after hearing his lecture; some Saint Beasts, unable to conceive due to their powerful bloodlines, became pregnant with dragon-phoenix twins immediately after the class…

*Clang!*

As the last character in the air dissipated, all the cultivators in the plaza emerged from their meditation, their eyes glowing with fervent light.

While others’ Master’s Heaven’s Sound could only aid one person in cultivation, Teacher Zhang’s resonance was so powerful that it produced the same effect as the Heaven’s Mandate of Speech, granting unimaginable benefits to everyone present in a short time…

It was simply unbelievable.

“Teacher!”

They prostrated themselves, each filled with admiration.

To cultivate his techniques meant they owed him half a teacher’s respect.

From this day forward, all Master Teachers and cultivators in Qingyuan City would undoubtedly be grateful to Zhang Xuan, harboring no other thoughts.

“One word convinces ten thousand, one phrase stabilizes the lands… This is a true Master Teacher!”

Watching the adoring gazes of the crowd, Yao Mantian sighed inwardly.

Even as an 8-star Master Teacher, she couldn’t achieve this.

Zhang Xuan’s talent was beyond imagination, comparable even to the descendants of some Saint Clans.

Moreover, with so many people simultaneously paying homage, his face showed no trace of excitement or complacency. This very mindset destined him for a long and prosperous path!

“I must accept him as a student…”

She quietly clenched her fist.

Although his talent was formidable, he hadn’t yet reached 8-star power. With her status, she still had a chance to take him as a student.

If successful, and with vigorous cultivation, he would surely become renowned throughout the continent!

“Teacher Zhang, I wonder if you… would be interested in further studies at the Empire Alliance, and rapidly improving your strength?”

Thinking this, she couldn’t hold back any longer and looked over at him.

“Empire Alliance?”

“Indeed. It possesses the finest cultivation techniques and resources. If you agree to become my student, I can take you there, provide you with the best connections and techniques, anything you desire. I guarantee you’ll become a true 8-star Master Teacher within fifty years…”

Yao Mantian nodded.

“Fifty years?” Zhang Xuan shook his head. “No interest!”

Becoming an 8-star after so many years, the grass on his grave would probably be several feet high by then.

For others, becoming an 8-star Master Teacher before seventy was extremely tempting. For him, it was far slower than a snail, and simply didn't pique his interest.

“This is a great opportunity. The Empire Alliance’s powers are intricate and branched into various factions. Without guidance, you could easily encounter trouble…”

Seeing his refusal, Yao Mantian explained.

“Factions?”

“The Empire Alliance is an alliance organization. It includes not only the Eight Conferred Empires but also some minor Saint Clans. These forces unite to form the overall alliance. Consequently, the differing interests among these major powers have led to the Master Teacher Pavilion dividing into several factions. If you don’t understand this in advance, or align yourself with one, you will inevitably face difficulties.”

Yao Mantian continued, “My intention to take you as an apprentice is not to take advantage of you, but to be a guide, to help you better integrate and gain recognition. Otherwise, no matter how talented you are, it will be useless. The Saint Clans, the Alliance is so vast… it certainly doesn’t lack geniuses!”

Zhang Xuan nodded.

He had read relevant books and understood the structure of the Empire Alliance.

As she said, the Eight Conferred Empires were only a part of it.

It also governed some minor Saint Clans and sects of moderate strength.

It was similar to the Myriad Kingdoms Alliance of old, which also had sects like the Flowing Cloud Sect and the Cold Qi Sect under it.

Wherever there are people, there are rivalries. Different powers, occupying different geographical areas, naturally divide into many distinct forces… To try and enter without joining the corresponding sphere of influence would be virtually impossible.

“So, what do you think? Will you consider it...?”

Seeing that he understood, Yao Mantian asked.

“This… the Master Teacher Pavilion is split into so many factions, and headquarters just lets it develop this way?” Zhang Xuan wondered.

Throughout his journey, the Master Teacher Pavilion had always seemed united. Why did it sound so chaotic in a high-level place like the Empire Alliance?

“When Master Kong established the Master Teacher Pavilion, he once said that for humanity to develop rapidly, they must unleash their potential, and there must be competition and contention internally. Otherwise, if everyone is complacent, how can they surpass other professions?”

Yao Mantian chuckled.

“This…” Zhang Xuan paused, then nodded.

It was similar to the rules of Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy.

Unless it involved harming humanity, they generally didn’t interfere, allowing students to compete amongst themselves.

Progress only comes with competition.

If everyone simply followed orders, they might achieve combat effectiveness in the short term, but over time, they would become mediocre, no longer highlighting the greatness of the primary profession.

It had to be said, the rule set by Master Kong was indeed excellent.

It was precisely for this reason that Master Teacher Pavilions everywhere handled their own affairs; as long as the situation wasn't beyond the region's capacity to manage, they resolved it themselves without needing to report to headquarters for assistance.

This mechanism ensured a continuous stream of talent for the Master Teacher Pavilion, allowing it to endure for tens of thousands of years, unrivaled by any other profession.

Survival of the fittest.

Only through continuous selection could the best be preserved.

“These kinds of feuds are the most troublesome…”

Zhang Xuan rubbed his temples.

Honestly, he disliked such factions the most; they were too mentally draining.

“Indeed, but there’s no way around it… Unless you become an Elder of the Alliance Master Teacher Pavilion, you will inevitably face various restrictions and sanctions!”

Yao Mantian said.

“Elder?”

“Yes, Elders of the Alliance Master Teacher Pavilion have voting rights when adjudicating matters. This alone makes them sought after by other powers; no one dares to offend them!” Yao Mantian continued.

“How can one become an Elder?”

Zhang Xuan was somewhat moved.

He didn't want to get involved in factional trivial matters. If he could become an Elder, he would avoid trouble and enjoy corresponding resources—killing two birds with one stone.

“Become an Elder?”

Yao Mantian was speechless.

This guy really dared to dream.

She, a dignified 8-star low-tier Master Teacher, couldn't become one, yet he, a mere 7-star, not even there yet, was already contemplating it… wasn’t he thinking too much?

Forcibly suppressing her displeasure, she still explained, “To become an Elder of the Alliance Master Teacher Pavilion, you must first be an 8-star Master Teacher, and your cultivation must reach Saint 7-dan. Most crucially, you also need the Pavilion Master’s recognition and consent… Otherwise, don’t even think about it!”

At this, she sighed, “My teacher, an 8-star mid-tier Master Teacher, has been applying to become an Elder for thirty years in a row, but unfortunately… has never succeeded!”

If her teacher were an Elder, he would certainly have gone to a better place to cultivate long ago, rather than being sent to such a desolate area to deal with messes.

Even her teacher wasn’t qualified, and this person before her was merely a 7-star Master Teacher. Even with some talent, it wouldn’t be enough!

The higher the Master Teacher level, the more talented individuals there were…

If Pavilion Master He agreed so easily to others becoming Elders, the entire Alliance Master Teacher Pavilion wouldn’t have only twelve after all these years.

“This… is indeed difficult!”

Hearing that her teacher hadn’t succeeded, Zhang Xuan scratched his head, a bit awkward.

An 8-star mid-tier Master Teacher whose cultivation had reached Saint 7-dan couldn’t achieve it… naturally, he shouldn’t even think about it.

“Yes…”

Yao Mantian nodded: “Being in the Master Teacher Pavilion, it’s impossible to completely detach yourself from its disputes. So, you can only choose a side in advance and join one. Although my teacher isn’t an Elder, he is one of the Master Teacher Pavilion’s many managers. Becoming my student would mean joining our faction, saving you a lot of trouble…”

Just as she was about to explain further and persuade Teacher Zhang to become her student, a gust of wind swept through the air, and a massive Saint Beast slowly descended.

Following closely, several figures flew down.

“Teacher Wu, Pavilion Master Xing…”

Zhang Xuan smiled faintly.

It was Teacher Wu and the others, who had rushed back from Jibei City.

“Teacher Zhang, I have already reported the matter in detail to the Alliance Master Teacher Pavilion, and Pavilion Master He has granted certain commendations!”

Coming forward, after exchanging a few pleasantries, Teacher Wu said with a smile, abruptly raising his hand. A beam of light shot towards the Master Teacher Pavilion nearby.

*Boom!*

It was as if some formation had been activated. Immediately after, a vast power enveloped the surroundings.

Knowing it was an order from headquarters, all the Master Teachers and Combat Masters looked over, their expressions solemn.

“Teacher Zhang Xuan of the Qingyuan Empire Master Teacher Pavilion, for thwarting the Spirit God Race’s conspiracy, slaying Emperor Qingtian and the Ten Great Kings, and for his boundless achievements… is hereby appointed as a specially invited Elder of the Alliance Master Teacher Pavilion…”

A grand voice then resounded.