Chapter 145: Gunmanship Master

Any other one-star apothecary, even a friend, would not have been so generous. But Zhang Xuan, standing before them, was simply too formidable. He had verbally outmaneuvered everyone, displaying near-perfect and unassailable mastery in alchemy, medicine, and various other fields, leaving everyone speechless.

With such abilities, given enough time, he was sure to rise to prominence. Befriending him now was a worthwhile early investment.

After putting away the Life-Restoring Pill, Zhang Xuan suddenly remembered something and asked, "President Ouyang, do you know where in Tianxuan Royal City one can find spear technique manuals for sale?"

Wang Ying now had the Body-Nourishing Fluid, and Liu Yang had the Vein-Warming Pill. Although the Yin-Breaking Pill and the Giant Rhinoceros beast's blood had not yet arrived, once Zhao Ya and Yuan Tao consumed them, their physiques would be activated, and their cultivation would undoubtedly make a significant leap.

Of his five students, four now had solutions; only Zheng Yang remained.

Zheng Yang excelled in spear techniques, but Lu Xun had found an opponent whose spear skills surpassed his. If Zheng Yang didn't learn some more advanced techniques, he would likely be the weakest link.

He had scoured the academy's teachers' library and found some martial arts techniques, but none related to spear fighting. This was precisely why Teacher Wang Chao was so popular, drawing numerous students skilled in spear techniques to him.

The fact that Wang Chao could "gift" Mo Xiao to Lu Xun suggested an unusual relationship between them. Asking Wang Chao about spear techniques was certainly out of the question, and since Zhang Xuan knew nothing about them himself, his only option was to find out if there were places in the Royal City that sold such manuals.

"Spear technique manuals? You wish to learn spear techniques?" President Ouyang asked, looking at him with a puzzled expression.

Apothecaries already held a respected status; why would he want to learn spear techniques instead of focusing on alchemy?

"Yes," Zhang Xuan confirmed with a nod.

"Spear techniques are less common than swordplay and fewer people learn them. There are only a handful who truly reach a master level. Others might not be able to tell you much, but I happen to know someone whose family's spear technique is exceptionally profound and renowned throughout the Royal City!"

Ouyang Cheng stroked his beard and smiled.

"Oh? Could you take me to him to learn?" Zhang Xuan's eyes lit up.

"This person is quite reclusive. Ordinarily, he doesn't meet outsiders and rarely teaches his spear techniques. However, he is a close friend of mine, so he might grant me this favor!"

Ouyang Cheng stated.

"Then I'll trouble you, President Ouyang." Knowing that the other party was still showing him goodwill, Zhang Xuan immediately nodded, secretly resolving to offer him some guidance whenever he observed him practicing alchemy.

"Let's go; I'll take you to meet this old friend."

Seeing that Zhang Xuan understood his meaning, Ouyang Cheng nodded with satisfaction.

Exiting the Apothecary Guild, the two walked for about half an hour before arriving at a mansion.

Since President Ouyang was a friend of the owner, the guards at the gate did not stop them, allowing them to walk straight in.

"Please wait here, President Ouyang. My master is currently practicing his spear techniques and will be out shortly!"

The butler led them to a small pavilion and informed them.

"Alright, just have him come find me when he's finished practicing!" President Ouyang, familiar with his friend's habits, waved dismissively and then gestured to Zhang Xuan, "Apothecary Zhang, please have a seat!"

"Alright!" Zhang Xuan took a seat and looked around.

The courtyard was spacious and tastefully decorated, exuding a sense of tranquility. There were no servants or attendants in sight, suggesting that the master of the house was not one for extravagance.

"This old friend of mine is Wang Chong. I've known him for over twenty years. He has dedicated his entire life to the world of spear techniques. In terms of spear skills alone, he is undoubtedly one of the most prominent figures in all of Tianxuan Royal City; even Emperor Shen Zhui once personally lauded his unparalleled spear techniques."

President Ouyang picked up his teacup and introduced.

"Impressive!" Zhang Xuan had always admired individuals who reached the pinnacle of any field.

To distinguish oneself among millions in any profession spoke volumes about one's perseverance and talent.

"Old Man Ouyang, are you talking ill of me behind my back again?"

As they chatted, a hearty voice rang out, and then an elderly man strode towards them.

He appeared to be in his fifties, yet his body was as robust and vigorous as a dragon or a tiger, seemingly brimming with inexhaustible energy. Dressed in training attire and holding a long spear, he had, as the butler mentioned, evidently been practicing. He had not even changed his clothes before approaching them.

"Talking ill of you? I'm not that bored!" Ouyang Cheng said, smiling as he stood up.

Their tone of voice clearly indicated a very familiar relationship.

"That's more like it. What brings you to visit me today?" Wang Chong took a few steps into the pavilion, then noticed Zhang Xuan and asked in confusion, "Is this your junior?"

"Cough, cough!" Ouyang Cheng was mortified, nearly spitting out a mouthful of tea.

Junior, my foot!

I was trying to curry favor with him and get him to give me some pointers, and you just called him a junior, nearly rendering all my efforts useless...

He secretly glanced at Zhang Xuan and, seeing that he wasn't offended, breathed a sigh of relief. Fearing his old friend might say something else inappropriate, he quickly introduced, "Allow me to introduce you. This is Zhang Xuan, the guild's newly promoted one-star apothecary!"

"A one-star apothecary?"

Wang Chong froze, then his expression turned to one of shock.

As an old friend of Ouyang Cheng, he was well aware of how difficult the apothecary examination was. When he first saw Zhang Xuan's youth, he had assumed him to be a junior, never imagining he was already a certified apothecary.

It was simply unbelievable.

Even the butler standing beside them was utterly astonished.

"Not only that, Apothecary Zhang successfully passed the pill debate examination, single-handedly leaving ten apothecaries speechless. When it comes to the art of alchemy, I daresay no one in the entire Royal City can surpass him!"

"A pill debate?" Wang Chong gasped in disbelief.

Although he was not an apothecary, he had heard President Ouyang describe this examination method. For someone under twenty to not only become an apothecary but also successfully pass a pill debate — it was hard to believe without witnessing it firsthand.

"President Ouyang, you're too kind. I merely stumbled upon some knowledge by chance. If you truly asked me to refine pills, I might not even be able to produce the simplest one..."

Zhang Xuan hastily replied.

He was speaking the truth; his success in the pill debate was due to the Heaven's Path Library. If he were actually asked to refine pills, he probably couldn't even produce the simplest one.

The group chatted for a while longer. Zhang Xuan knew that Ouyang Cheng was intentionally praising him to leave a good impression on Wang Chong, which would make it easier to broach the topic.

As expected, after a few pleasantries, Ouyang Cheng smiled and said, "I'm afraid I've come to trouble you again, my old friend!"

"Oh?" Wang Chong looked at him.

"It's like this: Apothecary Zhang also has a great interest in spear techniques. I was wondering if Brother Wang might have some time for you two to discuss them?"

Ouyang Cheng stated.

"Oh? Apothecary Zhang is also skilled in spear techniques? That's wonderful..."

Hearing this, Wang Chong's eyes lit up, and he looked over with great excitement.

He was obsessed with spears and relished sparring with masters of the art. Zhang Xuan, having become a certified apothecary at such a young age, likely possessed considerable talent in spear techniques as well. How could Wang Chong not be excited to discuss the art with him?

"I... cough, cough, I've never actually learned spear techniques..."

Zhang Xuan's face was flushed with embarrassment, seeing the other man's clear intention to spar with him.