Chapter 207

“Huh?”

Tian Long, who had been respectfully standing, froze at the sight, as if struck on the head by a heavy club. What did he call him? Master?

Who was Master Yuanyu? A true master of medicine, a certified physician, an existence on par with his grandfather, Elder Tian. He was respected everywhere he went, and even His Majesty Shen Zhui treated him with courtesy. Even a genius like Tian Long, a renowned figure among the younger generation, had to speak to Master Yuanyu carefully, daring not to raise his voice for fear of offending him. Yet, this very person was now respectfully approaching this guy, who was even younger than himself, and calling him… Master? His demeanor was like someone meeting their idol.

What the hell was going on?

The most crucial thing was that he had just questioned what right this guy had to be called a master, and then Master Yuanyu showed up, delivering such a blow to his pride. Tian Long felt his face contort, his lips burning.

But his maddening experience wasn’t over. He had expected the young man to be incredibly honored and proud, given Master Yuanyu's high status and special visit. Instead, he saw the young man furrow his brow. “Didn’t we just see each other a few days ago?”

Frowning? What's with that frown?! Tian Long’s mouth twitched. The other party was an elder, saying “long time no see” was just politeness. But this guy, he just called him out directly. Could they even have a decent conversation?

He expected Master Yuanyu to get angry, but instead, Master Yuanyu slapped his forehead, suddenly realizing. “Yes, yes! It’s mainly because I hung your painting in my room and admire it daily. The more I look at it, the more I feel the immense gap in our skill, so I forgot we just met a few days ago.”

“What’s there to admire in a painting? If you really want to learn, I can teach you!” Zhang Xuan nodded.

“Good, then I’d be extremely grateful…” Master Yuanyu’s beard bristled with excitement.

Thud! Tian Long swayed, feeling as if lightning was striking all around him. Yuanyu… are you still a master? Why do you look like an elementary school student right now? Learning from this kid? Learning what the hell? Does he even have the qualifications?

“He…” Unable to hold back, he looked at Bai Xun.

“Teacher Zhang is a true master of calligraphy and painting; even Master Lu Chen admires him greatly. If he doesn’t deserve the title of master, then who does?” Bai Xun said, looking at him with disdain, pleased. Let you show off! Now you’re speechless! Look at how arrogant you were just now, saying he “doesn’t know his place.” It’s you who doesn’t know your place!

“A master of calligraphy and painting?” Tian Long suddenly remembered that Master Yuanyu was not only skilled in medicine but also very proficient in calligraphy and painting. However, he couldn’t fathom what level this infamous academy teacher, who was not even twenty, could have reached to earn such high praise from a true master like Yuanyu. Although calligraphy and painting were not as prevalent as tea ceremonies, they were still one of the genuine “nine minor professions,” and it was very difficult to achieve mastery.

“Perhaps he just copied some senior’s work and gained a little fame, and ‘master’ is just a polite compliment. Otherwise, at that age, even if he started learning painting from birth, it would be impossible to reach master level…”

Tea ceremony, calligraphy, and painting were similar; he knew the difficulty involved. He had been learning tea ceremony since he was seven, and now, eighteen years later, he had only reached the second stage of tea ceremony, “Returning to Original Simplicity.” If classified by alchemist levels, this was equivalent to the peak of an advanced alchemist apprentice, still a considerable distance from being officially certified. How could someone younger than him truly reach the master level? “Master” was a title for officially certified professionals. Just like an official alchemist could be called an alchemy master, an official calligrapher/painter, or someone who could create a four-level painting, could also be called a master. A kid under twenty creating a four-level painting? That was like saying he could brew four-level tea—what a joke!

Unaware of Tian Long’s disbelief, Zhang Xuan saw Master Yuanyu’s approach had attracted a lot of attention. He waved his hand. “You go attend to your business first. If you really want to learn, just find me when you have free time!”

He had come here to see the Three Masters and inquire about the black qi in his body, not to draw too much attention. After all, one should be low-key! If this guy kept following him, how could he be low-key? It simply didn’t align with his principles and requirements for being a modest person!

“Yes, then I’ll go over there for now and find Master Zhang to learn later when I have time.” Master Yuanyu also knew that his identity was too eye-catching, and staying there would definitely cause unnecessary trouble, so he cupped his fists and left. The capable one is the teacher. Although the other party was young, he could create a fifth-level painting. Based on that alone, he deserved his respect and willingness to learn.

Tian Long had been too absorbed in shock and anger to clearly hear their conversation. Now, looking at Teacher Zhang Xuan again, he felt no admiration, only increased anger. His affection for Huang Yu was no secret, which was why he had always been at odds with Bai Xun. Knowing Huang Yu would attend his grandfather’s birthday banquet, he had specifically learned a set of tea brewing techniques to show off, but before he could, this guy humiliated him so thoroughly. He considered it a testament to his self-control that he didn’t lash out.

“Even if he’s not a true master, for Master Yuanyu to personally greet him means he’s certainly not simple…”

Although angry, he hadn’t lost his composure. He was wondering how to make this guy look bad and regain some face when an idea suddenly struck him. “Oh, right, they’re here today too. Someone just reported it to me. I was so focused on waiting for Xiaoyu that I hadn’t had time to go over. If I have them meet, it will definitely be interesting…”

Thinking this, he stepped forward. “Teacher Zhang, I’m truly sorry. I didn’t know you were skilled in calligraphy and painting, and I’ve been very offensive. Please forgive me!”

He said he was sorry, but there was no expression of apology on his face. Zhang Xuan was too lazy to bother with such a two-faced, insincere person and casually waved his hand. “This time it’s fine; don’t let it happen again!”

“You…” Seeing that his polite gesture was met with a lecturing tone, like a teacher admonishing a student, Tian Long felt a surge of frustration in his chest, almost exploding. Can we even have a decent conversation? He heard that those skilled in calligraphy and painting were refined, articulate, and profound. How could this guy’s words make people so angry… Was he really a master of calligraphy and painting?

His fists clenched, almost bursting, but the angrier he got, the more he suppressed it. A cold glint flickered in his eyes, but he smiled slightly. “Yes, I’ll be careful next time. We don’t know when Teacher Liu and the others will arrive. I think we should wait upstairs. As long as they come, we’re sure to see them!”

If anyone familiar with him saw his expression, they would know someone was about to have a bad day.

“This…” Huang Yu hesitated, then looked at the young man beside her. Although she was a master teacher apprentice and held a respected position, Zhang Xuan was on equal terms with Master Lu Chen, so she dared not make a decision on her own.

Zhang Xuan nodded. Master Yuanyu’s greeting had already drawn a lot of attention. For him, waiting upstairs was the same; since the day was already delayed, there was no need to rush.

“Okay!” Seeing him agree, Huang Yu accepted.

Seeing this, Tian Long became even more exasperated. He didn’t know the relationship between Zhang Xuan and Huang Yu, and seeing their interaction, he mistakenly thought they were exchanging glances and had a romantic interest in each other. Intense jealousy made his face twitch, threatening to erupt at any moment.

The second floor of the main hall was where guests were entertained. They could drink tea or sit by the window to enjoy the scenery. From there, one could overlook the entire manor, which looked like a vast, pleasing garden. The four of them walked up the stairs.

The second floor was filled with private seating areas, and many people were already seated, drinking tea and chatting animatedly. Almost all the attendees of Elder Tian’s birthday banquet were well-known figures from the Tianxuan Kingdom with high statuses, and they all had personal maids serving them. These maids, it seemed, had also been specially trained and were familiar with the tea ceremony, brewing tea gracefully, creating a unique sense of beauty.

“This way…” Tian Long led the way, looking around as he walked, seemingly searching for someone. Suddenly, his eyes lit up, and he stopped. “Brother Lu, Brother Wang, you’re here and didn’t even call out to me? I didn’t know you were here…”

Following his gaze, they saw two people sitting not far away. It was Lu Xun and Wang Chao, the star teachers from Hongtian Academy. They were also attending Elder Tian’s birthday banquet today.

“Tian Long, are you doing this on purpose?” Seeing that this guy had brought them here, Huang Yu immediately understood his intention and her face darkened. Everyone knew that Teacher Zhang Xuan and Teacher Lu Xun were rivals and couldn’t stand each other; bringing them face-to-face clearly had malicious intent.

“Xiaoyu, what are you talking about? I just saw Brother Lu and Brother Wang too, didn’t I? Since we all know each other, why don’t we sit and have some tea together? You can also taste my skills.” Tian Long smirked, secretly glancing at Zhang Xuan. Kid, weren’t you very arrogant just now? “Don’t let it happen again”? Don’t let what happen again! Now that Teacher Lu Xun is here, and you call yourself a master, a great person… I’d like to see you keep up that act!

Lu Xun and Wang Chao clearly hadn’t expected to encounter Zhang Xuan here. Wang Chao frowned and looked at Tian Long. “Brother Tian, did they not check invitations at Elder Tian’s banquet? How can just anyone get in?”

Hearing this, Tian Long was so excited he almost jumped. He had heard that Wang Chao had a hot temper, but he hadn’t expected him to be so effective. He had been wondering how to stir up trouble, and this guy immediately picked a fight. His heart was blooming with joy, but he deliberately put on a difficult expression. “Invitations were definitely checked. Assistant Teacher Huang Yu and Young Master Bai are guests I personally invited. As for this… Teacher Zhang, although I didn’t invite him, since he’s their guest, it’s not really my place to say much…”

“Guest? A low-level teacher can also be called a guest?” Wang Chao scoffed. Zhang Xuan was just a low-level teacher at the academy, not even advanced, let alone a star teacher. In terms of status, he was indeed not qualified to attend Elder Tian’s birthday banquet.

“Enough, Wang Chao!” Lu Xun waved his hand, cutting off his friend’s sarcasm. He glanced at Zhang Xuan, his expression calm. “My apologies, Teacher Zhang, Wang Chao always speaks his mind and lacks manners. However… this is indeed not where you should be. You should leave quickly. Don’t let Miss Huang Yu be reprimanded because of you, and don’t let Hongtian Academy lose face!”