Chapter 221: Apprenticeship (Part 1)

The Poison Hall is actually just the Poison Master Guild!

"Poison Master Guild?" Zhang Xuan blinked.

Why is it called the Poison Hall if it's a guild, similar to the Alchemist Guild, Artifact Forger Guild, or Teacher Guild? It sounds quite sinister.

Liu Ling, noticing his confusion, explained, "Do you think that since it's a guild, it should be open and above board, so why give it such an ominous name as the Poison Hall? This is related to the unique status of poison masters."

"Poison masters, adept at using poisons, are unpredictable and were once categorized as a 'low-class' profession, widely despised. Their formidable nature led to them being collectively expelled by countless powerful figures across the continent. During that period, their guild was eradicated, and countless poison masters perished in the calamity."

"Later, while their legacy survived, they feared repeating history and dared not appear openly. They secretly established the Poison Hall, concealing themselves among famous mountains and rivers, patiently biding their time. This is why, although the profession exists within kingdoms, it is exceedingly rare. If one truly sought a place rich in books on poison, this would undoubtedly be it. However, even I am unaware of its precise location."

Liu Ling shook his head.

"Uh..." Zhang Xuan gave a wry smile.

He realized that the long explanation had been in vain. "What I'm looking for now are books on poison. If I can't find the Poison Hall, what's the use of all this talk?"

"Poisons are extremely dangerous. To concoct more potent drugs, poison masters often test them on themselves, and many have short lifespans. Unless there's a strong reason, few people get involved with them. Why is Teacher Zhang asking about such books?"

All three were somewhat confused. Poisons can kill across cultivation levels. People only choose this profession if they harbor a deep hatred that they could never avenge in their lifetime otherwise. Few are willing to venture into this line of work. Even without testing poisons, constant exposure to toxic substances allows them to enter the body through breathing. Many poison masters do not live long, and as a result, their personalities tend to be somewhat eccentric. This profession makes countless people's faces change color; they want nothing to do with it. The fact that Teacher Zhang, despite not being a master teacher's apprentice, inquired about it, made the three of them immensely curious.

"Just out of curiosity, I asked casually," Zhang Xuan smiled. He certainly couldn't reveal that he was poisoned. Otherwise, if asked why the poison hadn't acted up or why his True Qi was so pure, his secret would be exposed if they pressed further. This was his greatest secret, one he would never tell anyone.

Seeing his reluctance, Liu Ling did not press further. After a moment of thought, he continued, "The precise location of the Poison Hall is indeed unknown. However, I've heard a rumor that a branch exists in the northwesternmost Crimson Lotus Mountains of the Tianwu First-Tier Kingdom. It's said that most poison masters within that kingdom originate from there. Of course, this is merely a legend, and I cannot confirm its veracity."

"Tianwu First-Tier Kingdom?" Zhang Xuan nodded, a book on geography from the library appearing in his mind. A kingdom with a One-star Master Teacher is classified as a Second-Tier Kingdom. The Tianxuan Kingdom has no master teachers and is considered one of the 'unranked' kingdoms. The Tianwu Kingdom is the strongest among the surrounding kingdoms, having reached First-Tier status, one level higher than Liu Ling's Beiwu Kingdom. It's said that a Two-star Master Teacher is stationed in its royal city. This kingdom is not far from the Tianxuan Kingdom, practically a neighbor, as the Crimson Lotus Mountains form their border.

Zhuang Xian, from the side, said with a smile, apparently still not having given up on the idea of having the young man in front of him become his disciple, "Besides the Poison Hall, the Master Teacher Pavilion also has many books on various professions, including a considerable number on poison. While not comparable to the former, they are far superior to the collections in some kingdom libraries. If you simply wish to learn about this profession, you can certainly visit the Master Teacher Pavilion. Of course, to enter the Master Teacher Pavilion, you must first pass an assessment and become a Master Teacher."

"Master Teacher Pavilion?"

"Yes," Zhuang Xian explained, "although master teachers are nominally under the jurisdiction of the Teacher Guild, their esteemed status means the guild cannot truly control them. Therefore, to assess master teachers, provide them with a standardized order, and safeguard their rights, the Master Teacher Pavilion was specifically established."

"The Master Teacher Pavilion, like other guilds, opens its treasures and secret manuals only to master teachers. Its library covers countless professions, and there will certainly be many books on poison, as you mentioned."

"Oh!" Zhang Xuan nodded. It seemed that if he couldn't find the Poison Hall, becoming a master teacher and entering the Master Teacher Pavilion might also solve his current problem.

"Well, please consider our offer carefully," Liu Ling said again. "With your talent, becoming a master teacher will be within reach as long as you study diligently. It's best not to dwell on other things."

The group chatted for a few more moments. Seeing that the young man was genuinely not interested in becoming their apprentice, Liu Ling reiterated his point before excusing himself with the other two. They knew that with a genius teacher like Zhang Xuan, it was best not to push too hard. A gradual approach might lead him to reconsider in a couple of days, whereas constant questioning could prove counterproductive.

As the three master teachers departed, several students gathered around, looking at Teacher Zhang with expressions of profound admiration.

"Did you see that? Other teachers, upon hearing that a master teacher wanted to take them as an apprentice, would be so excited they'd forget their own names! But our Teacher Zhang, he just flat-out refused... That's simply incredible!"

"Stop that look. I haven't settled accounts with you for what happened earlier!" Zhang Xuan's expression darkened. "These little rascals actually called the three master teachers lecherous and peeping Toms! Luckily, it was just spilled ink, and they didn't hold a grudge. Otherwise, even he wouldn't have been able to protect them."

After scolding them for a bit and then giving them specific guidance for a while, Zhang Xuan finally let out a satisfied sigh. It must be said that these few individuals, though somewhat mischievous and unreliable, were all extremely serious about their cultivation, without a hint of laziness. Surprisingly, all the disciples except Yuan Tao had reached Martial Artist 2-dan, Dantian Realm. He had expected Zheng Yang to make the most progress, but he never dreamed it would be Wang Ying, who appeared so delicate. In just a few days, she had not only broken through to Martial Artist 2-dan but had also advanced by leaps and bounds, reaching the peak of the Dantian Realm's middle stage, just a step away from the late stage! This speed of progress could only be described as astonishing. It seemed that although this girl appeared a bit naive and would blush when she spoke, she was actually exceptionally resolute inside. When it came to making decisions, even Zhao Ya might not compare. As for the others, they were also commendable. Thinking about it, he realized it made sense. Having been taught cultivation techniques and combat skills refined by the Library, it would truly be embarrassing if their progress weren't significant.

Through the library, Zhang Xuan also noticed something peculiar: his five disciples seemed to be secretly practicing a combined attack formation. He observed it and found that the formation had no drawbacks; instead, it would increase their combined combat power. As long as they weren't messing around, he couldn't be bothered to interfere. Cultivating students isn't like growing flowers or raising beasts; what's imparted to them are ideas and cultivation methods. Otherwise, if everything is restricted, they will lose their versatility and become no different from puppets. It's like the exam-oriented education of his previous life, which stifled the creativity of many children, ultimately turning them into monsters with high scores but low abilities. Zhang Xuan would leave after teaching his lessons, and sometimes he would even skip classes. This wasn't irresponsible; it was because he feared limiting these individuals too much, which would hinder their path to becoming true experts. Teaching without restricting—that was the true path of a master.

"To be assessed as a master teacher, I must become an apprentice... but I don't want to take Liu Ling and the others as my masters..." After guiding everyone, Zhang Xuan once again found himself in a dilemma. Apprentice, master teacher; master teacher, apprentice—it felt like a vicious cycle that gave him a headache.

"Wait, if I don't become their apprentice, I can become my own!" After agonizing for an unknown period, Zhang Xuan suddenly froze as an idea popped into his head. Not only did he have the identity of Zhang Xuan, but wasn't he also 'Master Yang'? In everyone's eyes, Master Yang was also a master teacher. If he became his own apprentice, would he also be qualified to be assessed as a master teacher? Even if direct assessment wasn't possible, having Liu Ling and the others introduce him should be easy enough. If 'Master Yang' spoke, who would dare disobey?

"That's it!" With a slight smile, Zhang Xuan left the academy and headed towards his residence. To become 'Master Yang's' apprentice, 'Master Yang' would naturally have to speak first.

After leaving the academy, Liu Ling and the others couldn't help but smile wryly, recalling their failed attempt to take on a disciple. "Let alone a low-tier kingdom like Tianxuan, even in Beiwu Kingdom or Hanwu Kingdom, if they merely expressed a desire to take on an apprentice, countless star teachers would undoubtedly flock to them, vying for the opportunity. This fellow, however, was something else. He clearly stated their intention, yet he still refused... They truly had no idea what was going on in his mind."

"At such a young age, to master calligraphy, alchemy, and tea ceremony to such a profound level—it's quite normal for a super genius like him to have some arrogance!" Liu Ling couldn't help but remark, recalling the other party's many impressive feats.

"Indeed! There's no need to rush. Tomorrow is his teacher assessment with Lu Xun. Perhaps he wants to defeat him decisively first, and then formally become our disciple. That would make it seem more honorable," Zhuang Xian speculated, as if realizing something.

"That's possible..." The two nodded simultaneously. "His refusal doesn't necessarily mean he doesn't want to; he might truly be considering this possibility. Otherwise, even if he didn't want to be their student, would he also be unwilling to be assessed as a master teacher? This is every teacher's aspiration, just as every cultivator dreams of becoming a supreme expert; it's impossible to refuse."

"You must come and watch tomorrow's competition. But before that... shouldn't we attend to our own matters first?" Liu Ling suddenly said.

"You mean... taking Master Yang as our teacher?" Zhuang Xian's eyes lit up as well.

"A person cannot have only one teacher in their lifetime, and master teachers are no exception. If they encounter someone of a higher level, they can certainly take them as a master and learn from them."

"Exactly!" Liu Ling's eyes grew brighter the more he spoke. "Master Yang could casually enable Shen Hong and Zheng Fei to break through; his insight and methods are far superior to ours. If we could take him as our master, we might be able to break through our own limitations, qualify to be assessed as Two-star Master Teachers, or even... succeed in one go!"

"Having a good teacher greatly helps one's future development. Through the previous incidents, Master Yang had already demonstrated extraordinary abilities. If they could take him as their master, they might make rapid progress and go much further... reaching a level they had only dreamed of but never dared to hope for."