Chapter 238: A God-like Man

“Big… Eldest Senior Brother?”

“Teacher Liu and the others are calling Zhang Xuan Eldest Senior Brother?”

“He’s not even twenty, and the youngest of the Three Teachers is already sixty or seventy. How does that even make sense?”

“I don’t know, but… it doesn’t look like the Three Teachers are faking it. Could this Teacher Zhang have another powerful identity?”

Everyone felt as if they were struck by lightning again.

The shocks today were like a relentless tide, wave after wave, one after another. They could barely handle it—or rather, their hearts couldn't handle it anymore.

“He… he’s Eldest Senior Brother to Teacher Liu and the others? Could it be…”

Emperor Shen Zhui’s pupils constricted as something struck him, and his body trembled.

The Three Master Teachers resided in the palace, interacting daily, so he knew what they were thinking. They were all determined to become disciples of Master Yang Xuan, and now they were calling Zhang Xuan “Eldest Senior Brother.” Even the most foolish person would understand what that implied.

“Teacher Zhang Xuan is… Master Yang’s student, and what’s more… a direct disciple!”

His breathing immediately quickened.

Master Yang’s ability to help the dying Shen Hong achieve a breakthrough was astonishing. According to Teacher Liu and the others, he was likely at least a 3-star, or even higher, Master Teacher. Such a figure was like a divine dragon of the nine heavens, appearing and disappearing unpredictably; he might vanish in a few days and become impossible to find. If Zhang Xuan was his direct disciple, things would be much simpler. They could use this connection as a bridge to tie him to Tianxuan Kingdom’s chariot. Even if they couldn’t secure such a powerful figure, if Teacher Liu and the others successfully became disciples here, they certainly wouldn’t be able to refuse him. The rise of the kingdom was just a matter of time!

If he had felt a loss of status and a bit ashamed and frustrated earlier, now his eyes gleamed, and he felt it was an honor. With Yang Xuan as his teacher, it was only a matter of time before Zhang Xuan became a Master Teacher himself. What did it matter if he called him “uncle” or even “grandpa”? As a ruler of a kingdom, striving for its standing among nations, he had long learned to view matters through the lens of benefit. So-called status and seniority were merely titles. Furthermore, Teacher Liu and the others were already peers with his grandfather, Shen Hong. Since Zhang Xuan was their Eldest Senior Brother, strictly speaking, even calling him “uncle” would be a significant gain.

“E-e-e… Eldest Senior Brother? The Three Teachers’ Eldest Senior Brother?”

Like everyone else in a daze, Lu Xun felt his mouth tremble, unable to utter a word. The very reason he had deliberately targeted Teacher Zhang was to compete for the chance to become a disciple of the Three Teachers. Yet… not only did the other party not care, but he was also the Eldest Senior Brother of the Three Teachers… In an instant, he felt like a clown. After all that fuss, the other party remained completely unfazed. Simply revealing one of his identities was enough to crush him.

A Grandmaster of Calligraphy and Painting, a Grandmaster of Tea Ceremony, an official Alchemist (with so many alchemists from the academy present, Wang Chao and he both knew Zhang Xuan's identity as an alchemist), his father’s brother, the Three Teachers’ senior brother… Any single one of these identities would allow him to walk unchallenged in Tianxuan Kingdom. Yet, all of them were concentrated in one inconspicuous teacher at the academy… The intense shock left him utterly bewildered.

He had always considered himself a super genius, capable of making a name for himself without relying on his father’s influence. Only now did he realize that his so-called talent amounted to nothing compared to the other person’s. Honestly… he was so crushed he began to doubt his very existence!

Lost and unsure what to do, he suddenly heard Teacher Liu’s voice beside him. “Teacher Lu is indeed an outstanding talent. I heard about him back in Beiwu Kingdom. I did intend to take him as an apprentice this time. Since Eldest Senior Brother has spoken… Lu Xun, are you willing to become my apprentice?” Liu Ling looked over with a smile. Although he couldn’t take Zhang Xuan as a disciple, taking Lu Xun as an apprentice was still a great gain. Besides, seeing that Eldest Senior Brother intended to resolve the conflict, he was happy to help.

“I am willing…”

Snapping back to reality, Lu Xun’s body trembled, rigid with excitement. All his efforts had been for this. He had thought that after losing the assessment and the competition, there would be no hope. He never dreamed it would come so suddenly.

“It’s… Zhang Xuan, oh, no, Uncle Zhang… Teacher!”

However, he also knew that Teacher Liu’s prompt acceptance wasn’t just because he had heard of his name. The main reason was out of respect for Teacher Zhang. To treat him this way, to put aside past grievances and even introduce him, hoping Teacher Liu would take him as a disciple! What incredible magnanimity! Clenching his fists, Lu Xun’s eyes reddened.

“This is truly the demeanor a teacher should possess. Xun’er, you must learn much from Master Zhang in the future!” Lu Chen, from the side, also sighed with emotion. From Huang Yu, he knew how much trouble his unfilial son had caused the other party. Yet, the other party hadn’t uttered a single word of reproach; instead, he had helped introduce him to become a Master Teacher’s apprentice. Such broad-mindedness was simply beyond ordinary people.

“Yes!” Lu Xun nodded. Only now did he realize how ridiculous his previous struggles and actions had been. He was still thinking about how to become an apprentice to the Three Teachers, while the other person was already their senior brother. He was still thinking about how to become a Calligraphy and Painting Master, while the other person was already a Grandmaster. He was still thinking about how to break through the Aperture Opening realm, while the other person was already at the peak of the Tongxuan realm… This was the gap; there was simply no comparison.

“Teacher Zhang, I was foolish and ignorant before. Please forgive me!”

“To correct a mistake is the greatest virtue! I hope you’ll follow Teacher Liu’s guidance diligently from now on and strive to become a true Master Teacher as soon as possible!” Seeing his realization, Zhang Xuan nodded in satisfaction.

In truth, he bore no significant ill will towards Lu Xun. According to the information his predecessor knew, this individual had produced many formidable students since entering the academy and had almost no negative records. He simply had an overly competitive personality and a strong desire to surpass his capable father, which led him to make several mistakes.

“Yes!” Lu Xun nodded, accepting the advice, then took a few steps to Liu Ling. “Teacher Liu, may I humbly request something?”

“Speak freely!” Teacher Liu stroked his beard and smiled. He was also pleased to see Lu Xun’s genuine repentance.

“My students, to help me win, took the Devil-Maddening Force-Breaking Pill. It might leave lingering side effects. I implore Teacher Liu to help resolve them.” Lu Xun knelt on the ground.

“Teacher…”

Clenching their fists, Zhu Hong and the others’ eyes all reddened. Speaking about this openly would undoubtedly have a significant impact on Teacher Lu’s reputation. Yet, for the sake of their future, he was fearless and open-hearted. Such selflessness earned admiration.

Previously, Mo Xiao, who had wanted to become Zhang Xuan’s disciple, was deeply moved by Lu Xun’s actions. After a moment of thought, he looked at Lu Xun again and made a new decision. Just as powerful teachers choose their students, talented students also choose their teachers. His previous desire to become Zhang Xuan’s disciple was because Teacher Lu’s recent performance had disappointed him. Seeing this scene, he knew that the Teacher Lu who had once dominated Hongtian Academy, the one who believed himself second to none, was back. Only with an open heart can one achieve unwavering success. Immediately, his intention to become Zhang Xuan’s disciple faded.

“The Devil-Maddening Force-Breaking Pill? That’s a forbidden drug that forcibly enhances cultivation. Although users experience a short-term increase in power, the residual toxicity of the pill settles in the meridians, gradually slowing down one’s cultivation speed and hindering future progress! To take such a thing just to win is to ruin these children’s futures… Lu Xun, you were truly foolish!” Liu Ling was startled, then shook his head.

“Yes, I know I made a mistake. I still hope Teacher Liu can help!” Lu Xun’s face was filled with sincerity. He knew the consequences of taking that pill, but after yesterday’s humiliation, he was desperate to win. Greed had clouded his judgment, leading him to make the wrong choice.

“The Devil-Maddening Force-Breaking Pill forcibly boosts a person’s potential, much like overdrawing on their life force. Even I have no way to resolve its effects!” Liu Ling sighed. If the lingering effects of such a drug could be resolved, who wouldn’t buy some to accelerate their cultivation speed? It was precisely because there was no solution that it was classified as a forbidden drug. Even as a Master Teacher, he was powerless.

“Cannot be resolved?”

Lu Xun’s face turned pale. He had thought that once he became a Master Teacher, the problem would be easily solved. It seemed he had been too naive. If even Teacher Liu couldn’t resolve it, didn’t that mean he had ruined several people’s lives for his own selfish desires? Intense self-reproach welled up in his heart.

“You took the Devil-Maddening Force-Breaking Pill?” Zheng Yang had overheard their conversation and rushed to his friend’s side, looking anxious.

“Yes!” Mo Xiao nodded.

“You…” Zheng Yang clenched his fists. He had also heard of the Devil-Maddening Force-Breaking Pill. While it temporarily increased strength, it made future progress extremely difficult. It was definitely a drug that caused premature growth. This friend had grown up with him and shared his dedication to cultivation. It would be unbearable to see him slowly stagnate and become an ordinary person. “Teacher Zhang, please help Mo Xiao!” Gritting his teeth, he went to Zhang Xuan and knelt down. In his heart, Teacher Zhang was omnipotent. Even if Teacher Liu couldn’t do it, he surely could.

“Save him?” Seeing his student speak, Zhang Xuan nodded. “Alright!” During the Master Teacher assessment earlier, when Mo Xiao and the others used their martial techniques, he had already noticed the problem. The lingering side effects of the Devil-Maddening Force-Breaking Pill were due to residual drug toxins in their bodies. For others, even a 3-star or 4-star Master Teacher, it would be impossible, but he was different. His Heaven’s Path zhenqi was clear as water. Although these toxins were potent, as long as his zhenqi was infused, it could easily cleanse them. If it could suppress even poisons that freely evaded expulsion, then mere medicinal toxins were nothing.

“You can save him?” Seeing him agree so quickly, Teacher Liu and the others were all stunned. Without explaining, Zhang Xuan motioned for Mo Xiao to come forward. With a large grab, a stream of zhenqi immediately flowed into Mo Xiao’s meridians. In a short time, all the residual toxins from the drug were completely eliminated. Feeling the changes in his body, Mo Xiao trembled lightly with excitement. After taking the pill, he had clearly felt as if his body was constrained by something. Now, that constraint had completely vanished, and there were no more shackles on his cultivation. “Thank you, Teacher Zhang, for resolving my hidden trouble!” Knowing that the side effects of the Devil-Maddening Force-Breaking Pill had completely disappeared, Mo Xiao knelt down.

“Resolved?”

Liu Ling seemed somewhat disbelieving. He hurried over, infused his zhenqi into Mo Xiao’s body, took a look, and his eyes immediately widened. “It’s… it’s true!” A problem he couldn’t solve, yet Teacher Zhang effortlessly resolved it… What kind of ability was this? No wonder Master Yang thought highly of him, making him their Eldest Senior Brother. This level of skill was simply heaven-defying!

Lu Xun also quickly looked over. A moment later, he bowed down before Zhang Xuan. “Please, Uncle Zhang, extend your help to treat the others!” This time, the address “Uncle Zhang” was uttered willingly, without any hint of reluctance.

“Hmm!”

Treating these few individuals wouldn’t take much effort. Zhang Xuan nodded, and in a short time, all of their lingering problems were completely resolved. Only Zhu Hong was a bit troublesome. Since he hadn’t fought earlier, no book had formed, so Zhang Xuan had him practice his fist techniques for a while to find the root of his problem. Watching the students regain their vigor, now able to cultivate without hindrance, Lu Xun looked at Teacher Zhang again, genuinely impressed.

Indeed, there are people in this world who, even starting from the same point as you, exist on an entirely different level! They are destined to be looked up to, forever beyond your reach. Clearly, Teacher Zhang was one such… god-like man!

Just as he was filled with admiration, thinking he would make it his lifelong goal to catch up to this genius, he saw this god-like man looking at him with a wide smile. “Um… Teacher Lu, do you still have any of these Devil-Maddening Force-Breaking Pills? Or… where did you buy them? Could you help me buy a few? They can raise one’s cultivation by a level in a short time. If I take a few more, will my cultivation keep skyrocketing?”

“…” Lu Xun.

“…” Liu Ling and the others.