Chapter 493: Instructions for Zhang Xuan by Song Chao (Part 1)

Qitian, level with the heavens.Ordinary cultivators, even those at the Mortal Transformation realm, cannot fly. They can only traverse the world with the aid of flying savage beasts. This cultivation technique is actually named Qitian. Doesn't that imply one can fly and stand shoulder to shoulder with the sky?Flying was his greatest dream; he had yearned for it in both his past and present lives. Upon suddenly seeing the content, his excitement was immense.

"With a smile at the mortal world, ride the wind. The Qitian Scroll, once mastered, allows one to soar through the sky, level with the heavens..."Opening the book, the content immediately captivated him."Incredible..."As Zhang Xuan carefully read the content, he felt his understanding of cultivation instantly broaden.

Even ninth-level Mortal Transformation experts couldn't fly; legend had it that only by breaking through this realm could one achieve it. However, the text stated that with diligent cultivation, one could accomplish it at the first level of Mortal Transformation, and even... he, a half-step Mortal Transformation practitioner, could do it!"Mortal Transformation involves comprehending nature and gaining a certain level of control over the surrounding environment. By transforming and gathering this ability, one can step on air, as if climbing a ladder!"

He understood the meaning within.For other half-step Mortal Transformation cultivators, such a profound cultivation technique would be incomprehensible even if given to them. But he was different; having identified flaws and assimilated so much knowledge, many difficult-to-understand parts posed no significant challenge."Just as a person falling into water can tread water to ascend, and water, though insubstantial, can support a person's floatation... air can too! As long as one finds the correct method to control nature, continuously treading on air to fly is not difficult; it's what is known as 'controlling air with air'..."He didn't know how much time had passed, but Zhang Xuan exhaled a breath of stale air, his eyes gleaming."To actually create such a powerful martial art—incredible!"As expected of a disciple of Master Kong, his understanding of heaven, earth, and nature had reached an unbelievable level.Compared to this, the numerous martial arts and cultivation techniques he had seen before were far inferior, with no comparability whatsoever.

Finishing this felt like pushing open a new world, opening a new door, and gaining a deeper understanding of the martial arts and cultivation techniques he had previously practiced."What a pity, this is only the first scroll. I wonder how profound the subsequent ones will be!"He also felt a bit regretful.After reading it, he realized this was merely the introductory part of the Mortal Tread on Heaven Steps, suitable only for cultivators in the Mortal Transformation realm. Once one reached higher realms, it would essentially be useless.Because beyond Mortal Transformation, one could already fly. Even if he continued cultivating it, it would only slightly increase his flying speed, not offering much significant use.

"Let's try..."After adjusting for a while and reviewing the entire content of the Qitian Scroll, he sat cross-legged and began cultivating according to the true qi circulation method described in the martial art.Although he was only at half-step Mortal Transformation, he already had some control over his surroundings. He focused his mind intensely, concentrating all his power on a single point.His body, sitting cross-legged on the ground, slowly floated upwards, like a balloon submerged in water, automatically rising.*Plop!*He maintained it for less than three breaths before falling down, panting heavily."Such terrifying consumption..."

Zhang Xuan's face was pale.He had only stayed in the air for three breaths, yet he had almost completely depleted the true qi in his body. The Mortal Tread on Heaven Steps, while sounding powerful and allowing for majestic flight, consumed an exaggerated amount of true qi.With such a short duration, he feared that he would fall to his death shortly after taking off, perhaps before even making two movements."It seems... this martial art is a bit of a mixed blessing..."He looked dejected.He had thought that after learning it, he could soar through the heavens and gallop freely. Now it seemed... he had been too optimistic!Being able to fly for only three breaths meant he would likely crash to his death instantly, turning into a pancake, as soon as he took off due to lack of true qi.What kind of situation was this? He had clearly learned an incredibly powerful martial art, but if he were to demonstrate it to others... he wouldn't even jump high, and after three breaths, he'd fall due to insufficient true qi... Forget it, he shouldn't show off in the future. He was afraid he would die of embarrassment.

He casually took out several spirit stones and absorbed them frantically. Half an hour later, he finally recovered.Ultimately, his cultivation level was still a bit low, and his true qi reserves were insufficient.If his cultivation were several levels higher, it might be much easier, and soaring into the sky or burrowing into the earth would become simple.After studying it for a while longer, realizing that his current strength indeed wasn't suitable for using this martial art, Zhang Xuan stretched, then pushed the door open and walked out.

As soon as he stepped out, he saw Sun Qiang rushing towards him, looking furious."Young Master, there's a fellow outside who insists on seeing you. I've chased him away three times, but he shamelessly comes back every day. What do you think... should I tell Elder Jin to just throw him out?""Wants to see me? Who?" Zhang Xuan was taken aback.He didn't know anyone here; why would someone come looking for him?"I don't know who he is. I asked several times, but he wouldn't say. He acts incredibly arrogant; it just makes me angry..." Sun Qiang scoffed."Arrogant?" Zhang Xuan found it even stranger.Was there anyone in this world more arrogant than Brother Qiang right in front of him?For someone to make him this angry was truly bizarre."Is he still here now?" he couldn't help but ask."Yes!"

"Take me to see him!" Zhang Xuan waved his hand."Alright, he's in the reception hall over there!" Sun Qiang pointed.The residence Cabinet Master Sai found for them was essentially a detached courtyard, with seven or eight bedrooms and a small reception hall.Upon entering the reception hall, he indeed saw a young man seated there. Behind the young man was an elder whose faint aura indicated extraordinary cultivation.It was precisely the young man from Box 23 and his elderly guard.

Sitting in the room, Song Chao was somewhat anxious.That day, being cut off by Box No. 1 had made him unhappy. He secretly sent someone to inquire and finally found out.The person with Cabinet Master Sai was a Master Teacher named Zhang Xuan, whose specific identity was unclear.Hearing it was a Master Teacher, he immediately relaxed.Had it been another identity, he wouldn't have much to say, but a Master Teacher... he himself had reached four stars, which was considered top-tier in the Myriad Kingdom Alliance. A young fellow under twenty certainly couldn't be of a higher rank than him.Master Teachers had strict hierarchies, with star levels dictating respect; one had to address higher-ranked Master Teachers as elders. Since the other party's rank was lower, it would be simple.He had eagerly come to find him, and it was one thing that he hadn't met the person after three consecutive attempts...The most crucial point was that the butler had directly treated him like a swindler and chased him away... If he hadn't been concerned about his own status, he would have surely beaten him to death long ago."Young Master, do you think... he will sell it to us?"Seeing the frustration in his young master's eyes, the elderly guard couldn't help but ask.He had traveled a great distance this time simply because he had heard about the Soulless Golden Man. However, he couldn't outbid the other party at the auction. Now that he had inquired, he wanted to buy it from them... How could someone who paid a price for it possibly sell it?"Hmph, whether he wants to sell it or not, he will! As long as he's a Master Teacher, I have a way to make him sell it to me!" Song Chao's expression was stern as he rested his hand on the armrest of the chair."Does Young Master have a plan?" The elderly guard's eyes lit up.

"Of course. I'm a four-star Master Teacher. It's quite simple for me to spot some issues in his cultivation, and then give him a few pointers. I don't believe he won't obediently hand over the item..."A corner of his mouth curved upwards.As long as one cultivated, problems were inevitable. For him, a dignified and talented four-star Master Teacher, guiding the cultivation of a mere youngster under twenty was quite simple.Once he guided the other party to a breakthrough, they would be immensely grateful. Not to mention the Soulless Golden Man, they might even pledge allegiance on the spot."That's true..."The elder was momentarily stunned, then nodded involuntarily.Master Teachers indeed possessed such ability and charisma. His willingness to serve as the young master's guard, besides family obligation, was primarily due to this.Following a Master Teacher and listening to their insights often allowed one to avoid many detours in cultivation, achieving twice the results with half the effort.

"Young Master, these are the people who want to see you!"Just as he was wondering if he would meet Master Zhang today, he heard the butler's voice, and two people walked over.The first one, not very old, appeared to be under twenty, and seemed to be the legendary Zhang Xuan."Are you looking for me?"Entering the room, Zhang Xuan was perplexed. He had never seen these two before; why were they looking for him?"Indeed. I am Song Chao, a four-star Master Teacher!" Song Chao stood up and gestured grandly."A four-star Master Teacher?" Zhang Xuan was momentarily stunned, then clasped his fist: "Oh, Zhang Xuan greets Master Song!"

He hadn't expected this person in front of him, who appeared to be under thirty, to already be a four-star Master Teacher! As expected of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, it was indeed full of talented individuals."Hmm!" Seeing his good attitude, Song Chao nodded with satisfaction. Just as he was about to adopt the demeanor of an expert and offer guidance to impress Zhang Xuan, he heard another set of footsteps."Master Zhang, you've emerged from seclusion! Everything you requested has been collected..."Cabinet Master Sai walked in.Entering the room and seeing Song Chao, Cabinet Master Sai clasped his fist: "Greetings, Master Song!"This fellow had been inquiring about things these past two days and had already met with him.After a greeting, Cabinet Master Sai ignored Song Chao and eagerly approached Zhang Xuan, fawningly presenting a storage ring."All collected, so fast?"

Didn't he say it would take three days? It's only been a little over two days, and everything is already found?Taking the ring, Zhang Xuan swept his consciousness through it and indeed found that it was full of books: cultivation techniques and martial arts, volume by volume, totaling tens of thousands of them.There were those for the first, second, and third levels of Mortal Transformation.However, the number wasn't much different from what he mentioned last time, progressively decreasing.Even so, it wasn't bad.It seemed he should be able to perfectly extract the cultivation techniques for the first level of Mortal Transformation, the Lifespan Augmentation realm."Well done!"Zhang Xuan smiled faintly, nodding subtly in approval."Since I promised you, of course I had to be quick..."Receiving the praise, Cabinet Master Sai responded, then flipped his wrist to take out an identity token: "Master Zhang, I reported your success in the 'Flowing Goblet Meandering Water' trial to headquarters. This is the five-star Appraiser badge granted by headquarters...""A five-star badge?" Zhang Xuan took it, and indeed saw five bright and dazzling stars on it.He had passed a 'Flowing Goblet Meandering Water' trial and obtained a five-star Appraiser identity. How could it feel so unbelievable?The Appraiser examination was just too easy!