Chapter 573: Zhao Ya Leaves (Part 1)

Zhao Ya had made significant progress in her cultivation, comparable to Palace Master Wu. In just one day, Zhang Xuan successfully used his blood to resolve a problem that had plagued Palace Master Wu for years, earning her profound gratitude.

“Master Zhang, a special envoy from headquarters wants to see you!”

After finishing his cultivation that day, Zhang Xuan felt that the Grand Master Teacher Competition wasn't far off. Just as he was preparing to leave with Hall Master Kang and the others, Palace Master Wu approached him. She had already reported to headquarters about the resolution of the Yin and Yang Art lifespan issues, which was why the special envoy had made the journey specifically.

“Alright,” Zhang Xuan nodded and followed Palace Master Wu towards the main hall of the Ice Plain Palace.

The main hall was where Palace Master Wu had first received them. Upon arriving, they saw a middle-aged woman standing prominently in the center. She turned to look at them as they entered.

“Envoy, this is Master Zhang!” Palace Master Wu stepped forward.

“Master Zhang, I am Liu Xuan from the Sourceflame Ice Plain headquarters,” the envoy said, cupping her fists. She looked at him with eyes full of admiration. When she first received the news, she found it hard to believe. However, after personally examining the modified cultivation technique, she was utterly astonished. She had initially expected the person capable of modifying such a technique to be at least a master teacher over forty, never in her wildest dreams imagining someone so young, not even twenty years old.

“Master Teacher Zhang Xuan!”

Zhang Xuan returned the gesture, cupping his fists, while secretly observing the woman before him. Upon his observation, his pupils involuntarily constricted. Her strength was like a vast, unfathomable ocean; even with his current discernment, he couldn't perceive anything about it! This meant... her strength surpassed at least the fifth realm of Transcendent Mortal, perhaps even more formidable than Mo Hunsheng had been! Mo Hunsheng had already reached the ninth realm of Transcendent Mortal, so to be even stronger... what realm was she in? No wonder she could arrive from headquarters in just half a month... terrifying!

“Indeed, a young hero!”

Seeing that he remained composed and fearless despite sensing her extraordinary strength, Envoy Liu Xuan nodded in satisfaction and smiled. “Actually, I made this special trip from headquarters for two reasons!”

“Oh?” Zhang Xuan looked at her.

“First, Master Zhang, by modifying the cultivation technique, you have spared our Sourceflame Ice Plain people from the plight of premature death. On behalf of the entire Ice Plain Palace, I express our deepest gratitude and sincerely invite you to be our guest at headquarters. The Ice Plain people are willing to treat you with the respect due to an elder!”

“Elder?” Palace Master Wu, standing to the side, trembled slightly. She was well aware of the immense power of the Ice Plain Palace headquarters, which was one of the most renowned powers on the entire Master Teacher Continent. To be treated as an elder—a title she herself couldn't attain even with countless years of effort, perhaps not even in a lifetime—was an incredible offer.

“What are the conditions?” Zhang Xuan asked. If they were offering such terms, there would naturally be requirements; there was no such thing as a free lunch.

“Master Zhang is direct and to the point!” Seeing that he wasn't overjoyed and instead went straight to the crux of the matter, Envoy Liu Xuan showed a look of admiration and smiled. “It's quite simple: we hope that in the future, Master Zhang can continue to solve cultivation technique problems for the Ice Plain people... by residing permanently at the Ice Plain Palace!”

“Residing permanently at the Ice Plain Palace? Does that mean I can't leave?” Zhang Xuan frowned. The inheritance of a profession primarily revolved around its cultivation techniques, which were not easily shown to others. Since they wanted him to solve problems and reside permanently, the implication was clear: to prevent the techniques from being leaked, he would have to remain there and wouldn't be allowed to leave without permission! What was the difference between this and disguised imprisonment?

“Master Zhang, please don't misunderstand. Of course, you can leave, but the Ice Palace might first need to test your loyalty to ensure you won't betray us. As you know, the inheritance of a profession is not allowed to be leaked, and the Ice Palace must also consider its own interests...”

Having her intentions called out so directly, Envoy Liu Xuan felt a bit awkward.

“I understand. You have your considerations, and I can choose not to go!” Zhang Xuan waved his hand. Imprisonment? Don't be ridiculous; he wasn't a masochist.

Seeing his direct refusal, Envoy Liu Xuan explained, “Actually, joining our Ice Plain Palace is quite beneficial. The Ice Plain Palace is almost entirely composed of women. As long as Master Zhang is willing, you can marry as many as you wish!” Many powerful men were tempted by the beauty of the Ice Plain Palace women and willingly chose to stay there.

“Let's move on to the second matter!” Zhang Xuan shook his head. He had to become a 9-star Master Teacher before he turned thirty to ensure his survival. So-called women or elder positions held no interest for him whatsoever. This was also the main reason why he remained indifferent despite Princess Mo Yu, Shen Biru, and others clearly showing affection for him. When one doesn't know when they might die, under such pressure of life and death, who has the time to think about matters between men and women?

“The second matter concerns your student... Zhao Ya!”

Seeing his refusal, Envoy Liu Xuan showed a hint of disappointment, but quickly adjusted her demeanor and looked at him.

Zhang Xuan frowned.

“The importance of the Pure Yin Physique to our Sourceflame Ice Plain, I presume... Palace Master Wu has mentioned to you,” Envoy Liu Xuan said.

“She mentioned some things, but the specific reasons aren't clear!” Previously, Palace Master Wu had only said that the Pure Yin Physique was tied to the survival of the Ice Plain people, without elaborating.

“The Sourceflame Ice Plain people inherited their lineage from an ancestor with the Pure Yin Physique. Only someone with the Pure Yin Physique can succeed as the supreme Palace Master in each generation... It has been a full thousand years since the death of the last Palace Master, and we haven't found anyone with this physique! Currently, the Ice Plain Palace is leaderless and under pressure from various forces, already on the brink of collapse.” Envoy Liu Xuan sighed and shook her head. “If we can find someone with the Pure Yin Physique to inherit the grand position, our Ice Plain Palace might be able to avert this crisis and rise again.”

“Palace Master?” Zhang Xuan was stunned. He had wondered what they wanted with Zhao Ya; he never expected this.

“Exactly!” Envoy Liu Xuan looked at him. “Therefore, the second matter is simple: I hope to bring her back to headquarters this time, find a way to quickly activate her physique, and carefully cultivate her, so she can inherit the position of Palace Master as soon as possible.”

“I can activate her physique as well!” Zhang Xuan waved his hand. Although his current strength and resources were limited, he had guided Zhao Ya's continuous breakthroughs ever since their journey began in Tianxuan Kingdom. Completely activating her physique was merely a matter of time and not a major obstacle.

“Master Zhang, I have heard about your capabilities, and I know it's possible for her physique to be fully activated if she stays with you. However... have you considered how long that might take? Ten years? Twenty years? Fifty years? Or even... a hundred, or two hundred years?” Envoy Liu Xuan looked at him. “The more a special physique is activated, the greater the resources required later on. Even if Master Zhang could continuously provide them, would Zhao Ya... willingly accept such a prolonged process?”

“This...” Zhang Xuan couldn't refute. For special physiques, the higher the percentage of activation, the harder it became to activate the remaining parts, much like cultivation: the more profound it was, the harder it was to break through. Even if he could acquire countless resources to help her advance in the future, what about Zhao Ya herself? She couldn't possibly live under his protective wing forever. If everything were prepared for her, how could she truly grow and become a genuine master? Constant, unconditional giving, even from a teacher, would not be calmly accepted! A teacher's grace meant guidance and a senior's care, not endless, one-sided devotion.

“If she comes to the Ice Plain Palace, we will offer her the finest inheritance and the most abundant resources. This will allow her to rapidly activate her physique and become a truly renowned figure on the continent. Since Master Zhang considers his student's best interests, I presume you also wish for her to achieve prominence early, rather than constantly traveling around with you,” Envoy Liu Xuan continued.

Zhang Xuan fell silent. A parent's love for their child plans for the long term. As a teacher, Zhang Xuan held similar thoughts. Although he could ensure that Zhao Ya would eventually become a true peak master and activate all her physique's potential, it would be impossible to match the speed of the Ice Plain Palace. After all, he couldn't provide the same level of cultivation resources. Furthermore, the Ice Plain Palace's successive Palace Masters had all possessed the Pure Yin Physique, giving them complete inheritances and activation methods, which were infinitely superior to his own 'blind man feeling an elephant' approach.

“My opinion doesn't matter; it's primarily up to her. Whatever she chooses, I will support it!” Zhang Xuan shook his head. He was merely her teacher; he couldn't make decisions for his student. If Zhao Ya wished to follow him, he would exhaust all his efforts to lead her to the pinnacle of the world. If she didn't... no one could force her, not even the Ice Plain Palace!

“Teacher, I am willing to go with her!”

No sooner had he spoken than a voice was heard, and Zhao Ya walked over, her eyes filled with determination.

“You're willing?”

“Yes. All this time, Teacher has given so much for me, and I've seen it all. I hope that one day, I can also do something for Teacher...” Zhao Ya came forward, clenching her fists. “And this... is an opportunity.” She was well aware of the immense effort her teacher had put in for her, and she had always yearned for a way to repay him. Now, by accepting their terms, she would eventually gain control of the powerful Ice Plain Palace, thus becoming qualified to assist her teacher instead of constantly being a burden. Most importantly... she also had some personal thoughts that might be realized as her status rose.

“Alright then, I'll give you three days to consider. Whatever decision you make, I will support it!” Zhang Xuan sighed and said.

“No need to consider, I've already made up my mind, I have my own decision!” Zhao Ya's eyes reddened, and she knelt to the ground. “Zhao Ya thanks Teacher for all your nurturing and guidance. No matter where I go, I will always be your student and will forever listen to your words, without regret!”

“Get up!” Knowing she had made her choice, Zhang Xuan nodded and helped her up. An eagle must always endure trials and fly freely. Students are the same. Even if it's hard to let go, one must release them to experience the storms, only then can they become true heroes.

“Yes!” Zhao Ya stood up.

“Envoy Liu Xuan, I hope everything you just said is true. If, in the future, I discover that your words were deceitful or detrimental to my student, I will not only kill you but also destroy your Ice Plain Palace!” Having made the decision, there was nothing more to dwell on. Zhang Xuan turned to look at the envoy, his gaze sharp. Although his current strength was limited, if she dared to deceive him, he wouldn't hesitate to storm the Ice Plain Palace and completely eradicate their profession.