Chapter 577: Wealth Moves People's Hearts

I had expected their demands to be much higher; I never imagined they would be so simple. Becoming the Alliance Master of the Myriad Kingdoms Alliance, and then eliminating a minor figure at the early stage of Transcendent Mortal 2-dan—these were terms anyone would agree to. It was practically a gift.

“Hold on, everyone!”

As everyone buzzed with excitement, eager to secure a spot, Ding Hong scanned the room and said, “Let me finish before you make your decisions!”

Everyone paused and turned their attention to him.

“The person I need eliminated, while not particularly powerful, has a unique identity: he’s a Master Teacher, and he’s also the representative from Myriad Kingdoms City participating in this grand competition!” Ding Hong explained.

“A Master Teacher from Myriad Kingdoms City participating in the grand competition? Are you referring to... Master Teacher Zhang Xuan, who has recently gained prominence?” Everyone was taken aback.

As competitors in the grand competition, even if Myriad Kingdoms City wasn't particularly noteworthy, Zhang Xuan's name was still familiar to them. He was under twenty, had excelled in the selection process, and had even successfully passed his 4-star Master Teacher examination on the spot, drawing considerable attention.

And they wanted to kill *this* person?

The clamor that had filled the room moments ago instantly ceased.

Master Teachers were not to be killed lightly; if the headquarters were to investigate, no one could withstand the repercussions. What's more, acting against someone who had recently achieved such renown could very well lead to their respective organizations being scrutinized and investigated.

“What is your grievance with Master Teacher Zhang?” Sect Leader Luo Huang frowned and looked at him.

While Master Teachers could not be killed lightly, it was not entirely impossible. Doing so required meeting one of several conditions:

One, genuine and irreconcilable enmity exists between both parties.Two, the Master Teacher has abused their status, acted in a manner contrary to the Master Teacher's Code of Ethics, and is universally reviled.Three, disrespecting senior Master Teachers or acting rebelliously against them.

These were the stipulations of the Master Teacher Pavilion: those who betray their conscience shall be killed! Those who violate ethics shall be killed! Those who disrespect propriety shall be killed! Even Master Teachers could not transgress morality and propriety; otherwise, the Master Teacher Pavilion would not be able to protect them.

“He killed my kin, destroyed my kingdom. This hatred... is irreconcilable!” Clenching his teeth, Ding Hong roared aloud.

A dignified ancestor of a kingdom, now reduced to a stray dog, afraid to return home or venture into populated areas... all because of that individual.

“Irreconcilable hatred? That makes things easier!” Seeing that his expression seemed genuine, Sect Leader Luo Huang breathed a sigh of relief. “I can find a way to help you quickly reach Transcendent Mortal 3-dan. How about you personally exact your revenge and eliminate him?”

Since he had an irreconcilable feud with Master Teacher Zhang, fulfilling the first condition for eliminating a Master Teacher, it was entirely feasible for him to enhance his strength and seek revenge himself. If a long-standing feud resulted in a death during a fair contest, even the Master Teacher Pavilion would have little to say.

“Exactly!”

“Why didn't I consider that!”

“Sect Leader Luo Huang is indeed quicker-witted...”

Upon hearing his words, everyone slapped their foreheads in realization. It was still about eliminating someone, but as long as they didn't personally intervene, they wouldn't incur responsibility. If the headquarters investigated later, they would find no fault.

“While that method is good, that fellow is... peculiar. I fear I wouldn't be his match!” Ding Hong shook his head.

Although the suggestion was tempting, he had once fought that individual, whose tactics were incredibly bizarre and unpredictable. His Transcendent Mortal 1-dan strength had been defeated by someone at Half-Transcendent Mortal; even if he reached the Yin-Yang realm, he might still not be a match. Honestly, only after fighting that person did he understand how terrifying he truly was. If he lost and then tried to escape, there would certainly be no escape.

“Not a match? Are you saying we must be the ones to eliminate him?” Luo Huang frowned deeply.

“Yes!” Ding Hong affirmed.

“This...” A heavy silence fell over the group. If the target were an unknown minor figure, killing him would be straightforward. But he was a participant in the Master Teacher Grand Competition and had considerable fame. Any action against him would inevitably provoke a strong reaction from the Myriad Kingdoms City Master Teacher Pavilion. If the matter were reported to headquarters, not only other factions but even their most powerful Flowing Cloud Sect would be unable to bear the consequences.

“To be frank with you, Master Kong's Notes are not currently in my possession; they are with someone else. Whoever agrees to help me accomplish those two tasks *after* acquiring the notes, I will immediately reveal their whereabouts.” Seeing the group remain silent, Ding Hong continued.

“Helping you become the Alliance Master of the Myriad Kingdoms Alliance and improving your strength is not difficult. However, the matter concerning Master Teacher Zhang... is highly complicated. Even our Flowing Cloud Sect wouldn't dare to agree to it lightly!” Sect Leader Luo Huang hesitated for a moment. “How about this: you first tell us the whereabouts of that treasure. We, as a group, will then discuss how to proceed. If it's deemed worthwhile, we will certainly act. If not, we will still help you fulfill your other two wishes.”

Killing a 4-star Master Teacher was not something they would lightly undertake, even they. It was best to put the matter on hold until they had precise information about the treasure.

“Exactly. With so many of us here, we wouldn't compromise our credibility over such a minor issue!” Another Sect Leader added.

“If the item isn't in your possession, then the value of your information is diminished!” someone else remarked. If Master Kong's Notes were in his hands, they might risk the headquarters' censure and proceed. But with the item still in someone else's possession, he was merely providing information... and such highly valued information seemed hardly worth it. After all, if only one faction knew this information, it might be manageable. However, with so many people knowing it simultaneously, if anything happened to Master Teacher Zhang, the information could easily leak. At that point, losing Master Kong's Notes would be a minor concern; the entire sect could face catastrophic disaster.

“I trust the integrity of all you Master Teachers. To be perfectly honest, Master Kong's Notes are in the possession of Master Teacher Zhang Xuan. He forcibly took them from me, and he was also the one who severed my arm... As long as you can eliminate him, you can acquire these notes!” Ding Hong's eyes darted, and he delivered the lines he had carefully prepared.

“Master Teacher Zhang forcibly took your notes?”

“He severed your arm?”

Everyone was momentarily stunned, then burst into elated expressions. Though they were all Master Teachers and could discern the insincerity, and even contradictions, in his words, that wasn't important. What mattered was that he claimed Zhang Xuan had forcibly taken the notes... This alone constituted a violation of Master Teacher ethics, sufficient for a death sentence.

“Please elaborate on the specifics. If this is truly the case, and Master Teacher Zhang has indeed violated the Master Teacher's Code of Ethics, then even if he is not from our branch, as Master Teachers, we will avenge you and purge this disgrace from our ranks!” With a grand gesture, Sect Leader Luo Huang declared righteously.

“Indeed. Whatever grievances you have, speak freely. Everyone here is a Master Teacher committed to justice. If he truly abused his Master Teacher status to strong-arm and bully the weak, we will ensure justice is served!”

“The Master Teacher Pavilion will never tolerate such individuals.” Two more Master Teachers chimed in.

Among those present, some Master Teachers sensed that the situation was not as simple as it seemed, but seeing Sect Leader Luo Huang and the others' resolute stance, they all sighed and shook their heads. Faced with Master Kong's Notes, even they could not resist the temptation.

“Since you all wish to hear, I will explain in detail!” Ding Hong's eyes reddened. “This treasure belongs to the Qu family. Our Ding and Qu families have been allies for generations, even sharing the same kingdom. However, the Qu family's lineage was thin, and three years ago, their last heir passed away, entrusting this treasure to our keeping.”

At this point, Ding Hong was filled with indignation and fury. “Who would have thought that Zhang Xuan somehow learned of this? He stormed into our kingdom and, during my grandson's succession ceremony, forcibly killed him, seized the notes, and even destroyed my kingdom! If I hadn't fled quickly, I too might have perished on the spot! To cover his tracks, he deliberately fabricated various excuses, all to conceal the truth about Master Kong's Notes! Fortunately, heaven had mercy, and I survived. Otherwise, this crucial information would have vanished from the world, and justice would never have been served!”

Gritting his teeth, Ding Hong let out a prolonged, indignant sigh. The other party was a Master Teacher, and respecting their status, even if they wished to act, they would require a suitable justification. This was the story he had specifically concocted. What was originally their Ding family's failed attempt at robbery was now twisted to appear as Zhang Xuan acting without integrity. This way, all culpability would fall upon the latter, and any further action against him would be free of guilt.

“How despicable! The Master Teacher Pavilion actually harbors such individuals!”

“He utterly disregards integrity and abuses his Master Teacher status!”

“Such a person must be severely disciplined, to teach him the meaning of Master Teacher dignity...”

“No wonder the Myriad Kingdoms City Master Teacher Pavilion consistently ranks last; this kind of atmosphere needs a thorough overhaul!”

Upon hearing Ding Hong's account, numerous Master Teachers were filled with righteous indignation.

“Sect Leader Luo, I propose we go find Master Teacher Zhang Xuan immediately and demand he clarify this matter!”

“Precisely! First, he must hand over the notes for us to safeguard. Otherwise, allowing someone of such low character to possess them would be a grave disrespect and insult to Master Kong!”

“Indeed, I was thinking the same!”

All eyes uniformly turned to Sect Leader Luo Huang.

“What you say holds much truth. A Master Teacher must first be upright themselves to possess true righteousness and guide all beings. Of course, we cannot simply rely on this friend's account alone; we must also hear Master Teacher Zhang's defense. If... he has indeed committed actions that violate the Master Teacher's Code of Ethics, then even if the Myriad Kingdoms City Master Teacher Pavilion tries to protect him, we will not let it go unpunished!” With a sweeping gesture, Sect Leader Luo Huang declared with righteous conviction.

“Very well. Let us go confront him directly now!” Seeing his agreement, everyone nodded in assent.

“Friend, you should accompany us. Rest assured, until the full truth of the matter is revealed, you are our Flowing Cloud Sect's most esteemed guest. No one will harm you!” Observing their unanimous resolve, Sect Leader Luo Huang nodded with satisfaction and gestured grandly.

“Yes, sir!” Ding Hong's eyes glinted.

“Master Teacher Zhang resides near the Alliance Master's manor. I had someone investigate his whereabouts last time; I can lead you there!” A Master Teacher called out and took the lead.

With their decision made, the group collectively exited the Wanghai Tower and headed directly towards Zhang Xuan's residence.

Watching the group depart with such furious determination, Luo Xuan, who had accompanied them, couldn't help but shake her head. Everyone knew Master Kong's Notes were in Zhang Xuan's possession. How could any inquiry be fair now? Regardless of whether he admitted it or not, it was clear that the treasure was now beyond his retention.