Chapter 580: Coming Attack

He placed the long incense stick on Lu Chong's glabella, at the location of his Soul Aperture, and then lit it.

A melodious sound emanated from the floating smoke of the Soul-Awakening Incense, as if gods and demons were dancing and singing intoxicating songs. Staring at the smoke, one could vaguely discern a robed figure performing a special dance, summoning souls.

“Return, O Soul! Why go to the permanent bounds, wandering in the four directions? Abandon your joyous abode, and depart from that inauspicious place. Return, O Soul! The East cannot be trusted. Giants a thousand *ren* tall, they seek only souls. Ten suns rise in turn, melting metal and stone…”

The sound resonated as if within his very soul, slowly permeating Lu Chong's glabella and nourishing his deeply sleeping spirit.

“Whether he can be awakened depends on this step!”

As the melodious sound of the Soul Incense grew louder and louder, Zhang Xuan took a deep breath, and with a stir of his spirit, his Witchcraft Soul once again left his body, transforming into a shadow that charged directly into Lu Chong's Sea of Consciousness.

Immediately after, a vast ocean appeared before his eyes.

“How can it be so vast?”

Zhang Xuan was stunned by the sight of the Sea of Consciousness before him, filled with disbelief.

The Sea of Consciousness before him was like a true ocean, conveying a sense of vastness and profoundness. Even his Witchcraft Soul, at the peak of Transcendent Mortal 4-dan, couldn't see its end at a glance.

The Sea of Consciousness of a normal cultivator was usually only the size of a pond. Lu Chong's condition, however, was so extraordinary that even Zhang Xuan found it unbelievable.

“Where is Lu Chong’s soul?”

After a moment of shock, he immediately looked around in a hurry.

For those whose souls had fallen into a deep sleep, their spirits would hide in a corner of the Sea of Consciousness, unable to awaken. Now, by using the power of the Soul-Awakening Incense to enter it, he should be able to awaken it.

Flying along the vast Sea of Consciousness for a while, he indeed saw a massive figure lying flat within the mist.

It was like a great mountain, lying horizontally before him, with eyes tightly shut and deeply unconscious.

“This… isn’t this a bit too massive?!”

Zhang Xuan blinked his eyes.

Not only was Lu Chong’s Sea of Consciousness vast, but his soul was also so majestic—even stronger than Zhang Xuan’s own soul power at Transcendent Mortal 4-dan. How was that possible?

One must know that when he fell into a coma, he was only at the Grandmaster realm. How could he possess such a strong soul?

“Could it be… an Acquired Witchcraft Soul Body?”

His heart stirred, and a term surfaced in his mind.

There were Innate Constitutions in the world that, once activated, could cause one's cultivation to skyrocket. Naturally, there was also a very formidable Witchcraft Soul technique: the Acquired Witchcraft Soul Body.

This type of soul was not innately present; thus, even Master Teachers couldn't discern it. It was a transformation that occurred after experiencing a certain special metamorphosis.

It was similar to how some people, after a fall, gained Yin-Yang Eyes, allowing them to see ghosts and deities. Or how some, after a severe head injury, awakened memories of a past life, reciting entire scriptures and possessing unknown special abilities.

If he wasn't mistaken, Lu Chong was very likely just like that.

Originally just an ordinary person, he experienced a drastic family upheaval, which changed his temperament. Then, he fell into a coma to save Zhang Xuan…

These two special experiences caused his soul to undergo a metamorphosis.

“If this is true, such a massive soul body, once successfully awakened, would be no weaker than, and perhaps even stronger than, my current cultivation…”

His eyes lit up.

He had thought it would take who knows how long for Lu Chong to recover after his severe injuries, never expecting him to actually obtain such an opportunity.

However, without understanding Witchcraft Soul methods, even recognizing this opportunity would be useless. But now… as long as he awoke, teaching him the Heaven’s Path Witchcraft Soul Art would surely result in a tremendous increase in his cultivation.

“Lu Chong, it’s Master Teacher Zhang! Please wake up quickly!”

Taking a deep breath, he arrived before the massive figure and softly called out.

While Zhang Xuan was treating Lu Chong, Sect Leader Luo Huang and others received news of his return to the manor.

“Since he’s back, it’s time to go and ask him!”

“Indeed, Kong shi’s notes! What right does he, a freshly certified 4-star Master Teacher, have to possess them?”

“If he obediently hands them over, then fine. If not… we’ll conduct an on-the-spot trial to ascertain the notes’ origins! If it truly involves violating master teacher ethics or forceful seizure, he must be punished!”

Voices rang out, one after another.

Kong shi’s notes were a treasure no Master Teacher could refuse. Anyone who could become the head of a major power, no matter how soft-hearted they once were, would over time become incomparably resolute.

Because they represented not just themselves, but a huge collective.

Sacrificing Zhang Xuan, if it could lead to the rise of their power, they would be willing to risk even the greatest consequences.

“Everyone, don’t be so hasty. Didn’t you find it suspicious how that steward showed no fear towards us, even displaying disdain?”

Sect Leader Luo Huang interrupted the excited crowd, looking over with a calm expression.

“This…” The agitated emotions of the crowd subsided.

They had gone to confront Zhang Xuan with such immense prestige, only to be driven out by a mere steward. Afterwards, they all felt extremely indignant, but also very curious: Was that fellow not afraid of death, or did he have some backing?

“Is that fellow relying on the Myriad Kingdom City Master Teacher Pavilion?”

“He doesn’t know that the matter of Kong shi’s notes has been leaked, so naturally, he acts self-righteously. Once he knows, he definitely won’t have such guts!”

“I think he’s relying on that Yaochen Beast. Its strength is indeed formidable; it can even fight against an early-stage Transcendent Mortal 5-dan Spirit Unification realm cultivator!”

“With such a powerful beast pet, and being in Myriad Kingdom City, if he had no confidence at all, he wouldn’t be fit to be a Master Teacher’s steward.”

They all discussed animatedly.

While the Myriad Kingdom City Master Teacher Pavilion's overall strength was inferior to theirs, it still held the prestige of being the host. Although everyone charged over aggressively, constrained by the rules of Master Teachers, they still dared not go too far.

That steward must have seen this point, which is why he dared to be so arrogant.

“It seems everyone doesn’t know much about this Zhang Xuan. These past few days, I specifically had someone inquire about him!” Hearing everyone’s words, Sect Leader Luo Huang shook his head.

These sect leaders and heads of major powers had too high a vision. Always on guard against super powers like their Flowing Cloud Sect, Falling Sand Sect, and Cold Qi Sect, they disdained the Myriad Kingdom Alliance and had never paid attention to Zhang Xuan. Thus, they knew little about him.

It was like people wouldn't care about the thoughts of ants.

Whatever they needed, they just assumed they could demand it directly… They had never considered that this participant who had emerged from the Myriad Kingdom Alliance was not as weak as they imagined.

“Oh?”

Seeing his solemn expression, everyone looked over in unison.

“It’s said that this Zhang Xuan is not yet twenty years old, and was only certified as a 2-star Master Teacher just over two months ago. His progress is astonishingly fast…”

Sect Leader Luo Huang slowly said, “Of course, these aren’t important. It’s possible he was hiding his strength at first, in order to make a spectacular debut…”

Many Master Teachers had never been tested, and once they passed, they directly became 4-star, or even higher-ranked.

Therefore, directly breaking through from 2-star to 4-star was not a shocking matter.

“The main point is… to enable someone so young to reach the 4-star Master Teacher rank, and even completely defeat Hall Master Kang’s direct disciple, Jun Ruohuan, in the selection tournament… Don’t you find his sect’s origins strange, ladies and gentlemen?”

Sect Leader Luo Huang voiced his thoughts.

“This…” Everyone fell into thought.

Previously, they hadn't taken Zhang Xuan seriously, believing that a mere 4-star junior Master Teacher would surely obediently hand over the items and not dare to object.

A 4-star junior Master Teacher still had some standing in Myriad Kingdom City, but in their sects and powers, it meant nothing at all.

At this moment, with that said, it indeed felt a bit off.

Myriad Kingdom City’s resources were backward; there were no Half-5-star Master Teachers or Spirit Unification realm experts. Thus, there were no remote teaching jade tokens, making it impossible to teach anytime, anywhere. Under such circumstances, nurturing a 4-star Master Teacher was still very difficult.

To reach that level before the age of twenty under such conditions was indeed not simple.

“According to the information I’ve received, this Zhang Xuan’s teacher is named Yang Xuan, and he is a Half-5-star Master Teacher.”

Without trying to be mysterious, Sect Leader Luo Huang looked around and revealed the information he had obtained.

According to the information he had, Yang Xuan had only appeared a few times in total, and always in lower-tier kingdoms. Those who knew about him, limited by their insight, didn't know his exact cultivation, making it hard to judge.

The strength he initially displayed was only similar to that of 3-star or 4-star Master Teachers. With such strength, it was clearly impossible to teach a genius like Zhang Xuan…

The basis for his judgment was that Master Teacher Su and Master Teacher Ling had specifically visited and then respectfully departed.

To be treated this way by 4-star Master Teachers, upon closer examination, he should be similar to them, a Half-5-star existence.

This level was the peak. If he were higher, he would definitely leave a small place like the Myriad Kingdom Alliance and go to a higher empire. Moreover, an expert of this level, when leaving the Master Teacher Pavilion to go to a lower-tier kingdom, would definitely report it. It was impossible for there to be no news at all, and for nothing to be found out.

Most importantly… those who had interacted with Yang Xuan had not found that he could “gather spiritual energy with words and speak flowers from the mouth!” Not being able to do this indicated that he hadn't even reached early 5-star.

“Half-5-star? Similar to us, there’s nothing to fear!”

“Yes, even if he truly possesses such strength, so what? Kong shi’s notes are of great importance… Even a true 5-star Master Teacher would not hesitate to inquire about them, let alone a Half-5-star!”

“As a Half-5-star Master Teacher, clearly knowing how important these items are, he not only failed to hand them over but also privately hoarded them. If we report this to headquarters, he won’t get off easy!”

They had thought he was much stronger, but hearing that his strength was similar to theirs, everyone simultaneously breathed a sigh of relief.

“What is Sect Leader Luo Huang’s opinion?”

An elder looked over.

“According to my inquiries, Yang Xuan seems not to be in Myriad Kingdom City. However… to avoid trouble, my opinion is that we go directly, get the notes, and then decide on the distribution. Before that, it’s best to be united, otherwise… I’m afraid we’ll draw water with a bamboo basket—all for nothing, and no one will get a share.”

Sect Leader Luo Huang said with a solemn expression.

Whether to boil it or fry it, they first needed to shoot down the goose.

The goose was still flying in the sky; discussing these things was too early.

Who Kong shi’s notes would ultimately belong to, or if everyone would view them together, would have to wait until they saw the real thing. Everything else was merely talk.

Otherwise, even if everyone wasn't afraid of a Half-5-star Master Teacher, such strength also qualified one to be on equal footing with them. When truly confronted, they couldn't go too far.

“Sect Leader Luo, rest assured, none of us are three-year-olds; we understand this rule!”

“A treasure of Kong shi’s notes’ caliber is not something a single power can swallow; we all know that!”

“Let’s get the treasure from Master Teacher Zhang first; everything else is empty talk!”

Everyone nodded.

As overlords of their respective regions, they all understood such matters even if unsaid. One after another, they nodded in agreement.

“Since everyone agrees, then I’ll arrange the tasks!” Seeing their agreement, Sect Leader Luo Huang nodded: “Once we arrive, I hope Sect Leader Hu and Sect Leader Bai can first suppress that Yaochen Beast, preventing it from resisting!”

“The rest of you, act with me: first capture Zhang Xuan, and then search for Kong shi’s notes. Otherwise, if we delay and he transfers the items, it will be too late!”

“Understood!”

Everyone nodded.

Since they were going to act, they had to do so with the utmost speed. Otherwise, delays would cause complications, and no one could guarantee what might happen.

“Let’s go!”

Having set the rules beforehand, Sect Leader Luo Huang waved his hand, and everyone flew directly towards where Zhang Xuan resided.

In the spacious courtyard, Sun Qiang’s brows furrowed.

The Young Master wasn’t worried about that group, but Sun Qiang was still somewhat concerned.

Last time, they were aggressive and clearly harboring ill intentions. Before, the Young Master wasn’t present, so they could be put off. Now that he was back at the manor, if they came again, it might not be so easy to stop them.

“Where is Master Teacher Zhang?”

Garden Owner Xue walked over.

Master Teacher Zhang had helped her so much, saving her herb garden from disaster. Knowing these people were looking for trouble, she had voluntarily stayed behind, guarding the courtyard these past few days and never leaving.

“The Young Master is currently treating Young Master Lu Chong and cannot be disturbed for now!”

Sun Qiang nodded.

“Oh!”

Hearing that he couldn’t be disturbed, Garden Owner Xue shook her head and looked over with some worry: “When Master Teacher Zhang wasn’t here, that group made no moves. I’m afraid they’ll be unable to restrain themselves once they know he’s returned!”

“Indeed…” Sun Qiang sighed, “If Old Master were here, it would be great! These devils and monsters wouldn’t even be worth mentioning!”

“Master Teacher Yang… just how many stars is he, after all?”

Seeing how confident he was about this Old Master, Garden Owner Xue couldn’t help but ask.

“I don’t know either, but… there’s nothing he can’t solve. I heard Master Teacher Su and Master Teacher Ling say before… it seems he’s at least 6-star!”

Sun Qiang said.

“At least 6-star?”

Garden Owner Xue’s pupils contracted.

The minimum cultivation standard for a 6-star Master Teacher was Transcendent Mortal 9-dan.

“At least 6-star” – didn’t that mean his strength surpassed this level?

“Yes, although my time interacting with Old Master hasn’t been long, there’s nothing he can’t solve. Just like your damaged soul, as long as Old Master is willing to act, he can definitely heal it with ease!”

Sun Qiang said with a face full of certainty.

He had personally witnessed Old Master’s methods; he could see the root of any problem at a glance. No matter how difficult a matter was, it was nothing.

Garden Owner Xue, having stayed here these past few days, had also heard about her damaged soul, which was why she made that comment.

“Can it be healed?”

Her face flushed, and her breathing became somewhat rapid.

Her soul had been damaged for so long, unable to be healed. She had even consumed the spiritual essence of medicinal herbs, hoping to repair it, but none had succeeded. If it could truly be repaired, she would do anything.

She was willing to pay any price.

“Hmm, but don’t hold too much hope. Given Old Master’s status, he generally wouldn’t act easily!” Sun Qiang shook his head.

“True…”

Garden Owner Xue shook her head with a bitter smile.

What kind of person was Master Teacher Yang?

He was most likely a Master Teacher above 6-star. To make such a person act, the price to pay would be immeasurable.

At least for her, it would be very difficult to produce a treasure of that caliber.

“Don’t think so much for now. We don’t even know where Old Master is. If he were here, I could plead for you. Although Old Master’s rank is very high, he is quite amiable…”

With a sigh, just as Sun Qiang was about to continue speaking, he felt a powerful aura charging straight towards them, instantly locking down the entire courtyard.

“Master Teacher Zhang, Luo Huang of the Flowing Cloud Sect, Bai Kai of the White Sun Sect, Huang Qi of the Falling Sand Sect… fourteen sect leaders and an imperial majesty have arrived! Please come out and meet us!”

Boom!

A clear voice rang out, immediately followed by dozens of figures appearing in the courtyard, each one powerful, carrying strength like a surging river.

Sect Leader Luo Huang and the others… had arrived!

Whoosh!

Hearing the sound, Zheng Yang, Wang Ying, and the others all rushed out of their rooms, each looking at the crowd with vigilance.

“My Young Master is in seclusion and it’s inconvenient for him to receive guests. Please return, everyone!”

Gritting his teeth, Sun Qiang stepped forward.

“Seclusion? I think it’s because… you’ve done something that violates master teacher ethics and dare not meet anyone!”

A middle-aged man coldly snorted and stepped forward.

An invisible pressure swept over, and Sun Qiang immediately felt as if a great mountain had appeared before his eyes. With his strength, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t budge it.

A Spirit Unification realm expert!

Such strength was already capable of exerting soul suppression. Not to mention him, even Hall Master Kang would not be a match.

“Master Teacher Zhang is upright and eager to help others. How could he have done anything that violates master teacher ethics? I hope you don’t slander him so carelessly!”

Seeing the other party immediately start slandering him as soon as they arrived, Garden Owner Xue frowned and stood in front.

“Who do you think you are? Do you have a right to speak here?”

Raising an eyebrow, the middle-aged man flipped his palm and struck towards her.

“Oh no!”

She hadn’t expected the other party to be so much more aggressive than last time, resorting to violence at the slightest disagreement. Garden Owner Xue’s pupils contracted, and she quickly raised her hands to meet the blow.

Fist met palm. Before she could react, Garden Owner Xue felt a tightness in her chest, and a huge force rushed straight into her chest.

Blood spurted out as she was sent flying backward, falling over ten meters away.

She was considered among the peak in Myriad Kingdom City, but compared to the opponent, she was still far too inferior.

Spirit Unification realm and Pure Spirit realm had a difference of an entire major realm.

The Yaochen Beast, guarding the courtyard, roared and charged down.

“Vile beast! How dare you still act ferociously!”

Sect Leader Bai coldly snorted. He and the previous middle-aged man stepped forward simultaneously and suddenly clenched their hands.

Swish!

A fishing net formed by zhenqi immediately appeared in the sky and went straight for its head.

Covered by the net, the Yaochen Beast roared frantically, trying to break free, but found itself powerless.

This zhenqi net was like steel bars and iron bones; even with its strength, it couldn't break free.

The Yaochen Beast was invincible among spiritual beasts in the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, but compared to the sect leaders of these major sects, whether in terms of treasures or status, it was more than just one level lower, especially with two people attacking simultaneously.

“What exactly do you want?”

Seeing how decisively these people had acted, injuring Garden Owner Xue and sealing the Yaochen Beast in just a few breaths, Sun Qiang’s expression changed, and his heart sank to rock bottom.