Chapter 742: The Selfless Zhang Xuan

Of the thirty thousand students taking the assessment, academy regulations dictate that twenty thousand must pass to ensure advancement. With only a little over six thousand having passed so far, doesn't this mean more than twenty thousand will be eliminated?

How can we explain to the academy that a perfectly good assessment has turned out this way?

"Yes!" The senior student nodded.

Elder Mi's face was grim.

Hadn't Ziyang Beast promised him it would handle the situation with discretion and ensure twenty thousand new students passed the assessment? Why was it so strict, with only six thousand passing?

It's usually so reliable; why is it so unreliable this time?

Zhang Xuan was also surprised to hear this passing rate. When he had arrived, he saw nearly half the candidates had passed and assumed the overall rate would be similar. Now, it appeared things were not so simple.

"It's all Ziyang Beast's fault. I'll have to teach it a good lesson when I get back!"

His eyes flashed.

If it weren't for this Foreign Spirit Race spy causing trouble, how could the passing rate be so low?

While the Master Teacher Academy was optional for him, it was a crucial stepping stone for other master teachers. Gaining entry signified boundless future achievements, whereas failing to do so meant returning home with no other options.

As he was contemplating how to deal with the sacred beast, he heard Elder Mi hastily look over and cup his fist.

"Please wait here for a moment, both of you. I have something to attend to and will be right back!"

With that, he leaped into the air and flew off.

He intended to confront Ziyang Beast directly and find out what trick it was playing, causing so many to fail.

Exerting his strength at the peak of the Saint 1-realm, he moved with incredible speed, reaching the mountaintop in just a few minutes.

"Senior Ziyang..."

He called out while still in mid-air.

Ziyang Beast was the old dean's beast pet, significantly older and more senior than him. Not only he but even the other nine Grand Master Teachers respectfully addressed it as 'Senior.'

He called out but received no reply. Leaping towards the thatched hut, his pupils suddenly contracted just as he was about to speak.

The ground before him, once flat and covered in white snow, was now riddled with craters. Traces of spiritual energy, scattered and dispersed from being obliterated, were visible everywhere.

"These are... marks left by a Saint realm expert's battle!"

As a Six-star Master Teacher with exceptional eyesight, he could tell at a glance that such marks could only be left by a battle involving Saint realm experts.

"Could it be..."

His eyes narrowed. He staggered slightly, then hurriedly pushed open the door of the grass hut, his fists clenching instantly.

Ziyang Beast was always lazy and would normally be resting inside. Now, the hut was empty, and the ground outside was covered in battle marks. Didn't this indicate danger?

"Who was it? Who dared to ambush Senior Ziyang in the Master Teacher Academy?"

His gaze sharpened, and a murderous glint appeared in his eyes.

Ziyang Beast, the old dean's beast pet, represented the Master Teacher Academy's prestige and dignity. To attack it here openly was a direct challenge to the Master Teacher Academy and a blatant disregard for the Master Teacher Hall!

Hovering before the grass hut, he examined the marks on the ground.

"Those large pits, judging by their size, must have been left by Senior Ziyang. The other footprints are larger than those of a normal human..."

He swayed and moved to a footprint, pressing his finger into the ground. His pupils immediately constricted.

"A killing aura? It's... a Foreign Spirit Race member!"

As a peak Six-star Master Teacher, he possessed detailed knowledge of the Foreign Spirit Race. The faint killing aura emanating from the footprints before him clearly indicated they were left by a powerful Foreign Spirit Race member.

"One, two, three... Over twenty Foreign Spirit Race experts at the Saint realm, collaborating against Senior Ziyang?"

After counting the marks, Elder Mi clenched his fists.

No wonder Ziyang Beast was gone; he hadn't expected over twenty Foreign Spirit Race experts at the Saint realm to appear here!

This was Master Teacher Academy territory. How could Foreign Spirit Race members have infiltrated unnoticed, let alone quietly capture Ziyang Beast?

"No, this matter must be reported to the academy and the Master Teacher Hall immediately!"

The presence of twenty Foreign Spirit Race experts was too significant; it impacted the stability of the entire human race. They had to investigate quickly, or the entire Hongyuan City could face a potential crisis!

With this thought, he no longer dared to hesitate. He flew back down the mountain, returning to the small pavilion in moments.

"What's wrong?"

Seeing his old friend rush off and then return with a grim expression, Mo Gaoyuan was filled with questions.

Elder Mi glanced at Zhang Xuan but did not speak.

The appearance of Saint realm Foreign Spirit Race members was far too significant. If the news were to spread, it would undoubtedly cause an uproar. Even as one of the Ten Great Elders, he dared not take such a risk.

"Since you two have important matters to discuss, I won't intrude..."

Seeing the other party's hesitation, Zhang Xuan knew his presence made it difficult for them to speak freely. He smiled and cupped his fist.

"Actually... it's nothing significant!" Hearing Zhang Xuan about to leave, Elder Mi felt awkward.

A moment ago, he had been eager to take Zhang Xuan as a disciple, but now he was being secretive, clearly treating him as an outsider.

"This matter is very serious, but I trust Master Zhang's character, so telling you won't be an issue!" After a moment of hesitation, Elder Mi began, "I found... traces of the Foreign Spirit Race!"

"What level?" Mo Gaoyuan couldn't help but ask.

"Their strength is certainly no lower than mine, and there are quite a few of them!"

Elder Mi offered his assessment.

Even with over twenty Saint realm experts besieging it, given Senior Ziyang Beast's strength, it should have been able to transmit a message. The fact that nothing was left behind indicated there must have been a super expert beyond the Saint 1-realm among them.

"Stronger than you?"

Mo Gaoyuan's expression stiffened.

Zhang Xuan, meanwhile, narrowed his eyes.

He had previously suspected Ziyang Beast was a Foreign Spirit Race spy, and now his suspicions seemed confirmed.

This creature must be the beast pet of that Foreign Spirit Race member who surpassed the Saint 1-realm!

Otherwise, why would it be so loyal, refusing to speak even when asked about its master?

"I truly did save so many master teachers!"

As he confirmed this, he couldn't help but nod.

If Ziyang Beast and the Foreign Spirit Race's plot had succeeded, it wouldn't have just been a matter of twenty thousand people failing; it's likely everyone would have died!

The Master Teacher Academy would also have suffered a catastrophe.

Although he hadn't been in this world for long, as a Master Teacher, he upheld the responsibilities and obligations of his title. Confronted with Foreign Spirit Race spies and schemes, he would intervene and never retreat!

"I hope you two will keep this matter confidential. I will summon the Ten Great Elders for a meeting to resolve this hidden danger as soon as possible!"

With that, Elder Mi gave his instructions.

Both nodded simultaneously.

Involving the Foreign Spirit Race necessitated absolute secrecy; otherwise, it could easily incite panic and create even greater trouble.

"Indeed, the more confidential the news, the better. By the way, what about these new students?" Hall Master Mo asked, hesitating slightly.

Elder Mi rubbed his temples.

He too was troubled.

He had initially thought that with Ziyang Beast overseeing the assessment, selecting twenty thousand students would be no issue. However, the sacred beast was besieged by the Foreign Spirit Race, and its fate was now unknown, creating a major problem for the assessment.

They had intended to admit twenty thousand, but now only a little over six thousand had passed. How could they explain this?

If they were to retest, this assessment would become a laughingstock.

Furthermore, admitting only six thousand people would be a significant loss for the Master Teacher Academy.

"Elder Mi, I have an idea!" Zhang Xuan said after a moment of thought.

"Please, tell us?" Elder Mi and Hall Master Mo looked over simultaneously.

"Didn't you mention earlier that points obtained from a joint hunt could be shared equally?"

Zhang Xuan smiled slightly. "I have over forty thousand points," he said. "Even if I were to give one point to each person, it would still be enough. I can completely distribute them to the new students who don't have any points!"

Elder Mi was taken aback. "But these are points you earned with great effort, how can you just give them away..."

"It's nothing; these points are useless if I keep them. You just mentioned Foreign Spirit Race members are lurking, intending to launch a sneak attack... Given that, the stronger our Master Teacher ranks, the better. These geniuses have been selected from all corners of the land. Giving them a chance is giving humanity a future and hope! Please don't be constrained by formalities any longer!"

Zhang Xuan waved his hand dismissively.

He had so many points that keeping them was pointless. It was better to do a favor and accumulate some reputation, which would also be beneficial for his future promotions.

For a Master Teacher to reach higher levels, it's not just about high cultivation; 'fame' is also a requirement. If one cannot achieve renown across the land, how can they truly be called a 'Master Teacher'?

"This... Very well. Since Master Zhang has made this decision, I won't refuse. I will inform all master teachers about this immediately!"

Upon hearing Zhang Xuan's words, Elder Mi cupped his fist with a solemn expression.

He had been thinking about individuals, but Zhang Xuan was already considering humanity as a whole, contemplating how to strengthen the Master Teacher ranks!

"This truly is the breadth of a Master Teacher's mind and demeanor..."

He mused with emotion, secretly filled with admiration.

If he had previously treated Zhang Xuan merely as a junior, now he absolutely regarded him as an equal.

How broad-minded one must be to achieve this!

Truly worthy of being Master Yang's direct disciple, his vision and insight were entirely different.

"Then I'll trouble Elder Mi!"

Zhang Xuan cupped his fist.

"It is I who am troubling you; if you hadn't done this, I wouldn't have known how to salvage this assessment... Tell you what, consider this me owing you a favor!"

Elder Mi said.

If Zhang Xuan didn't distribute his points to everyone, according to the rules, they would only be able to recruit around six thousand people, and this assessment would become the biggest joke.

His dignity as one of the Ten Great Elders would also be completely lost.

It could be said that with this action, Zhang Xuan not only salvaged the fate of countless master teachers but also saved Elder Mi's reputation.

Zhang Xuan scratched his head.

Honestly... favors were useless. If only he could give him a few high-grade spirit stones, that would be truly great...

"Just accept it," Mo Gaoyuan quickly interjected. "Elder Mi's favor is not easily obtained. I've known him for over two hundred years and have never received one!"

Seeing him still somewhat reluctant, Mo Gaoyuan quickly added.

As one of the Ten Great Elders, Elder Mi had always maintained impeccable integrity, never even taking on direct disciples, which demonstrated his incredibly high standards for himself.

A favor from such a man was not something one could easily owe.

"Thank you, Elder Mi!" Zhang Xuan reluctantly nodded.

If others knew he didn't even want Elder Mi's favor, but only spirit stones, they would undoubtedly be furious enough to kick him to death.

Which of the Ten Great Elders of the Hongyuan Empire wasn't a renowned figure?

Their favors were absolutely priceless.

If he used this favor to exchange for spirit stones with the Hongyuan Empire imperial family, he could likely obtain dozens of high-grade spirit stones!

And they would be eagerly sought after!

Such a valuable thing, and you don't even want it, acting so reluctant... Why don't you just die!