Chapter 841: The Realm of Six Cranes

“The Demon Music Institute?” Zhang Xuan was puzzled.

“Yes. The Phoenix Parasol Tree is a plant where phoenixes can roost. Once it matures, it’s cut down and soaked in flowing water for forty-nine days. The zithers made from it produce beautiful, moving sounds with incredible penetrating power, making them a coveted treasure for countless demon musicians.”

Apothecary Lu explained, “The one at the Demon Music Institute was personally planted by Director Jiang Qingqin five hundred years ago. It’s very old and has been nourished by spiritual energy daily, making it incredibly precious. If we could get some of its wood pith, it would definitely enhance the efficacy of the Discontinuous Pill!”

Zhang Xuan nodded.

He knew nothing about the demon music profession and had no idea the phoenix parasol pith had such a history.

“Alright, I’ll go to the Demon Music Institute to figure out how to acquire the phoenix parasol pith!”

Knowing it was within the Master Teacher Academy, Zhang Xuan breathed a sigh of relief.

“Acquire it? Director Jiang Qingqin has always been indifferent to fame and fortune. I’m afraid… it might not be possible to buy it!” Apothecary Lu shook his head.

Zhang Xuan frowned.

“In any case, we certainly don’t have enough influence. Master Teacher Zhang, you should go yourself. We haven’t had much interaction with this director, so we can’t really explain much in detail! In short, if you truly want to acquire it, my advice is to first submit your name card for a visit and be more sincere. That might increase your chances of success.”

Apothecary Lu gave a dry chuckle, “If you approach it like you did with the Apothecary Academy… I’m afraid it might backfire!”

Director Jiang Qingqin rarely interacted with people. Although they were senior figures in the Apothecary Academy, they hadn’t had much contact with him.

Their limited interaction suggested that the director’s temperament and disposition made him difficult to get along with.

If treated respectfully, there might still be a chance. But given Master Teacher Zhang’s past actions, just barging in and causing widespread destruction… would likely only lead to more trouble.

“Don’t worry, I’m not a reckless person to begin with!” Zhang Xuan nodded.

Apothecary Lu and the others were collectively speechless.

You’re not reckless? You’ve practically crippled the Artifact Forger Academy, the Physician Academy, and the Apothecary Academy. If you were truly reckless, would the Master Teacher Academy even still exist?

“Sun Qiang, get ready. We’re going to the Demon Music Institute now!”

Seeing that it was still early before his appointment with Luo Ruoxi, Zhang Xuan called out.

“Yes!” Sun Qiang hurried over.

Master and servant, having confirmed the direction, strode towards the Demon Music Institute.

***

The Demon Music Institute.

Beneath the grand and flourishing Phoenix Parasol Tree, an old man was quietly playing a zither.

The zither music wafted gently. Six immortal cranes, hearing the melody, danced and circled the courtyard, letting out loud, clear cries.

After a long time, the music ended.

The old man shook his head, sighing, “Alas, it’s still missing something!”

“Director, your standards are too high. The resonance of six cranes is already a dream for countless people. To truly achieve seven cranes, one would probably have reached the realm of a 7-star demon musician!”

An old man not far away said, stroking his beard.

The one who had just played the zither was indeed Director Jiang Qingqin, and the other was Vice Director Ning Hai of the Demon Music Institute.

“These past few days, I’ve constantly felt the barrier right before me, but unfortunately, I just can’t break through!” Jiang Qingqin shook his head.

In the nearby courtyard, the immortal cranes that had been flying had now landed, standing quietly and milling about, more than a dozen of them.

Demon music, like other professions, is divided into many realms. The more immortal cranes one can make fly, the higher one’s realm.

Jiang Qingqin’s ability to make six cranes dance with his music was already quite formidable.

“Music comes from the heart. Even if you’re anxious, it’s no use. It’s better to clear your mind; perhaps then you can break through in one go!” Vice Director Ning laughed.

“That’s true… but with so many academy matters recently, it’s not easy to clear my mind!” Jiang Qingqin shook his head.

He also wanted to clear his mind and completely distance himself from worldly affairs, but unfortunately, as the Director of the Demon Music Institute, he had many trivial matters to attend to, making it difficult to do so.

Moreover, recently, the entire Master Teacher Academy had been in an uproar, with no peace. In his position, there was nothing he could do.

“Indeed!” Vice Director Ning nodded, placing his fingers on the ancient zither before him. “Anyway, I wouldn’t dare take on the thankless job of director, even if it were offered for free! I just want to be like a free cloud and wild crane, playing the zither for my own enjoyment every day and calmly watching the world unfold!”

“You…” Seeing his old friend like this, Jiang Qingqin smiled.

Vice Director Ning, beside him, was no weaker than him in strength and was fully qualified to be the director; he simply didn’t wish to be.

Just as he was about to speak, a disciple hurried in.

“Teacher, Master Teacher Zhang Xuan requests an audience!” he said, handing over a name card.

“Zhang Xuan?”

Jiang Qingqin froze, then his mouth twitched. “What’s he doing here? It seems we… don’t have any conflicts!”

“What’s wrong? Is this Zhang Xuan particularly special?” Seeing Jiang Qingqin’s expression, Vice Director Ning was puzzled.

Although he was called a vice director, in reality, he rarely bothered with academy affairs, playing his zither for enjoyment every day. He was unaware of the immense commotion Zhang Xuan had caused.

“More than special, this fellow is practically the King of Destruction! Wherever he goes, chaos follows…” Jiang Qingqin briefly explained Zhang Xuan’s deeds.

“There’s such an incredible genius?” Vice Director Ning was stunned.

He had heard of formidable talents in one profession, and even two, but for a twenty-something freshman to have caused helplessness in several academies was rather inconceivable.

“Indeed! Our Demon Music Institute has no grievances with him whatsoever, so what’s he doing coming here now?” Jiang Qingqin’s expression was a little grim.

He was a man of simple desires who didn’t take many things to heart, but… this fellow, described by Lu Feng as a rampaging beast, instilled some fear even in him.

Coming to the Demon Music Institute without any reason… he couldn’t possibly be here to dismantle it, could he?!

“Judging by what you just said… it’s quite possible!”

Vice Director Ning’s eyebrows also twitched.

“Alright then, just say I’m in seclusion and can’t meet anyone…”

Jiang Qingqin waved his hand, instructing the disciple.

“That’s not good! If you truly refuse to see him, and he decides to force his way in, I’m afraid the Demon Music Institute might suffer the same unfortunate fate as the other academies…”

Vice Director Ning hastily interrupted.

“What should we do then?” Jiang Qingqin frowned.

To be honest, this Zhang Xuan was a jinx; misfortune followed him wherever he went. If he had a choice, he would definitely hide as far away as possible…

“How about… letting him in first? Since he sent a name card instead of forcing his way in, there should be room for discussion!”

Vice Director Ning said, “If he’s truly as formidable as you say, and also knowledgeable in demon music, we could let him guide our students. Who knows, it might greatly enhance the strength of our Demon Music Institute!”

“This…” Jiang Qingqin’s eyes lit up. “Indeed, if we treat this as an opportunity, it might truly be a great benefit for the Demon Music Institute!”

After expressing his thoughts, he quickly instructed, “Alright, let him in!”

Although this Zhang Xuan was formidable, the demon musician assessment didn’t involve troublesome challenges or require cultivation support. If he truly had the ability, there was no harm in helping him apply for a 6-star demon musician title.

“Yes!”

The reporting disciple nodded, and it wasn’t long before Zhang Xuan and a stout man entered.

“Zhang Xuan greets Director Jiang and Vice Director Ning!”

Upon arriving, Zhang Xuan clasped his fist.

On the way, he had already inquired with the reporting disciple and learned the identities of the two beneath the Phoenix Parasol Tree.

“Master Teacher Zhang, no need to be polite. I’ve heard so much about you that my ears have grown calluses. I wonder why you’ve come today! Our Demon Music Institute is small and can’t withstand much upheaval, so I hope you’ll be merciful.”

“Uh… Director Jiang, what are you talking about…”

Unexpectedly, the other party immediately tried to preempt him. Zhang Xuan felt a little awkward and quickly clasped his fist. “Actually, I came here today with a request!”

“Oh?”

They exchanged a look, both full of doubt. After a moment of hesitation, Jiang Qingqin stated cautiously, “As long as you don’t destroy the Demon Music Institute, don’t barge in to challenge it, and don’t make my students join the Xuanxuan Club… I will certainly do my best to help with anything I can!”

“Cough cough!” Zhang Xuan felt a surge of helplessness.

What was all this?

He just undertook normal assessments and challenges. What had it all become now? It was as if he was unhappy if he didn’t cause destruction…

He wasn’t that kind of person!

“I came here this time, Director Jiang, to request some phoenix parasol pith…”

Filled with frustration, Zhang Xuan had no choice but to state his purpose.

“Phoenix parasol pith? No! Absolutely not!”

Hearing his words, Director Jiang immediately exploded, frantically waving his hands.

He had thought Zhang Xuan’s attitude was good, and that he was going to give up on causing trouble. Unexpectedly, the first thing he asked for was the phoenix parasol pith… Who in the Master Teacher Academy didn’t know that this Phoenix Parasol Tree was his lifeblood?

You ask for it right away… This is asking for my life!

You might as well just kill me!

“This… I’m willing to pay compensation, even buy it at a high price!” Knowing that this item would certainly be difficult to obtain, Zhang Xuan didn’t hesitate and quickly said.

“Even at a high price, it’s not possible…” Director Jiang shook his head.

“Alright then!”

Seeing the other party’s firm attitude, Zhang Xuan looked helpless. “Then, may I ask where the Demon Music Institute’s library is, and how one assesses to become a demon musician? Since I’m already here, I’d like to take the assessment while I’m at it…”

“Assess to be a demon musician?”

Thinking of the commotion and disaster this fellow caused when assessing other professions, Director Jiang’s mouth twitched uncontrollably, and he frantically waved his hand. “No!”

“No? Director Jiang, are you refusing to let me assess to be a demon musician?” Zhang Xuan was puzzled.

“It’s not that…” Jiang Qingqin’s face was grim, but he didn’t know how to respond.

If the other party truly wanted to take the assessment, he really had no way to refuse.

Assessments were free. One couldn’t refuse a genius from taking an assessment just out of fear, could they?

If he did that, he wouldn’t be worthy of being a master teacher.

“Director, aren’t you unable to break through the six-crane realm? Since this fellow is rumored to be so formidable, why not let him offer some pointers? If he can help you break through to the seven-crane realm on the spot, then giving him some phoenix parasol pith wouldn’t be an issue! If he can’t… then I’m afraid we’ll have to send him back and tell him not to eye the Demon Music Institute anymore!”

Vice Director Ning, seeing his old friend unable to think of a solution, secretly transmitted his voice.

“This…”

Jiang Qingqin was stunned, then his eyes lit up.

That’s right!

Since he’s so incredible, able to make all the teachers and students of the Apothecary Academy willingly become his students, and taught Wei Ranxue to feel admiration, perhaps he can do the same with demon music!

If he could truly break through to the seven-crane realm, it would mean reaching the level of a 7-star demon musician… what would a mere phoenix parasol pith matter then!