Chapter 88: Alchemist Guild

"Alright, that's all for today's class. Go back and cultivate diligently according to my instructions. The teacher assessment is in half a month, and I don't want to lose! I also hope you won't let me lose!"

Inside the room, Zhang Xuan continued to discuss cultivation for a while longer before waving his hand. After interacting with the students for the past two days, he had gradually adapted to the teaching profession, increasingly embodying the demeanor of a true teacher.

"Yes, Teacher Zhang!"

Zhao Ya, Zheng Yang, and the others clenched their fists, their faces flushed. They had just learned that Teacher Lu Xun was challenging Teacher Zhang, and that they were the stakes of the wager. In the past, hearing that they could become disciples of Teacher Lu would have made them too excited to sleep. But now, they wouldn't leave even if it cost them their lives! Casually pointing out their flaws; curing Zhao Ya, Wang Ying, and others of their chronic illnesses; providing sophisticated cultivation techniques, even letting them name them; identifying Zhu Hong's weakness to ensure their overwhelming victory—Teacher Zhang seemed to possess a unique charm that astonished and impressed them, leaving no room for other thoughts.

"Goodbye, Teacher!"

The group left the classroom.

"You mean... Teacher Zhang struck with the force of fifty-five cauldrons?"

"Even Little Prince Bai Xun sought his advice?"

...

As soon as they left the classroom, the group couldn't help but turn to Liu Yang to ask about the Heart of Learning Trial that day. Liu Yang didn't hide anything and recounted everything he had witnessed. When they heard that Teacher Zhang actually possessed Aperture Opening realm strength, everyone was utterly shocked, their eyes shining with awe. Upon hearing about the unscrupulous actions of the Academic Affairs Office, they were all indignant, practically exploding with anger.

"Everyone," Liu Yang said, looking around after finishing his account of the Heart of Learning Tower, "I believe Teacher Lu Xun's challenge is actually an opportunity—a great chance to clear Teacher Zhang's name! So, I hope that over the next half month, you all cultivate diligently to bring honor to our teacher and establish a reputation for ourselves!"

"That's right," Zhao Ya's bright eyes also gleamed with unwavering determination. "Teacher Zhang is noble in character and generous. He might not concern himself with the slanders of petty people, but as his students, we have a responsibility to help restore his reputation!"

"I... I agree too!" Wang Ying, who was somewhat naive, said through clenched teeth. Teacher Zhang had cured her leg ailment and specifically created a cultivation technique for her; such kindness was impossible to repay, even if she were to perish.

"Count us in too!"

Yuan Tao and Zheng Yang also stepped forward.

"Then it's settled," Liu Yang said with determination in his eyes, his voice slow and steady. "For the next half month, we will train desperately. In the New Student Grand Competition, we must show those who look down on Teacher Zhang... that his students... are the best!"

***

"The competition is in half a month..."

Unaware that his five students were already brimming with fighting spirit, Zhang Xuan sat in the classroom, his brow furrowed. He wasn't worried about Zhao Ya, Wang Ying, and the others; with their strong backgrounds and the cultivation techniques he taught, their strength would certainly increase significantly in half a month. Zheng Yang and Liu Yang had good talent and strong competitive spirits, so with proper guidance, a significant improvement in their cultivation wouldn't be an issue. His only concern was Yuan Tao. This guy was a rogue cultivator, with no backing or connections, and had barely any exposure to cultivation techniques. Rapid progress in half a month would be difficult for him.

"Unless... I find a way to activate his Ancient Dragon-Rhino bloodline!"

An idea flashed through his mind. He had previously used the Library of Heaven's Path to check Yuan Tao, who possessed the Ancient Dragon-Rhino bloodline. This bloodline offered unparalleled defense, and once activated, it would greatly boost his cultivation speed and defensive capabilities. To help him improve quickly, this seemed to be the only path.

"But... how is the Dragon-Rhino bloodline activated?"

Even knowing the method, another problem arose in his mind. The Dragon-Rhino bloodline was an ancient and incredibly rare lineage. Records about it were scarce; at most, people knew its name. As for how to activate it, probably no one in the entire Tianxuan Kingdom knew.

"There are three methods to activate most special physiques: First, cultivate step by step until a certain realm is reached, at which point activation might occur. This method is stable but takes too much time; many people even perish before they can activate it! Second, after identifying the physique's attributes, take corresponding pills. The powerful medicinal effects have a certain chance of success!"

"Third, through special experiences: death or poisoning. One powerful individual once activated his physique after being stabbed over seventy times, and another, poisoned with a potent toxin, bled from all seven orifices, ceased breathing for three days, then activated his special physique and revived successfully..."

With a thought, a book about special physiques appeared in his mind, detailing some activation methods. After reading for a while, Zhang Xuan grimaced. The first and second methods seemed normal, but the third... what on earth was that? Death or poisoning, being stabbed over seventy times, taking potent toxins and bleeding from all seven orifices... What if it didn't activate? Wouldn't he truly die?

"I can only use the second method!" He rubbed his temples. The third method was definitely out of the question. With only half a month, the first method was also too slow. After much consideration, only the second method seemed most suitable.

"Since that's the case, I'll go to the Apothecary Guild. Perhaps I can find suitable pills there to activate Yuan Tao's Dragon-Rhino bloodline and Zhao Ya's Pure Yin Physique!" He stood up and left the room. Both Zhao Ya and Yuan Tao possessed special physiques; if activated, their cultivation would undoubtedly increase significantly.

Almost all upper-tier professions had their own associations, such as the Teacher Guild, Artificer (Treasure Forger) Guild, Formation Guild, and Beast Tamer Guild. Apothecaries were no exception. As one of the continent's special professions, apothecaries, though slightly less esteemed than master teachers, still held a respected and sought-after status. After all, every cultivator would get injured or wish to break through their current realm, and often, the help of an apothecary was crucial for these needs. The pills they refined could better unleash medicinal properties, allowing cultivators to gain greater effects.

Because of this, the Apothecary Guild was bustling with activity, packed with countless martial artists buying medicine and seeking advice every day. Zhang Xuan's predecessor had never been there, but as one of the largest forces in the entire royal city, its location was well-known. He left the academy and walked along the street for about an hour before arriving. A vast and magnificent building, resembling a colossal cathedral, stood before him. A horizontal plaque hung above, bearing five grand, elegantly calligraphed characters: "Apothecary Guild!"

Without much hesitation, Zhang Xuan stepped inside. Upon entering, he found himself in a spacious hall teeming with people, a lively scene. "To find out which pills can activate the Dragon-Rhino bloodline and Pure Yin Physique, I either ask an apothecary or research cultivation books about pills!" Zhang Xuan's primary purpose for coming was to gather information, not to buy pills, leaving him with these two options. He didn't know any apothecaries, so asking around was clearly unsuitable. Moreover, even if he did, they might not know, as the Dragon-Rhino bloodline and Pure Yin Physique were exceptionally rare. As for the second method, for others, finding useful information among many books would be like searching for a needle in a haystack. But with the Library of Heaven's Path as his cheat, it was different.

Having made his decision, he strode towards the Apothecary Guild's reception desk.