Chapter 171: The Master Returns

Crash!

Just as they were stunned out of their wits, looking utterly crazed, an old man strode over.

Seeing this person, the others all showed respect and made way for him.

"This... is Zhang the Elder of Benevolence and Righteousness?" Zhang Liao swallowed his saliva, barely restraining his shock.

"It is said that Zhang the Elder is over ninety years old and reached the peak of the Tongxuan realm thirty years ago... Of course, what commands respect is not his age or strength, but... he was a star teacher at Hongtian Academy, with students all over the world. Nearly half of the experts present have attended his classes... What is he doing here?"

Zhang Mo's mouth was as if stuffed with an egg.

This Elder Zhang had lived in seclusion for over twenty years, rarely leaving his home. Even Emperor Shenzhui would address him as 'Teacher' when they met... Why would he come here?

Could it be that Du Qiao had transferred the mansion to him, and these experts were here to visit him?

Wait...

Just as this thought arose, they knew they were wrong, because... this Elder Zhang also stood respectfully at the mansion's gate, waiting without any presumption.

"Even Elder Zhang is waiting?"

Zhang Liao and Zhang Mo exchanged glances, their lips trembling.

Although Elder Zhang had been in hiding for many years, in the Tianxuan Kingdom, who wouldn't show him respect? Even if he wanted to enter the royal palace, the Emperor would personally welcome him. Yet now he was shut outside the gate, without any impatience...

"Big brother, should we... still go steal?"

After a long while, Zhang Liao couldn't help but ask his elder brother.

"Steal? Steal your sister... Forget about whether we can get in, even if we could, with so many experts guarding the gate, I'm afraid... before we even reach the door, we'd be beaten to death..."

Zhang Mo shuddered, almost on the verge of tears.

Damn it, how could they steal?

Forget these Tongxuan realm experts; even their attendants could crush them into meat patties...

What was going on with this mansion?

Why were so many experts visiting?

"Whoever it is... with such influence, doesn the royal family care?"

Suddenly, Zhang Liao remembered something and couldn't help asking.

Zhang Mo was also stunned.

How could one tolerate others snoring beside one's bed?

Whoever this person was, summoning so many experts at once, each stronger than the last, and most importantly... they were willing to wait outside without even daring to knock. Such power would frighten even Emperor Shenzhui...

Rustle!

Just as they were puzzled, a golden carriage arrived.

"It's Emperor Shenzhui... He's here. Looks like there's going to be a show..."

Seeing the carriage and the figure stepping down, Zhang Liao and Zhang Mo both trembled.

Speak of the devil. Emperor Shenzhui's personal arrival must mean he felt the pressure and intended to take action.

Although these experts were numerous, they were still no match for a kingdom.

Moreover, it was said that the Tianxuan Kingdom's ancestor had reached the half-step Grandmaster level, suppressing neighboring countries from acting rashly. These people, though formidable, had no way against such a super-strong expert.

"Your Majesty, you've come!"

"Greetings, Your Majesty!"

"Your Majesty, you're early today. I've saved your spot; come over quickly..."

...

Just as the Zhang brothers expected a battle to break out at any moment, they saw the many experts at the gate smiling and greeting the Emperor.

Then they saw Emperor Shenzhui also find a spot among the crowd, standing respectfully outside.

"Huh?"

The two master thieves both staggered.

Could someone tell them what was going on?

The dignified Emperor of the Tianxuan Kingdom had joined the crowd, waiting outside...

Could someone tell them who exactly lived in this mansion?

Crash!

Before their shock subsided, another carriage stopped, and three old men walked over. They wore identical clothes, with shining stars embroidered on their chests.

"These are... Master attire, one-star Masters? Three one-star Masters?"

Zhang Mo recognized them and clenched his fists.

"I know! These three Masters must be giving a lecture, and these people are here to listen..."

Zhang Liao suddenly understood.

That must be it. Only a Master could have such influence, without even speaking, attracting so many experts, even the Emperor himself.

"Greetings, Master Liu!"

"Master Zhuang, it's been years; you still look splendid."

"Master Zheng, I last visited you seven years ago; I didn't expect you to come to Tianxuan City..."

...

As soon as the three Masters arrived, they caused a stir. The previously unruly crowd made way for them.

"Please, stand in front of me..."

Just as they expected the three Masters to open the gate and invite everyone in, they saw Emperor Shenzhui yield his spot, and the three Masters stopped, standing quietly outside, motionless, waiting like everyone else.

"Damn..."

Zhang Liao and Zhang Mo were crushed again.

Tongxuan realm experts, the venerable elder, the king, even Masters were standing at the gate...

Who was in this mansion?

How ridiculous that they had been thinking of stealing from it...

Pfft!

Good thing they hadn't acted; otherwise, they'd probably be dead by now.

Creak!

As they trembled in shock, the tightly shut gate slowly opened, and a fat man walked out.

"Isn't that... Sun Qiang, the fat man who rented out the house for Tianyu Trading Company?"

Zhang Liao recognized him.

Having stolen in Tianxuan City for years and scouted many places, he knew people from all walks of life.

Compared to Emperor Shenzhui, or even to them, this fat man was at the very bottom of society.

He lived in the mansion, making all these strong experts wait?

"Steward Sun, may I ask if Master Yang will return today?"

Elder Zhang stepped forward and cupped his hands.

"I'm sorry, but the master hasn't returned yet. Please go back. If he does return, I will send someone to notify you all..."

Seeing the sea of people before him, Sun Qiang's mouth twitched as he hurriedly said.

As news spread, more and more people came. From initial shock, he was now almost numb.

Of course, what made Sun Qiang even more numb was... his master had gone missing.

It was as if he had vanished into thin air; they couldn't find him anywhere...

If they still couldn't find him, he was really afraid these people at the gate would get restless.

If that happened, he probably wouldn't survive...

Facing so many strong experts every day, if not for his strong mental fortitude, he would have long since broken down.

"Ah, still not back. But it's okay; we can wait here..."

Hearing that Master Yang hadn't returned, the crowd couldn't help but feel disappointed.

"Everyone, better not wait..." Sun Qiang, afraid something might go wrong, was about to continue dissuading them when he suddenly jumped up, tears streaming down his face, and rushed in a direction: "Master!"

...

"What's... going on?"

Walking slowly back to the mansion gate, Zhang Xuan saw the long line before him and was utterly bewildered.