Chapter 193: Is He Master Yang?

Unaware that their standing in the eyes of Emperor Shenzhui and the Three Masters had greatly diminished, Lu Xun and Wang Chao, brimming with excitement, continued toward Master Yang's residence.

Earlier, they had been mocked and humiliated for not paying; now, with three million in hand, who would dare stop them?

"When we see Master Yang later, no small talk—get straight to the point. Say we're willing to be his apprentices and gladly serve at his side."

As he walked, Lu Xun rehearsed the scene of meeting Master Yang and finally concluded: "A master who can earn the admiration of people like Master Liu must be at least two-star or higher. Beating around the bush will only get us caught and disliked. Better to speak plainly!"

Masters have keen eyes; it's best not to play tricks in front of them, or you'll be the one to suffer.

Once you incur Master Yang's displeasure, becoming his apprentice becomes nearly impossible.

"Right!" Wang Chao nodded.

"By the way, Wang Chao, I heard that Senior Wang Chong learned a new spear technique and spent a lot of money. What's that all about?"

Suddenly remembering something, Lu Xun couldn't help asking.

"Just a few days ago, Father went into seclusion and wouldn't see anyone. I couldn't find him at home and had to ask the steward. Apparently, a master came to our house and taught him just one spear move, and Father paid several million in tuition. I have no idea what spear technique could be worth that much."

Wang Chao shook his head, displeased.

They were a spear-fighting family, and though they had some assets, coughing up several million was a heavy blow. He really didn't know what had gotten into his father to pay so much.

"Senior Wang Chong's insights into spear techniques are unmatched in the Tianxuan Kingdom. Since he was willing to pay that much, it shows the move is extremely powerful. You must learn it well." Lu Xun's view differed.

No one is a fool. Wang Chong enjoyed great fame in the Tianxuan Kingdom and was praised by Emperor Shenzhui. His understanding of the spear way must be astonishing. For such a clear-headed man to spend a fortune to learn, how could it be simple?

"I want to learn too, but Father won't teach me. The steward said Father has set a rule: only with the creator's consent can our clan practice it. Otherwise, even learning it secretly would be a grave offense!"

Wang Chao pouted.

Just thinking about it was frustrating.

His father was crazily practicing some unknown spear technique, but he knew he couldn't learn it. The frustration was palpable—he could hear about it but not touch it, so he could only grumble and vent.

"The Wang family spear is the best in the kingdom, the top martial art. I think the technique Senior learned might not be much stronger; maybe he just wanted to integrate it and make a breakthrough."

Offering a word of comfort, Lu Xun was about to continue when he noticed Wang Chao subtly gesturing. Puzzled, he looked over: "What's wrong?"

"Look, that guy who showed off at the palace!"

Wang Chao pointed behind him.

Following his gaze, Lu Xun saw a middle-aged man in a brocade hat and fur coat walking toward them along the street.

Wasn't that the same talkative fellow?

"He sat alongside the Emperor and the Three Masters. Though he's got a big mouth, his status must be significant. Don't provoke him; let's focus on our business."

Seeing his friend itching to cause trouble, Lu Xun warned him.

Though he had never seen this middle-aged man before, the fact that he dared to interrupt when he was speaking with Emperor Shenzhui meant his position was no small matter.

But... so what?

As star teachers backed by powerful families, they were well-known figures in the Tianxuan capital. No matter how impressive someone's background was, it meant little against that.

"Yeah, I know. But... I feel like he's following us."

Wang Chao found it odd and glanced back again.

In the time they'd been talking, they'd turned several corners, and this guy was still behind them. If that wasn't following, what was?

"Maybe he's also visiting Master Yang. Let's not talk. Steward Sun is at the gate; let's go pay..."

Lu Xun shook his head, not wanting to cause trouble before the apprenticeship. After two more turns, Master Yang's residence appeared again. There was still a long line, and Steward Sun Qiang was right there.

Wang Chao said no more. Chest out, head high, he pushed through the crowd to the front and handed over the three million gold coins he'd just borrowed.

"Steward Sun, here's our fee to visit Master Yang. Now can we go in?"

Weren't you just mocking us for being poor?

In just half an hour, we got the money. This is what they call a public slap in the face!

He imagined Steward Sun's face changing, his attitude shifting, bowing and scraping... But instead, the fat man frowned, didn't even turn his head, and waved a chubby hand impatiently: "Enough nonsense! Didn't I just say? From now on, Master Yang doesn't accept gold coins, no matter how many. Those who haven't been called, get lost now. Don't cause trouble here!"

"You..."

Rage flared up, and Wang Chao nearly spat blood.

As a member of the top circle in the Tianxuan Kingdom, he was respected everywhere, even treated with courtesy by Emperor Shenzhui. Yet a mere steward had told him to get lost twice. The fury nearly made him explode with anger.

"Sun Qiang, do you know who you're talking to?"

Face dark, teeth grinding, he stepped forward.

"Oh? It's Teacher Wang Chao..."

Only then did Sun Qiang recognize him. He raised an eyebrow: "What, got the money this time?"

Earlier, he'd been somewhat cautious because they were star teachers, but seeing his master's indifferent attitude, he realized that star teachers, high officials, and nobles meant nothing at all.

Be obedient and listen to instructions, and I'll put in a good word for you. Otherwise, no amount of status will help!

If he hadn't answered, it might have been fine, but once he did, Wang Chao was so furious his three souls leaped in rage, nearly fainting on the spot.

Damn it!

What the hell is that contemptuous look?

What do you mean 'this time you have money'?

Anyone hearing that would think I've come many times before, each time broke...

"Wang Chao, calm down!"

Seeing him about to explode at any moment, Lu Xun shook his head and stepped forward.

This good friend of his was quite good in both talent and teaching, but his temper was a bit hasty, which had caused him no small amount of trouble.

If he didn't stop him, judging by his look, he might actually throw a punch.

Once he hit that guy, it would be like slapping Master Yang's face. Forget about becoming a disciple; they might even be kicked out on the spot.

Blocking his impatient friend, Lu Xun smiled slightly and cupped his hands: "Steward Sun, there's no need for us to introduce ourselves further. Not bringing the money before was our breach of etiquette. This time we've brought the money and prepared the letter of request. Please trouble yourself to announce us once more. If Master Yang truly refuses to see us, we'll give up and stop bothering you."

This Sun Qiang was clearly a petty market scoundrel; the longer they tangled with him, the more trouble it would be. Better to stop the nonsense.

"The master has instructed that no more letters of request will be accepted. No one is allowed in except those who have already paid. However, since you are star teachers, I'll do you one last favor..."

Seeing that Lu Xun's words were pleasant enough, Sun Qiang nodded and was about to speak when he saw the master had already arrived at the gate and pushed open the door to enter the courtyard.

His earlier bluster had actually been to cover for the master's absence from the residence. Seeing him return, he immediately breathed a sigh of relief, overjoyed. Just as he was about to follow inside, he heard an angry voice behind him.

"Steward Sun, what does this mean? We paid money and submitted a letter of request, yet we can't get in. Why does that guy get to walk right in without even a greeting?"

Wang Chao was truly enraged.

When we didn't pay, you said this and that, even mocking us in public. Now that we've brought the money, you still won't let us in. If you treated everyone the same, we might endure it, but what's the deal with that guy in brocade and fur?

He has no letter of request, hasn't paid a cent, and just pushes the door open to go in. Why? Because he's high-ranking and valued by His Majesty Shen Zhui?

Didn't you say no one could enter?

Didn't you speak so righteously?

Wang Chao was fuming, about to explode.

But no sooner had he spoken than he saw the people around looking at him as if he were an idiot, each face full of sympathy.

Seeing those looks, Lu Xun thought of something, his body couldn't help trembling, and his face turned somewhat ugly. He couldn't help looking up: "Steward Sun, the one who just went in is..."

"It's our master!" Sun Qiang snorted coldly.

"Teacher Yang?"

Lu Xun's body swayed as if struck by lightning.

Wang Chao, who was furious on the side, also seemed to have been slapped in the face, the words he wanted to say stuck in his mouth, his face turning pale and trembling incessantly.

He is Teacher Yang?

Just now in the palace, he scolded him for having a long mouth?

They kindly advised, but the two ignored them outright, even righteous with indignation, wanting to teach the other a lesson...

This... what the hell is going on?

Lu Xun and Wang Chao felt the world spinning, the whole universe about to collapse.

...

In the eyes of others, Lu Xun and Wang Chao were radiant, star teachers of Hongtian Academy, but as Zhang Xuan's contacts grew higher, this status became somewhat inadequate.

From the current perspective, they were just self-righteous youngsters.

Whether they were beaten half to death or driven mad, it was enough to leave them to Sun Qiang to handle; he was too lazy to bother much.

At this moment, he sat cross-legged on the bed, his expression solemn.

Having studied the Heavenly Dao manual on poison, he gained a profound understanding of such things, and at the same time discovered a strange black aura within his body.

In the palace, helping Shen Hong break through, he had no time to examine it carefully. Now back at the residence, he could take a detailed look and see what was going on!

He had always been healthy, so how could there be residual poison in his body?

When did it get in?

Puzzled, he concentrated his mind and looked toward the black aura he had seen earlier.

This black aura was hidden between the internal organs and meridians, hard to detect. If he hadn't studied the Heavenly Dao poison technique and gained a deep understanding of poison, he certainly wouldn't have found it.

"What poison is this? How... have I never seen it?"

After examining it carefully for a while, Zhang Xuan frowned.

The library had collected over a thousand books on poison, recording the properties and auras of many toxic substances, but this black aura in his body matched none of them.