Chapter 563: The Attack

He placed the long incense at the position of Lu Chong's brow, where the soul aperture was located, and then lit it.

A melodious voice rose from the drifting smoke of the Soul-Awakening Incense, like a deity or demon dancing, singing a song that intoxicated the soul. Staring at the smoke, one could faintly see a figure in a long robe performing a special dance, summoning the soul.

'Soul, return! Why leave your constant form and wander to the four quarters? Forsaking your joyful abode, you encounter those inauspicious things. Soul, return! The east cannot be trusted. There are giants a thousand fathoms tall, who seek only souls. Ten suns appear in turn, melting metal and dissolving stones...'

The voice seemed to resonate within the soul, slowly seeping into Lu Chong's brow, nourishing his slumbering spirit.

'Whether he can be awakened depends on this step!'

Seeing the incense's voice become melodious and increasingly loud, Zhang Xuan took a deep breath, and with a mental command, his witch soul left his body again, turning into a shadow that shot straight toward Lu Chong's sea of consciousness.

Immediately after, he saw a vast ocean appear before him.

'How can it be so vast?'

Seeing the sea of consciousness before him, Zhang Xuan was stunned, filled with disbelief.

The sea of consciousness before him resembled a true ocean, giving a sense of vastness and depth; even his witch soul, at the peak of the Fourth Stage of Mortal Transformation, could not see its end at a glance.

A normal cultivator's sea of consciousness was usually only the size of a pond. Lu Chong's condition was astonishing even to him.

'Where is Lu Chong's soul?'

After a moment of shock, he quickly looked around.

For someone whose soul is in deep slumber, the soul hides in some corner of the sea of consciousness, unable to awaken. Now, by leveraging the power of the Soul-Awakening Incense, entering it should allow him to rouse it.

Traveling along the vast sea of consciousness, he flew for a while and indeed saw a colossal figure lying flat in the mist.

Like a great mountain lying before him, its eyes tightly shut, unconscious.

'This... is too big!'

Zhang Xuan blinked.

This Lu Chong not only had a vast sea of consciousness but also such a mighty soul, even stronger than his own soul power at the Fourth Stage of Mortal Transformation... How was that possible?

He had only been at the Master Teacher realm when he fell into a coma; how could he have such a robust soul?

'Could it be... an Acquired Witch Soul Body?'

A thought struck him, and a term emerged in his mind.

In the world, there are innate physiques that, once activated, cause a surge in cultivation. Naturally, there is also a powerful witch soul technique... the Acquired Witch Soul Body.

This kind of soul is not innate, so even a master teacher cannot detect it. It arises from some special transformation.

For example, some people, after a fall, develop yin-yang eyes and can see ghosts and gods. Others, after a severe blow to the head, awaken memories of past lives, recite entire scriptures, and gain unknown special abilities...

If he wasn't mistaken, Lu Chong was very likely such a case.

Originally just an ordinary person, after experiencing a family upheaval, his nature changed. Later, to save him, he fell into a coma...

These two special experiences caused his soul to undergo a transformation.

'If this is true, once such a massive soul body awakens, it will be at least as strong as my current cultivation, if not stronger...'

His eyes lit up.

He had thought that after Lu Chong's severe injury, recovery would take an unknown amount of time. He never expected him to encounter such an opportunity.

However, without knowledge of witch soul techniques, even if one understood his fortune, there was no way to help. But now... as long as he woke up and taught him the Heavenly Path Witch Soul Art, his cultivation would surely skyrocket.

'Lu Chong, I am Teacher Zhang. Wake up quickly!'

Taking a deep breath, he approached the colossal figure and called out softly.

...

While Zhang Xuan was treating Lu Chong, Sect Leader Luo Huang and the others received news of his return to the residence.

'Since he's back, it's time to go and ask him!'

'Indeed. The Confucian Sage's manuscript—how does a newly promoted four-star master teacher deserve to possess it?'

'If he hands it over obediently, fine. If not... we'll hold a trial on the spot and investigate the manuscript's origin! If it involves a breach of teacher ethics, forceful seizure, or extortion, he must be dealt with!'

...

Voices sounded one after another.

The Confucian Sage's manuscript was a treasure no master teacher could refuse. As the head of a faction, even if one's heart was once soft, over time it would become utterly hard.

Because behind him stood not just one person, but a vast group.

Sacrificing this Zhang Xuan, if it could bring about the rise of their forces, they would be willing to risk even greater consequences.

"Everyone, don't be so hasty. That steward showed no fear toward us, even a hint of contempt—haven't you found that suspicious?"

Luo Huangzongzhu interrupted the crowd's agitation, looking over with a calm expression.

"This..." The crowd's excitement subsided.

Having charged in with such imposing force, only to be driven out by a mere steward, they all felt indignant afterward. Yet, it was also strange—was that fellow unafraid of death, or did he have some backing?

"Is he relying on the Master Teacher Hall of Wanguo City?"

"He doesn't know that the matter of Master Kong's manuscript has been leaked, so he's naturally confident. Once he finds out, he certainly won't have the nerve!"

"I think he's relying on that demon beast, Yaochen. That creature is indeed very strong, even capable of fighting at the early stage of the Combined Spirit Realm, the fifth level of Mortal Transformation!"

"With such a powerful beast pet, plus being in Wanguo City, if he had no confidence at all, he wouldn't be fit to be a master teacher's steward."

Discussions buzzed.

Although the overall strength of the Master Teacher Hall of Wanguo City was inferior to theirs, it still held the authority of the host. Though the crowd had charged over aggressively, they were still bound by the rules of master teachers and dared not go too far.

That steward must have seen this and thus dared to be so arrogant.

"It seems everyone knows little about this Zhang Xuan. In the past few days, I've made a point of inquiring about him!" Hearing the crowd's words, Luo Huangzongzhu shook his head.

These sect masters and leaders of major forces had too high a vision, always on guard against superpowers like Liuyun Sect, Luosha Sect, and Hanqi Sect, while dismissing the Wanguo Alliance and never paying attention to this Zhang Xuan. Thus, they knew little about him.

It was like how humans don't care about the thoughts of ants.

If they needed something, they would just ask for it directly... never considering that this contestant who had emerged from the Wanguo Alliance was not as weak as they imagined.

"Oh?"

Seeing his solemn expression, everyone looked over in unison.

"It is said that this Zhang Xuan is not yet twenty years old. Just over two months ago, he was assessed as a two-star master teacher, and his progress has been astonishing..."

Luo Huangzongzhu said slowly: "Of course, these are not important. It's possible that he initially concealed his strength to make a stunning debut..."

Many master teachers never take assessments, and once they do, they directly become four-star or even higher.

Therefore, jumping from two-star to four-star is nothing shocking.

"The main point is... for someone so young to reach four-star master teacher, and even crush Lord Kang's direct disciple Jun Ruohuan in the selection competition... don't you find his master's background strange?"

Luo Huangzongzhu voiced his thoughts.

"This..."

The crowd fell into thought.

Previously, they had not taken this Zhang Xuan seriously, thinking that as a mere four-star junior master teacher, he would obediently hand over the item once they approached, not daring to object.

A four-star junior master teacher held some status in Wanguo City, but in their sects and forces, it meant nothing.

Now, with this said, it did seem a bit off.

Wanguo City lagged in resources, lacking half-step five-star master teachers and Combined Spirit Realm experts... thus also lacking long-distance teaching jade talismans, making it impossible to teach anytime, anywhere. Under such conditions, nurturing a four-star master teacher was still very difficult.

Under such circumstances, achieving this before twenty was indeed no small feat.

"According to the information I've obtained, this Zhang Xuan's teacher is named Yang Xuan, a half-step five-star master teacher."

Without being mysterious, Luo Huangzongzhu looked around and shared the information he had gathered.

Based on what he knew, that Yang Xuan had rarely appeared, and only in low-level kingdoms. Those who knew of him, limited by their insight, could not determine his exact cultivation, making it hard to judge.

The strength he initially displayed was only comparable to a three- or four-star master teacher. Such strength clearly could not have produced a genius like Zhang Xuan...

The basis for his judgment was... that Master Su and Master Ling had specially visited him and then left respectfully.

To be treated thus by four-star master teachers, upon consideration, he should be about the same as them—a half-step five-star existence.

That level was the ceiling. If he were higher, he would surely leave a small place like the Wanguo Alliance for a higher empire. Moreover, an expert of that level leaving the Master Teacher Hall for a lower kingdom would certainly be reported, and it would be impossible for there to be no information at all.

Most importantly... those who had come into contact with this Yang Xuan had not found that he could 'gather spiritual energy with words and speak lotus blossoms!'

Failing to achieve this meant he had not even reached the early stage of five-star.

"Half-step five-star? Similar to us—nothing to fear!"

"Yes, even if he really has such strength, so what? The manuscript of Master Kong is of utmost importance... Even if it were a true five-star master teacher, we would not hesitate to inquire, let alone a half-step one!"

"As a half-step five-star master teacher, knowing how important this item is, not only does he fail to hand it over but also hides it privately. If reported to headquarters, he won't get away with it!"

...

Having thought he was much stronger, hearing that he was on par with them, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

"What is your opinion, Sect Leader Luo Huang?"

An old man looked over.

"According to my inquiries, this Yang Xuan doesn't seem to be in Wanguo City, but... to avoid trouble, my opinion is that we go directly, obtain the manuscript, and then decide on distribution. Before that, we must unite; otherwise... I fear we'll end up with nothing."

Sect Leader Luo Huang said gravely.

Whether to boil or fry, you must first bring down the wild goose.

The wild goose is still flying in the sky; discussing these matters is too early.

Whether this Master Kong's manuscript ultimately belongs to one person or is viewed by everyone must wait until we see the real thing; everything else is false.

Otherwise, even if everyone is not afraid of a half-step five-star master, such strength qualifies him to stand on equal footing with us; when facing him directly, we cannot go too far.

"Rest assured, Sect Leader Luo, none of us are three-year-old children; we understand these rules!"

"A treasure like Master Kong's manuscript cannot be swallowed by a single force; we all know that!"

"Let's first obtain the treasure from this Master Zhang; everything else is empty talk!"

Everyone nodded.

Able to become a regional hegemon, they understood this even without being told, and they all nodded in agreement.

"Since everyone agrees, I'll assign tasks!" Seeing their consent, Sect Leader Luo Huang nodded: "When we arrive, I hope Sect Leaders Hu and Bai will first suppress that demon beast and prevent it from resisting."

"The rest of you, join me in capturing this Zhang Xuan first and searching for Master Kong's manuscript. Otherwise, if we delay and he moves the items, it will be too late!"

"Good!"

Everyone nodded.

Since they were taking action, they had to do it as quickly as possible; otherwise, a long night would bring many troubles, and no one could guarantee what might happen.

"Let's go!"

Having set the rules in advance, Sect Leader Luo Huang waved his hand, and everyone flew straight toward Zhang Xuan's residence.

...

In the empty courtyard, Sun Qiang frowned.

Though the young master wasn't worried about that group, he was still somewhat concerned.

Last time they came aggressively, clearly with ill intent; before, with the young master away, he could make excuses, but now that he had returned, if they came again, it would be hard to stop them.

"Where is Master Zhang?"

Garden Master Xue walked up.

Master Zhang had helped her greatly, saving her medicinal garden from disaster. Knowing these people were causing trouble, she volunteered to stay and had been guarding the courtyard without leaving.

"The young master is treating Young Master Lu Chong and cannot be disturbed for now."

Sun Qiang nodded.

"Oh."

Hearing that he couldn't be disturbed, Garden Master Xue shook her head and said worriedly, "When Master Zhang was away, that group was quiet. I'm afraid that knowing he's back, they won't be able to restrain themselves."

"Yes..." Sun Qiang sighed. "If only the master were here, these monsters and demons would be nothing to worry about!"

"Master Yang... what star level is he?"

Seeing his confidence in this master, Garden Master Xue couldn't help asking.

"I don't know either, but... there's nothing he can't solve. I've heard Master Su and Master Ling say... he's at least not weaker than six stars."

Sun Qiang said.

"Not weaker than six stars?"

Garden Master Xue's pupils contracted.

The minimum cultivation requirement for a six-star master is the ninth level of Mortal Transformation.

Not weaker than six stars—didn't that mean... his strength exceeded that level?

"Yes, though I haven't known the master long, there's nothing he can't solve. For example, your damaged soul—if the master is willing to act, he can definitely cure it easily!"

Sun Qiang said with certainty.

He had seen the master's methods with his own eyes; he could see the crux of the problem at a glance, and no difficulty was too great.

Garden Master Xue had been staying here these days, and she had heard about the damaged soul, which prompted this remark.

"Can he cure it?"

Her face flushed, and her breathing quickened.

Her soul had been damaged for so long, incurable; she had even resorted to devouring the spiritual essence of medicinal herbs to try to repair it... all without success. If it could truly be restored, she would do anything.

She was willing to pay any price.

"Yes, but don't get your hopes up too high. Given the master's status, he doesn't usually act lightly." Sun Qiang shook his head.

"That's true..."

Garden Master Xue smiled bitterly and shook her head.

What kind of person was this Master Yang?

He was likely a master above six stars; to get such a person to act, the price would be immeasurable.

At least she could hardly produce a treasure of that level.

"Don't think too much about that now. We don't even know where the master is. If he were here, I could plead for you. Though the master is high-ranked, he is very amiable..."

As he sighed and was about to continue, Sun Qiang felt a powerful aura rushing over, instantly locking onto the entire courtyard.

"Master Zhang, Luo Huang of Flowing Cloud Sect, Bai Kaizhi of White Sun Sect, Huang Qi of Falling Sand Sect... fourteen sect leaders and the Imperial Emperor request an audience!"

Boom!

A clear voice rang out, and then dozens of figures appeared in the courtyard, each with formidable strength, carrying power like rivers.

Sect Leader Luo Huang and the others... had arrived!

Rustle!

Hearing the sound, Zheng Yang, Wang Ying, and the others also rushed out of their rooms, looking at the group warily.

"Our young master is in seclusion and not available to see guests. Please return!"

Gritting his teeth, Sun Qiang stepped forward.

"In seclusion? I think he's afraid to show his face after committing acts against teacher ethics!"

A middle-aged man snorted and stepped forward.

An invisible pressure swept over, and Sun Qiang immediately felt as if a great mountain had appeared before him; no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't budge it.

A Soul Fusion realm expert!

With such strength, he could exert soul pressure; not even Hall Master Kang was a match.

"Master Zhang is upright and benevolent; how could he have violated teacher ethics? Please don't slander him!"

Seeing them immediately sling mud, Garden Master Xue frowned and stepped in front.

"Who do you think you are? Do you have the right to speak here?"

Raising his eyebrows, the middle-aged man flipped his palm and struck.

"Oh no!"

Not expecting them to be so aggressive this time, attacking without a word, Garden Master Xue's pupils contracted as she raised her hands to meet the blow.

Boom!

Fist met palm; before she could react, Garden Master Xue felt a tightness in her chest as a tremendous force slammed into it.

Pfft!

Blood sprayed from her mouth as she flew backward, crashing more than ten meters away.

She was among the strongest in Wanguo City, but compared to him, she was still far inferior.

Soul Fusion and Turbid Clarity realms—a full major level apart.

Roar!

The demon beast guarding the courtyard roared and charged down.

"Beast, still acting fierce!"

Sect Leader Bai snorted and, together with the middle-aged man, stepped forward and clenched his hand.

Whoosh!

A net formed of true energy appeared in the sky, casting straight toward its head.

Roar!

Trapped in the net, the demon beast roared wildly, trying to break free but finding itself powerless.

This true energy net was like steel and iron; even with its strength, it couldn't escape.

The Yaochen Beast was unmatched among the spirit beasts of the Ten Thousand Nations Alliance, but compared to the sect masters of these major sects, it fell short by more than one level in terms of both treasures and status, let alone the fact that two of them struck together.

"What exactly are you trying to do?"

Seeing these people act so decisively, injuring Garden Master Xue and sealing the Yaochen Beast in just a few breaths, Sun Qiang's face changed, and his heart sank to the bottom.