Chapter 846: Dean Zhang

Jiang Qingqin had personally witnessed this Teacher Zhang's learning speed.

On the first day he knew nothing, and by the second day his Demon Sound had reached seven stars; learning another profession wouldn't take much time either.

"I'm not worried about the minor subject; the key is strength. Teacher Zhang is only at the Return to One realm, while the minimum requirement for a six-star assessment is the peak of the Cocoon Seal realm..." Zhao Bingxu said.

Five-star masters cover the Bridge Heaven, Return to One, and Step Void realms.

To assess for six stars, the minimum cultivation level must be at the peak of the Cocoon Seal realm.

When Teacher Zhang competed with You Xu, he had revealed his cultivation level—only Return to One realm, two major levels short of this minimum requirement. Breaking through in three months... it was completely impossible.

"When I went out these past few days, I accidentally broke through, and now I'm at the Step Void realm!"

Zhang Xuan said.

"Accidentally?"

Everyone's eyes widened.

Others break through to the Step Void realm by expending immense effort and countless treasures, but you accidentally broke through, and you sound aggrieved...

Can you be serious?

Actually, they had wronged Zhang Xuan; he really had broken through accidentally, and he had been depressed about it for quite a while.

"Broke through to the Step Void realm?"

Unlike the others' frustration, Elder Mi stood frozen, his mouth twitching: "When Teacher Zhang participated in the student entrance assessment, he was only at the peak of the Spirit Harmony realm, and to save someone, he broke through to the Bridge Heaven realm..."

During the entrance assessment, he had heard the students report that this Zhang Xuan, to save someone, used a secret technique to directly elevate from the peak of the Spirit Harmony realm by one major level, reaching the peak of the Bridge Heaven realm.

At that time, he had thought it would leave hidden troubles for his body and told him to handle it properly... How, in just a few days, had he reached the Step Void realm?

"From participating in the entrance assessment to now... it's been less than twenty days, right?"

Someone muttered.

Then everyone stared straight at the young man before them, as if looking at a monster.

From the start of school to now, at most a little over half a month, from the fifth level of Mortal Transformation, Spirit Harmony realm, directly to the eighth level, Step Void...

An increase of nearly four major levels...

Is this cultivation, or just playing around?

Even with direct infusion, it wouldn't be this fast!

Don't you need to consolidate your cultivation?

Don't you need various insights?

As they were shocked and feeling exasperated, they heard Zhang Xuan sigh not far away, looking ashamed: "Yes, lately I've been focusing on the minor subjects and haven't had time to cultivate, so progress has been slow..."

He had originally planned to finish the minor subjects of ten academies in ten days, then use five or six days to break through to the first level of the Saint Domain, and leave in about half a month.

But now, seventeen or eighteen days had passed, and he was still only at the initial stage of the Step Void realm, with only five minor subjects... There was really nothing to be proud of.

Everyone staggered again, on the verge of vomiting blood.

Damn!

You call this slow?

If you call this slow, then we, who spend decades to break through a single level, are as slow as dog shit!

And what are you ashamed of?

If anyone should be ashamed, it should be us!

Though their chests ached with frustration, they knew he was telling the truth.

Before this one went out, in seven days he had assessed five professions, exceeding expectations for each, causing chaos... Not only that, but in his spare time, he gave lectures, fought life-and-death battles, and even founded the Xuan Xuan Society. Despite all this, he still broke through from the peak of the Bridge Heaven realm to the peak of the Return to One realm...

Forget it, stop thinking; the more they thought, the more uncomfortable they felt!

Compared to him, their own cultivation couldn't be described as just 'slow'; they were simply useless!

Though frustrated, thinking of his unfathomable teacher, they understood.

With a teacher so extraordinary and his own remarkable talent, if he were like them, that would be embarrassing; how could he be called a super genius?

"Three months, I think with Teacher Zhang's ability, assessing for six stars should be very easy!"

After their chests ached for who knows how long, an elder couldn't help saying.

"I think so too..." Soon someone nodded.

For others, three months of seclusion would pass with negligible improvement in strength, but for this guy in front of them, who knew what he could accomplish?

He might even break through to the Saint Domain, for all they knew!

"Then... no more hesitation. The succession ceremony will be held in three days!"

Master Mu waved his hand.

The selection of a dean for the Master Teacher Academy was a major event that shook a first-class empire; it couldn't be taken lightly.

Setting it for three days later was to allow time for preparation, inviting guests, and arranging the venue.

Besides, they first had to repair this Elder Hall; otherwise, if others saw the prestigious Master Teacher Academy looking like it had been hit by a demolition crew, they would die laughing.

With the decision made, the others said no more and all nodded in agreement.

Although Jinyuan Cauldron could veto, it was after all just a sacred artifact. Since no one else found it inappropriate, it was meaningless for it to keep butting in.

After all, no matter who became dean, its status would not change.

Seeing everyone's happy decision, Zhang Xuan rolled his eyes.

You chose me as dean, but I, the person involved, haven't agreed yet...

Ziyang Beast seemed to read his thoughts and couldn't help speaking up: "Master, becoming dean allows you to freely enter and exit the academy's library and read whatever you want!"

Zhang Xuan's eyes lit up.

As long as he could read books, being the academy head was not a bad deal.

Once the discussion was over, the remaining matters were simple—assigning tasks and going through various procedures. It took nearly two hours before everything was settled.

"Academy Head, the succession ceremony hasn't begun yet, so for now, you cannot reside in the main residence. We must ask you to stay outside temporarily..."

After the discussion, Elder Mi spoke apologetically.

Although the Ten Great Elders and Master Mu had agreed, until the ceremony was held, he was not yet the true academy head and could not exercise authority.

Zhang Xuan nodded.

It was only three days anyway, so there was no rush.

After chatting for a while longer, Zhang Xuan used the pretext of needing to assess a Six-Star Master Teacher and quickly improve his cultivation to offload all the so-called responsibilities of the academy head onto Dean Zhao, Elder Mi, and the others. He then breathed a sigh of relief and said, "I want to refine a Tier-7 pill. Could I borrow Senior Jinyuan Ding?"

Ten days had passed. Although he hadn't had time to check, Wei Ruyan's soul should have been nourished by now, and he could proceed with the next steps.

Thus, the top priority was to refine the Duanxu Pill. Presumably, over these days, Pill Master Lu and the others had fully mastered the techniques he had taught.

"Cough, cough... Academy Head, Senior Jinyuan Ding is a cauldron for artifact refining, not a pill furnace!"

Blushing, Zhao Bingsu quickly said.

The difference between an artifact-refining cauldron and a pill furnace was significant.

As a Six-Star Artifact Refiner and Pill Refiner, hadn't he noticed?

"I know, but Tier-7 pills are too powerful. I'm afraid a Spirit-tier pill furnace can't withstand it. Only a Saint-tier artifact like Senior Jinyuan Ding can do the job."

Zhang Xuan said.

Although strictly following his steps would ensure the Duanxu Pill could be refined without a furnace explosion, his previous experiences with pill refining had taught him that knowing the steps was one thing, executing them was another.

If a Spirit-tier pill furnace couldn't withstand the process and exploded, the entire Master Teacher Academy would be nearly destroyed.

He dared not take that risk.

"This..."

Zhao Bingsu was full of doubt. "A pill furnace and an artifact cauldron are vastly different. How can you refine pills in it?"

"Don't worry. Although Senior Jinyuan Ding is an artifact cauldron, it is still a sealed vessel. As long as I add a conversion formation on top, it can be used as a pill furnace!"

Zhang Xuan laughed.

The biggest difference between a pill furnace and an artifact cauldron was the temperature.

The latter had higher temperatures, and the longer it was used, the hotter it became.

The former, on the other hand, had rapid temperature changes, making it easier to control.

This could be solved by adding a formation, which wasn't too difficult.

"If you're confident, I'll discuss it with the senior..."

Hearing that he could convert an artifact cauldron into a pill furnace, Zhao Bingsu hesitated and was about to consult Jinyuan Ding when the Saint-tier artifact let out a snort.

"I am a sacred artifact responsible for artifact refining. Asking me to refine pills? Don't even think about it!"

A Saint-tier artifact for refining had its own pride. Asking it to refine pills was like asking a duck to lay eggs—how could it agree?

"Senior..."

Embarrassed, Zhao Bingsu quickly cupped his fists.

"Spare me the nonsense. You know my temper. Say one more word, and I'll swallow you and refine you into slag!"

Jinyuan Ding snorted, its voice booming with undisguised arrogance.

"This..."

Hearing that there was no room for negotiation, Zhao Bingsu's face turned pale. He had no choice but to shake his head. "Academy Head, there's really no way. If the senior doesn't agree, no matter how many methods you have, it's useless..."

If the artifact spirit of a Saint-tier artifact didn't cooperate, using it was like a dream. Any slight mishap could turn the medicinal herbs into ash, a complete waste!

"Let me see if I can negotiate."

Ignoring Zhao Bingsu, Zhang Xuan walked up to Jinyuan Ding.

He had to admit that this Saint-tier artifact was huge, half a head taller than him, radiating a sacred aura that gave a strong sense of oppression.

No wonder it was the treasure of the Master Teacher Academy—its power was indeed terrifying.

Even the evolved Ziyang Beast was no match for it.

"You want me to refine pills for you? Not a chance! I advise you to forget whatever you're thinking. Otherwise, even if they agree to make you academy head, I'll still refine you into slag..."

Seeing him approach, Jinyuan Ding snorted.

"Senior, I'm just here to discuss with you. No need to get angry!"

Approaching, Zhang Xuan gently stroked Jinyuan Ding, then walked around it, patting it a few times as he spoke.

"Do you think Teacher Zhang can convince Senior Jinyuan Ding?"

Seeing him walk over, Elder Mi came to Dean Zhao.

"It's very difficult. You know Senior Jinyuan Ding's temper. Even the old academy head's face was no good back then, let alone Teacher Zhang. Convincing him... is almost impossible!"

Zhao Bingsu shook his head.

"I think so too..."

Sighing, Elder Mi was about to continue when suddenly Jinyuan Ding let out a sharp roar.

Then, its massive body shook violently and pressed close to Zhang Xuan, like a lapdog seeing its master: "Dingding greets master! Master, whatever you want me to refine, I'll refine. Isn't it just pills? How many do you want to make?"

"..." Elder Mi.

"..." Dean Zhao.

"..." Everyone else.