Chapter 144: Spear Master

If it were any other alchemist of the same rank, even a friend, they wouldn't be so generous at the first meeting. But this Zhang Xuan was incredibly skilled—debating everyone, perfect in alchemy, medicine, and every aspect, leaving all speechless.

With such ability alone, given enough time, he would surely soar. Building a good relationship now was an early investment.

Putting away the Life-Nurturing Pill, Zhang Xuan suddenly remembered something and asked, "President Ouyang, do you know where in Tianxuan Royal City I can buy spear technique manuals?"

Wang Ying had the Body-Nourishing Liquid, Liu Yang the Warm Meridian Pill. Although the Yin-Breaking Pill and Giant Rhino Blood hadn't arrived yet, once Zhao Ya and Yuan Tao took them and activated their physiques, their cultivation would surely leap.

Now, among his five students, four had solutions, leaving only Zheng Yang.

He was skilled in spear techniques, and Lu Xun had found someone even better in spear arts to oppose him. Without some powerful moves for him to learn, he would likely become the weakest link.

He had browsed the entire teacher library of the academy. There were some martial techniques, but none on spear arts. That was why Teacher Wang Chao was so popular, attracting countless students skilled in spear techniques.

Wang Chao had "given" that Mo Xiao to Lu Xun, indicating their unusual relationship. Asking him about spear techniques was out of the question, and Zhang Xuan himself knew nothing about them. He could only see if the royal city had any place selling such manuals.

"Spear technique manuals? You want to learn spear techniques?" President Ouyang looked at him with doubt.

An alchemist was already highly respected. Why learn spear techniques instead of alchemy?

"Yes," Zhang Xuan nodded.

"Spear techniques are less popular than sword techniques, with fewer practitioners. Few have truly reached the master level. If you asked others, they might not be able to help, but I happen to know someone with a family spear technique, profound and unmatched, famous throughout the royal city!"

Ouyang Cheng stroked his beard and smiled.

"Oh? Can you take me to learn?" Zhang Xuan's eyes lit up.

"This man keeps to himself and rarely goes out. As a rule, he doesn't see outsiders and doesn't casually teach his spear techniques, but I am a close friend of his, so he might just give face!"

Ouyang Cheng said.

"Then I'll trouble President Ouyang." Knowing the other was still showing goodwill, Zhang Xuan nodded immediately, secretly deciding that when he saw him alchemize, he would give him some good guidance.

"Let's go. I'll take you to meet this old friend."

Seeing that the other understood his meaning, Ouyang Cheng nodded with satisfaction.

Leaving the Alchemist Guild, the two walked for about half an hour before arriving in front of a mansion.

Because President Ouyang was a friend of the owner, the guards at the gate did not stop them, and they walked straight in.

"President Ouyang, please wait a moment. My master is practicing his spear and will be out shortly!"

The steward led the two to a small pavilion and said.

"Mm, let him come find me when he's done!" President Ouyang, knowing the other's habits, was unconcerned and casually waved his hand, then beckoned Zhang Xuan: "Master Zhang, have a seat!"

"Alright!" Zhang Xuan sat down and looked around.

The courtyard was spacious, decorated in a relatively elegant style, giving a quiet feeling. No servants or attendants were seen in the entire yard, suggesting the master was not a man of extravagance.

"This old friend of mine is named Wang Chong. I've known him for over twenty years. He has immersed his life in the world of the spear. In terms of spear technique alone, he is definitely among the top in the entire Tianxuan Royal City. Even Emperor Shen Zhui once personally praised his unparalleled spear skills."

Raising his teacup, President Ouyang introduced.

"Impressive!" Zhang Xuan had always admired those who reached the pinnacle in any field.

No matter the field, being able to stand out among tens of millions was enough to prove one's perseverance and talent.

"Old man Ouyang, are you badmouthing me behind my back again?"

As they were chatting, a hearty voice rang out, and an elderly man strode over.

He looked to be in his fifties, but his body was as vigorous as a dragon or tiger, as if he had inexhaustible strength. He wore training clothes and carried a long spear, just as the steward had said—he must have been practicing with the spear and came over without even changing.

"Badmouthing you? I'm not that bored!" Ouyang Cheng stood up with a laugh.

From their tone, it was clear they were well acquainted.

"That's more like it. What brings you here today?" Wang Chong stepped into the pavilion and noticed Zhang Xuan, asking with confusion, "Is this your junior?"

"Ahem!" Ouyang Cheng was thoroughly embarrassed, nearly spitting out his tea.

Junior my foot!

I was trying to please him and get his guidance, and you, with one word 'junior,' almost ruined my efforts...

He stole a glance at Zhang Xuan and, seeing that he wasn't angered, breathed a sigh of relief. Afraid his old friend might say something else inappropriate, he quickly introduced him: "Let me introduce you. This is the guild's newly promoted one-star alchemist, Zhang Xuan!"

"One-star alchemist?"

Wang Chong was stunned, then shocked.

He knew well how difficult the alchemist examination was, being an old friend of Ouyang Cheng. Seeing someone so young, he had assumed he was a junior, never expecting him to be a full-fledged alchemist.

It was simply unbelievable.

Even the steward on the side was full of astonishment.

"Not only that, Alchemist Zhang succeeded through the pill debate, leaving ten alchemists speechless. In terms of alchemy, I'm afraid no one in the entire royal city can surpass him!"

Ouyang Cheng continued.

"Pill debate?" Wang Chong was amazed.

Although he wasn't an alchemist, he had heard of this examination method from President Ouyang. A fellow under twenty, not only becoming an alchemist but also succeeding in a pill debate—if he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he would hardly believe it.

"President Ouyang flatters me. I merely happened to learn some knowledge. If you asked me to actually refine pills, I probably couldn't produce any..."

Zhang Xuan quickly said.

He spoke the truth. He succeeded in the pill debate because of the Library of Heaven's Path; if he had to refine pills, he might not even be able to produce the simplest pill.

They chatted for a while longer, and Zhang Xuan realized that Ouyang Cheng was deliberately praising him to leave a good impression on Wang Chong, so he could make his request.

Sure enough, after some small talk, Ouyang Cheng smiled and said, "I'm afraid I have to trouble you again, old friend!"

"Oh?" Wang Chong looked over.

"It's like this: Alchemist Zhang is also very fond of spear techniques. I wonder if Brother Wang has time to exchange insights with each other."

Ouyang Cheng said.

"Oh? Alchemist Zhang is also a spear master? That's wonderful..."

Hearing this, Wang Chong's eyes lit up, and he looked over excitedly.

He was obsessed with the spear and loved to spar with spear masters. This Zhang Xuan, though young, had become a full alchemist, and his spear talent was probably not weak. How could he not be excited to exchange insights with him?

"I... ahem, I've never studied spear techniques..."

Seeing that the other party seemed ready to compete with him, Zhang Xuan was thoroughly embarrassed.