Chapter 192: The Legend of Zhang Xuan (Part 2)

"This is the first time I've heard of this Teacher Zhang Xuan. I had to ask around to find out who he was... Not only is he not a star teacher, he's been criticized for a long time..."

Recalling what he had read, Emperor Shen Zhui still found it hard to believe. He shook his head with a bitter smile and couldn't help asking, "Do you know what this Teacher Zhang was called in the academy before?"

"He had a title? What was it?"

The three renowned teachers became interested and couldn't help looking over.

"It was... 'Waste'!" said Emperor Shen Zhui.

"Waste?"

The three teachers exchanged glances.

"Yes, it's said that this Zhang Xuan scored zero on the teacher qualification exam and even caused one of his students to go berserk. He's known as the worst teacher in Hongtian Academy's history!" said Emperor Shen Zhui.

"Scored zero on the teacher qualification exam?"

"Caused a student to go berserk?"

"How can someone like that still be on the teaching staff? And... if he's that bad, why would Lu Xun compete with him?"

The three teachers were all bewildered.

Not to mention how bad this Zhang Xuan was, but Lu Xun—a renowned star teacher, the number one in Hongtian Academy—could compete with anyone, yet he chose a teacher who scored zero on the qualification exam...

How was that different from racing a cripple or testing hearing with a deaf person?

Even if he won, it wouldn't be glorious!

And what if he couldn't win?

"Let me finish, Your Majesties. That was just his former title. A turning point came a little over ten days ago!" Emperor Shen Zhui continued. "A teacher named Cao Xiong, because of a dispute over a student, initiated a Heart of Learning interrogation. He thought victory was certain, but the outcome left everyone stunned."

"This Teacher Zhang Xuan is not only not a waste who knows nothing, but he's also an expert, having reached the Acupoint Opening realm. Moreover, he made his student reach a trust level of sixty-four points..."

Although Hongtian Academy had deliberately suppressed news of the Heart of Learning interrogation, as the king of Tianxuan Kingdom, it was easy for him to investigate. He knew the details and content of that day very well and recounted them in full.

"A newly recruited student with a trust level of sixty-four? Already at the level of a master teacher? This... how is this possible?"

"Under twenty years old, with cultivation at the Acupoint Opening realm? What a remarkable talent! Even students taught by master teachers are no better than this!"

"Using the berserk state to resolve the hidden danger of a naturally sealed meridian? And making a student break through from Warrior Level 1 to Level 2 in just over ten minutes..."

The three renowned teachers looked at each other, feeling as if they were dreaming. Could they believe it?

A young teacher, to protect the academy's reputation, endured humiliation and willingly bore the label of waste, only to strike back when provoked...

"If all this is true... then Teacher Zhang Xuan's character is truly noble!"

Zhuang Xian couldn't help but sigh.

To be falsely accused without rebuttal, only out of concern for the academy's face—such magnanimity and professional integrity were hard even for them to achieve, let alone a youth under twenty.

"I sent someone specifically to inquire at the Teacher Guild, and received a definitive answer!"

Knowing that the others might not believe him, Emperor Shen Zhui waved his hand and received a letter from a eunuch: "This is a letter personally written by Elder Mo of the Guild. Its contents match exactly what I just said. Please take a look!"

With that, he handed over the letter. Liu Ling and the others took it, glanced at it, and nodded simultaneously.

This was a letter issued by the Teacher Guild, bearing the guild's seal. It couldn't be wrong; otherwise, Elder Mo's career would be at stake.

"I didn't expect Hongtian Academy to have hidden such a talent!"

Liu Ling's eyes lit up.

Originally, he had planned to take Lu Xun as an apprentice, but after meeting him in person, he was somewhat disappointed. Now, hearing about this Teacher Zhang's legendary deeds, his interest was piqued again.

"Noble character, indifferent to gains and losses, painstakingly devoted to his students, even willing to bear a bad reputation... I want to see such a teacher with my own eyes!" Zhuang Xian also couldn't help but sigh.

Master teachers hope to take on good apprentices, valuing not only teaching ability and reputation but also character.

Without good character, taking on an ungrateful person—no matter how talented—would be useless.

"Your Majesty, someone requests an audience outside!"

As they were sighing, another guard strode in.

"Who is it?"

"It's Yao Han, the steward of City Lord Zhao of White Jade City," the guard replied.

"Let him in!" Emperor Shen Zhui nodded.

City Lord Zhao Feng was one of his most trusted regional officials, and Yao Han was his close associate; they knew each other.

"Yao Han pays respects to Your Majesty!" Before long, a middle-aged man strode in and knelt down.

It was indeed Yao Han.

"General Yao, please rise!" Emperor Shen Zhui greeted him.

Although Yao Han was now just a steward, he had once followed City Lord Zhao Feng on military campaigns and had risen to the rank of general.

"General, have you come because City Lord Zhao Feng has something to report?"

Knowing that the other party wouldn't come to the palace for idle chat, Emperor Shen Zhui asked.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, our city lord plans to visit the royal city in a few days, and specially sent me to request Your Majesty's permission," Yao Han said.

As a high-ranking official, Zhao Feng could not be as carefree as ordinary people, leaving whenever he pleased. Even if he wanted to come to the royal city, he would need to request permission in advance; otherwise, sneaking over would be considered treason if the Emperor found out.

"Come to the royal city?" Shen Zhui was taken aback.

"Yes, miss has taken Zhang Xuan as her teacher. To help her awaken her special constitution, Teacher Zhang specifically took the alchemist exam, searched for the precious [Cold Yang Mother Herb], and purchased the third-grade pill [Yin-Breaking Pill] for her to take. The city lord is deeply grateful and has decided to come and express his thanks in person!" Yao Han replied.

"Taking Zhang Xuan as a teacher? Cold Yang Mother Herb? Yin-Breaking Pill?"

Everyone had just been discussing Zhang Xuan, and upon hearing this, they were all stunned. Emperor Shen Zhui couldn't help but say, "What exactly happened? Explain in detail!"

"Yes!" Yao Han nodded and then recounted in detail how Teacher Zhang had taken Zhao Ya as his student, identified her special constitution, and taken the alchemist exam, among many other things.

Others might have only a partial understanding of these matters, but he, having been beaten black and blue by the other party, had conducted a thorough investigation and knew everything clearly, so his account was without error.

"You say... this Teacher Zhang Xuan passed the one-star alchemist exam?"

"Not only that, to help his student break through, he spent a large sum on pills and spirit liquids? And even... created tailor-made cultivation techniques for them... without expecting anything in return?"

"He worked tirelessly to create martial techniques, staying awake for days, to the point of falling asleep on a bench?"

After listening to Yao Han's words, the three great masters widened their eyes and clenched their fists.

The fundamental task of a teacher is to impart knowledge, teach skills, and resolve doubts. If a teacher does not value their students, they cannot be a good teacher.

This Teacher Zhang Xuan had done so much for his students... without even letting them know. Such character left even them, who had heard it with their own ears, utterly astonished.

Most importantly... he had passed the alchemist exam and become a full-fledged alchemist!

"To qualify as a master teacher, one needs auxiliary professions. Becoming a full alchemist means that if we take him as an apprentice, with a little guidance, he would have the qualifications to take the master teacher exam?"

The three great masters' eyes grew brighter and brighter.

A master teacher must first possess an immense breadth of knowledge to guide others. Secondly, they must be proficient in other professions, even becoming a formal member, otherwise they cannot provide guidance.

Alchemy is one of the most prestigious professions among the upper nine classes. Becoming a full alchemist, combined with good teaching quality and knowledge system, is like having a ticket to the hall of master teachers.

Such a teacher would be a target of competition for many master teachers, even in second-rate or even first-rate kingdoms.

After all, having a student who becomes a master teacher greatly enhances one's own reputation.

"Having strength yet being falsely accused, enduring for the greater good; teaching students, daring to try new methods, misunderstood yet not arrogant or impatient; young but knowledgeable, yet willing to stay hidden, not flashy or pretentious; willing to give up everything for his students... This is truly the best material for a master teacher!"

Liu Ling's eyes grew brighter as he spoke: "Master Zhuang, Master Zheng, since Hongtian Academy has such an excellent teacher, would you accompany me to see him?"

"Master Liu, what are you saying? How could it be accompanying you? It should be accompanying me. This is exactly the kind of assistant apprentice I've been looking for," Master Zhuang said with a smile.

"I have extensive knowledge of alchemy and am also a full alchemist. It would be the best match for him to become my apprentice..." Zheng Fei interjected.

Hearing so many outstanding deeds of Zhang Xuan, the three great masters could no longer contain themselves.

Teachers want to build good relations with master teachers, and master teachers also hope to recruit good teachers as their apprentices.

This Zhang Xuan, with his noble character and willingness to do anything for his students, had far more potential than that Lu Xun. How could the three great masters not be tempted?

"This..."

Seeing the three masters vying with each other, Emperor Shen Zhui and Yao Han stood frozen in place.

Others would go to great lengths to get a single glance from a master teacher, yet this Teacher Zhang, without even meeting the three masters, had them fighting over him.

But thinking about his many deeds, such a genius was indeed worth the master teachers' competition.

"It seems I should build a good relationship with this Teacher Zhang Xuan as soon as possible..."

Emperor Shen Zhui made a decision in his heart.

A potential future master teacher—how could the king give up such an opportunity?

"General Yao, go back and inform Zhao Feng that he may come without any reservations!"

With that thought, he immediately agreed to Yao Han's request.

This was beneficial both for the kingdom and for himself.

Through Zhao Ya as a link, it would be easy to bind this Teacher Zhang Xuan to the chariot of Tianxuan Kingdom.

Once the kingdom had a true master teacher, its national strength would surely flourish, and promotion to a second-rate kingdom would be within reach.

"Emperor Shen Zhui, we have decided to go to Hongtian Academy to have a look. We'll take our leave now!"

After a brief dispute, the three great masters decided to first see whether this Teacher Zhang was as impressive as the legends said.

Hearing is not as good as seeing; only by seeing with one's own eyes can one make the most accurate judgment.

As for who would take him as an apprentice, that would depend on the other party's wishes. Arguing until heads were broken here would be useless.

"Please go ahead, masters!"

Emperor Shen Zhui dared not stop them and nodded in agreement.

Without further ado, the three great masters—Liu Ling, Zhuang Xian, and Zheng Fei—hurried out and headed straight for Hongtian Academy.

"Lu Xun..."

Seeing the three masters leave for Zhang Xuan, Emperor Shen Zhui thought of Lu Xun, who had just left, and shook his head.

In terms of cultivation, knowledge, demeanor, teaching ability, impression on the three masters, and reputation...

This top star teacher of Hongtian Academy had lost...

Completely defeated!