Chapter 527: Hall Master Kang

The Master Teacher Hall of the Ten Thousand Kingdoms City was the headquarters of the entire alliance. The master teacher halls of subordinate kingdoms such as the Xuan Yuan Kingdom and the Tian Wu Kingdom were all subject to its control.

Its location was not too far from the Alliance Lord's residence. After a short walk, they arrived before it.

The building was majestic and imposing, the hall magnificent and splendid. Entering the main hall, one saw a huge statue holding a scroll, gazing forward with an expression of compassion for the world. A single glance at it calmed the mind and dispelled distracting thoughts.

The Celestial Master Kong!

Looking up, one could see many people in the hall wearing robes; at a casual glance, there were over a hundred.

“So many master teachers?” Zhang Xuan was astonished.

Those who wore robes must have passed the examination for a badge. Regardless of their rank, such a large number was terrifying.

After all, the Tian Xuan Kingdom he came from did not have a single master teacher, yet here, a casual glance revealed over a hundred, including some who were two-star!

Truly a gathering place of ten thousand kingdoms, a cultural exchange center… terrifying!

“On the square outside the Master Teacher Hall, a four-star master teacher gives a public lecture every month. Many master teachers come here drawn by reputation. Most of these master teachers are not from the Ten Thousand Kingdoms City!”

Master Teacher Su said.

The strength of the cultivators in the Ten Thousand Kingdoms City was partly due to its geographical advantages, but more importantly, it had higher-level master teachers.

Such master teachers held lectures and sold course jade talismans, which could more accurately guide cultivation and help cultivators improve better.

It could be said that without this Master Teacher Hall, the Ten Thousand Kingdoms City would never have had so many Transcending Mortality realm experts.

Zhang Xuan nodded and looked around.

Not only were there many master teachers here, but also many who came to study and attend classes. All around the hall were densely packed meditation rooms. As long as one could afford the price, one could receive one-on-one guidance at any time.

Of course, the higher the rank of the master teacher, the higher the price, and the more troublesome it was to make an appointment.

After all, even here, there were only so many master teachers who had reached the four-star level. They could not be free all day to guide others everywhere.

Besides meditation rooms, there were also some large classrooms. Many cultivators, limited by their resources, had to gather with others to attend large classes. This method was much less effective than one-on-one instruction but saved a lot, making it the most popular way for cultivators.

“Two-star Master Teacher Huang Chen’s ‘Introductory Course for Grandmasters,’ two spots left. Anyone signing up?”

“Three-star Master Teacher Mu Bai’s ‘Combat Proficiency for Late Stage Paragons,’ three spots left. Five low-grade spirit stones, a ten-person small class…”

Walking through the hall, one could see many people holding signs with the names and ranks of master teachers, as well as the time and content of the lectures, seeking other cultivators to join.

Many cultivators with similar cultivation problems would see the signs, sign up, and form groups to attend classes.

Although those who had taken the class could explain the content to others, without the master teacher’s unique ‘Teacher’s Word, Heaven’s Gift’ and the convincing state of mind, even the same words would not produce the same effect.

Otherwise, if everyone could simply repeat what they heard and achieve the same effect as a master teacher, master teachers would not be so respected and irreplaceable.

“The higher the level of the kingdom, the higher the status of master teachers. In the Ten Thousand Kingdoms City, even the Alliance Lord must treat a four-star master teacher with respect and dare not offend!” Master Teacher Su stroked his beard and smiled, his tone filled with pride.

Master teachers were known as the number one profession in the world, revered by countless professions. Reaching the four-star level already made one a dragon among men, admired by all.

“Mm!” Zhang Xuan nodded.

He knew that master teachers held a high status. If not for this identity supporting him, his many astonishing performances would have long been captured for dissection and research.

It was precisely because everyone knew he was a master teacher and had a super teacher that many things were considered理所当然 (taken for granted).

If one had guidance from a master teacher above six stars, many things would not be surprising; if they were unexpected, it would be strange.

“Master teachers have high status but also great responsibility. In those days, Master Kong left a rule: to be a model for others and to teach without discrimination… Over the years, the Master Teacher Hall has developed in various kingdoms, and the strength of the entire human race has indeed undergone a transformative change!” Master Teacher Su continued.

Though proud in his heart, he also knew this was not a capital for boasting but a responsibility.

Master teachers guide the world; their ultimate goal is not their own high status, but to make everyone like a dragon.

Only when the students they guide surpass themselves is it the most honorable thing.

“Yes!” Zhang Xuan responded.

The deeper his understanding of master teachers, the more he felt this way.

Sometimes, when his students made great progress, he felt joy from the depths of his heart, not jealousy.

This is what it means to be a ‘teacher’!

Different from any other profession.

“Alright, enough of that. The selection competition can only be held through the Hall Master. We’ll take you to see Hall Master Kang now!”

Shaking his head, Master Teacher Su said no more and instructed with a serious expression: “Hall Master Kang is considered one of the most talented geniuses of our Master Teacher Hall in the past century. He is a four-star peak master teacher, upright in character, and meticulous in his work. He likes pragmatic and humble juniors. When you see him, listen humbly to his teachings and don’t talk nonsense. Otherwise, if you anger him, the spot might not be secured!”

Hall Master Kang was younger than both him and Master Teacher Ling. He was the direct disciple of the previous Hall Master. For this spot, the two of them had paid a great price, so there must be no mistakes.

“Rest assured! I am always humble!” Zhang Xuan nodded.

"You call that humility?"

Su and Ling were speechless.

The things you've done—the Master Teacher Academy can't fail to find out... During the assessment, you wrecked the academy; at the Physicians' Guild, you barged into the prescription wall room and forced the guild leader to step down...

Not long ago, you went to Honghai City, crashed the Floating Cup and Winding Stream, nearly bankrupted the Appraisal Pavilion; then at the Array Masters' Guild, you tore down their wall...

Which of these was ever trouble-free?

And you still have the nerve to tell us... you're humble?

If you're humble, then everyone in the world is humble to the core!

"Ahem, when we see Hall Master Kang, we'll speak more for you. You try to say as little as possible. Your goal now is to adjust your state and prepare for the upcoming selection competition!"

Ling couldn't help but instruct.

"Mm!" Zhang Xuan nodded.

Not being allowed to speak suited him fine; he was happy to take it easy.

Chatting as they walked, the three soon arrived outside a room.

"Elder Su, Elder Ling!" A young man standing guard outside bowed with cupped fists.

"Is Hall Master Kang in?" Su asked.

"The hall master is inside. This way, please!"

Knowing they were elders and four-star master teachers, the young man didn't stop them and led the way.

The room was extremely spacious. Unlike other places where master teachers gathered, bookshelves lined the walls, filled with all kinds of books. A stern-looking middle-aged man stood by a shelf, casually flipping through a book.

"Hall Master, Elders Su and Ling request an audience!" The young man stepped forward.

"Mm! You're here. Take a seat!" The middle-aged man looked up and smiled slightly.

Zhang Xuan looked up to observe.

Though this middle-aged man appeared younger than Su and Ling, he exuded a powerful authority, a feeling similar to facing Alliance Leader Zhao, perhaps even stronger.

His eyes in particular were jet-black and striking, shining with the light of wisdom, giving the impression that any disguise could be seen through.

"His mental state is probably no lower than 14.0!"

Zhang Xuan's heart tightened.

The higher the master teacher rank, the higher the mental state. Roughly three points per level: for four-star master teachers, the mental state reaches 12.0; for five-star, 15.0.

Normally, a four-star's mental state ranges from 12 to 15. However, mental state is extremely difficult to cultivate. Even most four-star master teachers hover around 12.

For instance, Song Chao, whom Zhang Xuan had met before, had a mental state of only 12.0, so he was easily swayed by Zhang Xuan's Heaven's Word Bestowal and couldn't resist.

Even powerful figures like Su and Ling, who had long reached four-star, were only around 13.

This Hall Master Kang had directly reached above 14.0. With this mental state and his age, as long as he didn't fall, breaking through to five-star was practically certain.

"Probably a bit higher than mine..."

After two Heavenly Dao Manuals, two Heaven's Recognition of Master Teachers, and one Teacher's Character Heart-Tempering, Zhang Xuan's mental state had now reached 14.1, also surpassing the 14 mark. But compared to the man before him, he still seemed lacking.

"I wonder if I can use Heaven's Word Bestowal to sway him..."

Suddenly, a thought popped into his mind.

Before going to the Witch Soul Tomb, his mental state was only 12.1, just 0.1 higher than Song Chao, yet he could still sway him.

In other words... with the identity of a Heaven's Recognized Master Teacher as support, it was easier to make people believe and easier to施展 Heaven's Word Bestowal.

Now, after two Heaven's Recognitions, even if his mental state was lower than the other's, the gap wasn't large. Could he use the same method to sway him?

"However, to use Heaven's Word Bestowal, I must first have a solid basis for my words, with impeccable reasoning. If the other party doesn't use martial techniques and has no flaws or weaknesses, it's very hard to succeed!"

Though the idea arose, Zhang Xuan didn't think he could succeed.

Heaven's Word Bestowal requires the explanation to directly hit the true essence of cultivation, without any error... Without knowing the other's cultivation state and flaws, it's nearly impossible to give guidance.

With the other at the peak of Mortal Transcendence Fourth Layer, Zhang Xuan's current insight couldn't see through him at all. Without him using martial techniques, the Library of Heaven's Path was useless, and knowing his flaws was almost impossible.

These thoughts flashed through his mind, and then he saw Su step forward and introduce him: "Hall Master, this is the Master Teacher Zhang we mentioned."

"The one you said broke several records in Tianwu Kingdom, a peerless genius willing to recommend with his life, a two-star master teacher?"

Casually putting the book on the table, the middle-aged Hall Master Kang sat in the main seat and looked up at Zhang Xuan.

"Yes!" Su and Ling nodded simultaneously.

"Peak Mortal Transcendence First Layer, with disorderly bearing, clearly hasn't practiced any martial techniques... This is the super genius you spoke of?"

After glancing at Zhang Xuan, Hall Master Kang frowned.