Chapter 567: Peak of the Third Heaven of Mortal Transformation

"Invincible within the Seal Empire...?"

Luo Xuan's entire body stiffened, and all the disciples of Flowing Cloud Sect who had come along also turned pale with fright.

Flowing Cloud Sect was similar to the Ten Thousand Nations Alliance, equivalent to a non-ranking empire; above it was the second-rank Illusory Feather Empire, then the first-rank Hongyuan Empire, and above that was the Seal Empire...

In other words, this Teacher Yang surpassed them by three entire tiers of nations, not even existing on the same dimensional plane!

No wonder he didn't care at all about their lives, even disregarding rules entirely; a powerhouse of this level indeed had the capital and ability to defy conventions.

"Teacher, what about the Teacher Kong's Manuscript..." After the shock, Luo Xuan looked over.

They had come to seize Teacher Kong's Manuscript, but with the opponent being so powerful, they definitely couldn't snatch it. What should they do now?

"As for the matter of Teacher Kong's Manuscript, keep it all buried in your stomachs and don't let it leak out. For a teacher of Teacher Yang's level, even if he possessed a Teacher Kong's Manuscript, or even a relic of Teacher Kong, or was a descendant of Teacher Kong, I would believe it... It's best not to meddle in the affairs of such high-level teachers; otherwise, you won't even know how you die!"

Sect Leader Luo Huang instructed with a grave expression.

People must have self-awareness. If this Yang Xuan were only half-step five-star or five-star, even if they couldn't get the manuscript, they would surely spread the news to make his life difficult. But he was likely an eight-star, which was terrifying.

For a powerhouse of this level, if he didn't want you to speak, and you dared to gossip recklessly, even without him making a move, the Teacher's Hall would find a way to shut you up!

Reaching such strength, each one is a pinnacle figure crucial to the Teacher's Hall. Speaking nonsense about such people is only for those who truly tire of living.

"Yes!" Everyone quickly nodded.

The lowly do not speak of the exalted; subjects do not discuss the sovereign.

Ordinary people must have the awareness of ordinary people. Casually discussing the Emperor is itself a breach of etiquette, and if pursued and executed, there would be no injustice.

"Also, from today onward, do not associate with the White Sun Sect; this sect... is finished!" Sect Leader Luo Huang instructed again.

White Sun Sect was a super-large sect comparable to their Flowing Cloud Sect, even having the chance to replace them as the overlord of the surrounding 28 forces. Unfortunately... they had offended Teacher Yang, and their sect leader was killed in one blow.

Even if Teacher Yang didn't pursue the matter, other sects would surely keep their distance, or even take advantage of the chaos to loot. It shouldn't be long before they were swallowed by other forces and completely disappeared into the river of history.

Such was the influence of a high-level teacher.

Every move could trigger a chain reaction.

Even... just now, Teacher Yang didn't need to act; if he had only said the word to destroy Flowing Cloud Sect, other forces would definitely have charged in to kill them.

That was why he would rather commit suicide than speak words to preserve the sect. As long as Teacher Yang agreed, other sects, bound by Teacher Yang's promise, would not dare to act against them.

Otherwise, it would be a public violation of Teacher Yang's word—what else but seeking death?

The same scene played out among other sects and forces.

The pressure Teacher Yang exerted on them was too great. A teacher suspected to be eight-star—not only would they not dare to gossip, but even the Illusory Feather Empire Teacher's Hall would certainly issue a gag order.

...

In the courtyard, it quieted down again.

The fourteen forces that had come aggressively to cause trouble, with dozens of experts, finally left in disgrace, each paying a price of 20 medium-grade spirit stones.

"Teacher Yang..."

Looking at the expert hovering in the air, Hall Master Kang, Teacher Su, and others showed respectful expressions.

"Mm, not bad. I'll come to your branch to give a lecture when I have time."

Teacher Yang nodded with satisfaction.

"Thank you, Teacher Yang!"

Hearing this promise, Hall Master Kang and the others were overjoyed.

This was a teacher suspected to be eight-star; one lesson from him would definitely be more effective than a year of hard cultivation.

"Alright, you may withdraw."

After making the promise, Teacher Yang waved his hand casually.

"Yes!"

Hall Master Kang and Alliance Leader Zhao quickly nodded and were about to leave when they heard Teacher Yang in the air say calmly, "Oh, not so fast. Remove their seals before you go."

Earlier, Zheng Yang, Sun Qiang, and others had tried to explain but were sealed by Luo Huang Sect Leader's true energy, and still couldn't speak a word.

Unexpected that such a formidable Teacher Yang would ask them to solve such a simple problem. Hall Master Kang and the others paused for a moment, stepped forward, quickly unsealed the seals on the few, and took out healing pills to administer to them.

After everything was done, they clasped their fists: "We take our leave."

"Mm."

Teacher Yang nodded, his head slightly raised, his gaze slanting into the air as if recalling something, profoundly deep. Then, with his hands behind his back, he stepped through the void and walked away step by step into the distance.

"A true master, this is a true master!"

Seeing his bearing and the means of walking through the air, Hall Master Kang and Alliance Leader Zhao were again impressed beyond measure, bowing deeply.

What is a true master? This is!

What is a powerhouse? This is!

As a high-level teacher, he never flaunted, low-key and restrained. Even when others bullied him to his door, he only resolved it by having them pay some spirit stones. After the matter was settled, he brushed off his clothes and left, hiding his merit and fame...

Apart from admiration and awe, they couldn't think of any words to describe it.

They respectfully saw him off and were about to raise their heads when they heard a sound of something falling, followed by "Thump!" and "Ouch!" as if someone had fallen from the air.

They quickly looked ahead—Teacher Yang had vanished without a trace. The vast sky showed no sign of him.

"Was that... Teacher Yang falling?"

They exchanged glances, blinking.

Hearing someone fall from the air, could it be Teacher Yang...

But as soon as this thought arose, they immediately shook their heads.

What a joke!

Teacher Yang was an ultra-powerful existence suspected to be an eight-star teacher, capable of continuous flight for a day and night without fatigue. How could he fall from the air? He must have disappeared from sight due to his speed.

Understanding this, they dared not think further and turned to leave.

"I didn't expect the master to be so formidable!"

"The grandmaster is so strong!"

After they left, the courtyard quieted down. Sun Qiang, Zheng Yang, and others were all excited thinking about Teacher Yang's display of power, but Wang Ying hurriedly walked toward the inner courtyard.

While the others were busy neutralizing the medicinal power and healing their injuries, she had kept her eyes fixed on "Teacher Yang" and witnessed him turning pale, unable to hold on, and falling from the air.

If he were truly an eight-star teacher, how could he fail to hold on and fall from the sky?

It must be that Teacher Zhang had used some special means, at great cost, to resolve today's crisis.

Entering the inner courtyard, she looked toward the spot where Teacher Yang had fallen. There was a small pit on the ground, seemingly made by a head hitting hard—probably he had fallen face-first—but there was no sign of anyone.

"Where is he?"

Having used some means beyond his ability and fallen from the air, he must be injured. How could he have disappeared in an instant?

Wang Ying was full of worry.

"Wang Ying, why aren't you neutralizing the medicinal power and recovering from your injuries? What are you doing here?"

Just as she was about to continue searching, a calm voice sounded. She quickly looked and saw Teacher Zhang standing not far away, looking at her with furrowed brows.

"Teacher, just now... I saw Teacher Yang seem to fall here from the air. I was worried he might be injured, so I came to check."

Blushing, Wang Ying quickly explained.

"Injured? What a joke. Teacher is a peerless figure; how could he be injured?"

Frowning, Teacher Zhang then waved his hand: "Alright, go on down. I am discussing with Teacher how to treat Lu Chong and don't want to be disturbed. Leave first."

"Yes!"

Seeing that he was fine, not looking like someone who had just fallen from the sky, Wang Ying had to clasp her fists and leave, her face full of confusion.

Could it be... she had misseen?

Teacher Yang was Teacher Yang, and Teacher Zhang was Teacher Zhang—they weren't the same person?

Otherwise, how could someone who had just fallen headlong from the air have no injuries at all and such a steady aura?

"Even if my guess is wrong, the mark left by Mo Hun Sheng on Teacher's neck can't be wrong!"

Gritting her teeth, Wang Ying regained confidence.

Even if her guess was incorrect, that mark couldn't be wrong. She had seen it clearly and confirmed it several times—how could it be mistaken?

"Next time Teacher Yang appears, I'll find Teacher again. I'm sure I can figure something out..."

An idea struck her.

Teacher Zhang didn't admit it, and as his student, she couldn't directly ask. Instead, she would wait for an opportunity when Teacher Yang appeared and then seek out Teacher Zhang. If the two couldn't appear simultaneously, it would prove... they were the same person.

Then, even if he wanted to deny it, he wouldn't be able to.

Having made up her mind, Wang Ying walked out.

As soon as she left, Teacher Zhang, with a wry smile, hurried toward the room.

If Wang Ying had been there and seen his back, she would have confirmed without a doubt that he was the same person as Teacher Yang.

Because... Teacher Zhang's back of the head was covered in dust, and his trousers, which he hadn't had time to change, were dirty and messy from the fall. If not for the stone pillars in the courtyard blocking the view, she would have noticed.

...

Back in the room, after changing his clothes, Zhang Xuan finally let out a breath.

The Teacher Yang who had appeared earlier was, as Wang Ying guessed, indeed him.

The situation was critical. If he had appeared as himself, a fierce battle would have been unavoidable, and with his current cultivation, he was clearly no match for so many experts.

With no other choice, he had brought out "Yang Xuan."

As for the powerful aura, that was Mo Hun Sheng.

That fellow was trapped in the Nine Heavens Lotus Fetus, unable to exert his full strength, but he could emit an aura, which was just right to borrow.

The soul aura accumulated over who knows how many years was immensely powerful, comparable to a half-saint's aura. Coupled with hovering in the air, it made everyone initially mistake him for a saint. With preconceived notions, they were filled with awe, so the ruse wasn't exposed.

As for using his soul to injure Luo Huang Sect Leader, that was his use of the Soul Teacher's ability.

His soul power had already reached the peak of the Fourth Heaven of Mortal Transformation. In terms of combat strength, it was hard to injure Luo Huang Sect Leader, a Soul Harmony realm cultivator, but... in a soul clash, the latter was far too weak.

After all, the Fifth Heaven of Mortal Transformation, Soul Harmony realm, was just beginning to temper the soul, far from being able to lead the soul out of the body, let alone compared to a Soul Teacher powerhouse like him who had been tempered in the Yin-Yang Pool.

However, being able to crush him was also due to the prestige of "Teacher Yang." If he had come as himself, before he could even use his soul power, the other party would have slapped him unconscious.

Luo Huang Sect Leader knew that "Teacher Yang" was a saint and dared not resist, so he was crushed and severely injured.

As for the later soul power transmission of techniques, it seemed impressive but was actually simple. Back then, Mo Hun Sheng had used soul power to transmit technique knowledge to him. After learning this method, teaching Xue Yiyao was nothing.

Helping the Demon Beast Breakthrough was something he had done before.

Everything was perfect except that the Red Dust Heaven-Stepping Steps still consumed a large amount of true energy. Although his cultivation had improved recently and his true energy reserves had increased, he could only stay in the air for a little over ten minutes at most.

In the end, he couldn't hold on and fell...

Fortunately, no one noticed; otherwise, all his efforts would have been ruined.

"Ah, what a mess..."

Moments ago, he had been awe-inspiring, making everyone tremble in fear and speechless, and the next moment, he fell headfirst to the ground, almost spitting blood. Zhang Xuan was utterly frustrated.

The Red Dust Heaven-Stepping Steps, though incredibly powerful and exhilarating to fly with, had the pitfall of dropping him without warning when his true energy ran out.

Fortunately, he had been diligently cultivating these days, and his true energy was enough to last until the end. Otherwise, if he had fallen while threatening everyone, he would not only have been bruised but might have been beaten into a colorful mess by the crowd, and no amount of explanation would have helped.

"It seems... Wang Ying noticed."

Recalling that Wang Ying had directly chased after him with a suspicious look, Zhang Xuan couldn't help shaking his head.

If Wang Ying could notice, others might too.

Once others knew that the super teacher "Yang Xuan" was merely a fabrication and not real, the previous group would surely return in full force, and not killing him would be the best outcome.

"I need to condense a clone as soon as possible... With a clone, the two identities can appear simultaneously, and no one will dare to doubt anymore!"

He clenched his fist.

He had learned the method of splitting the soul from Mo Hun Sheng, and with the Nine Heavens Lotus Fetus as a foundation, condensing a clone wasn't difficult. However, it required a huge amount of spiritual energy. He hadn't done it before because he lacked medium-grade spirit stones. Now, having extorted at least six hundred from so many forces, he had enough to squander and consume.

"First, raise my cultivation level."

The Nine Heavens Lotus Fetus wasn't mature yet. To mature, it needed sufficient Heavenly Dao true energy to nourish it. But with so many medium-grade spirit stones, everything was simple.

With a flick of his wrist, the array plate of the Spirit Gathering Array appeared before him. He sat cross-legged in the center, casually tossed out over a dozen medium-grade spirit stones, opened all his pores, activated the Heavenly Dao technique, and directly devoured the dense spiritual energy around him.

Feeling the abundant spiritual energy rushing into his acupoints, Zhang Xuan couldn't help but feel a tingling pleasure, tears welling up in his eyes.

Over the past month or two, his cultivation had been tight, using one spirit stone at a time—when had he ever been so extravagant!

It seemed that in the future, he should extort those fellows a few more times. To speed up cultivation, spirit stones were indispensable.

Rumble!

With sufficient spiritual energy, his previous consumption was quickly replenished, and his true energy continued to accumulate. Before long, with a roar, he reached the peak of the Second Heaven of Mortal Transformation!

With his strength increased, Zhang Xuan didn't stop and continued to push forward.

Peak of the Yuan Qi Realm!

Initial stage of the Yin-Yang Realm!

...

Peak of the Yin-Yang Realm!

An hour later, he had already reached the peak of the Third Heaven of Mortal Transformation!

His true energy power also reached a full 1,000,000 cauldrons, a full 200,000 cauldrons more than other cultivators, already comparable to the initial stage of the Turbid Clear Realm.

(Ordinary cultivators at the initial Yin-Yang Realm have 500,000 cauldrons, mid-stage 600,000, late stage 700,000, peak 800,000; initial Turbid Clear Realm, 1,000,000 cauldrons, mid-stage 1,200,000, and so on.)

If combined with his soul power of 1,600,000 cauldrons, he could now exert a total strength of 2,600,000 cauldrons!

With this strength, he could even fight a mid-stage Soul Harmony Realm cultivator! Soul Harmony Realm: initial 2,000,000, mid-stage 2,400,000, late stage 2,800,000, peak 3,200,000!

Terrifying!

"Nine Heavens Lotus Fetus, grow..."

Now, he didn't have enough cultivation techniques for the Fourth Heaven of Mortal Transformation, so he couldn't continue to advance. Zhang Xuan flicked his wrist, took out the Nine Heavens Lotus Fetus, clenched his palm, and madly infused true energy into it.

"Ah... don't kill me..."

As soon as the true energy entered the lotus platform, Mo Hun Sheng's pig-like screams rang out from inside.

"Uh, sorry, I forgot about you..."

He had been so focused on making the lotus platform grow that he forgot this guy was extremely wary of Heavenly Dao true energy.

"..." Mo Hun Sheng wept.

He had just helped create such a grand spectacle, nearly killing himself, and this guy had already forgotten him so quickly—could he be any more ruthless?

"Don't rush. I'll get you out first, then accelerate the ripening of the lotus fetus."

Knowing that as long as this guy was inside, he couldn't freely use Heavenly Dao true energy, Zhang Xuan said.

As a six-star Soul Teacher, as long as he could leave the lotus fetus, he could survive in the air for a long time. If not, there was still the Soul-less Golden Man, which he could lend to him first.

As for how to get him out, he had figured out a method over these days.

The other party needed a soul substitute to come out. So, he would find a soul.

"Soul Split!"

Sitting cross-legged, he focused his mind, and his soul left his body, hovering in the air. Following the method Mo Hun Sheng had taught him earlier, he split his soul apart.

Unable to find another soul to substitute, he would use his own.

Coincidentally, he also wanted to refine the lotus platform into a clone. Having the soul enter early or late didn't matter.

Spiritual energy surged around him as his soul absorbed it while splitting.

Soul splitting involved dividing a complete soul into two parts, equivalent to splitting a person in half, enduring immense pain.

A slight mistake could lead to the soul scattering.

If he hadn't elevated this method to the Heavenly Dao level beforehand, he wouldn't have dared to cultivate it, because... the success rate was too low.

Back then, Mo Hun Sheng's success was also due to luck.

After an unknown amount of time, the three-meter-tall soul, condensed in the Yin-Yang Pool, was successfully divided into two parts, each about the size of a normal person.

"Done..."

After separating, he let one part return to his physical body. Zhang Xuan exhaled, his face pale.

"I'm afraid I won't be able to use my soul power for at least a month."

This time was different from treating Lu Chong, where he only split a small part of his soul; even if damaged, it would recover quickly.

A soul split in two—to fully restore it to its original state, without a month or two of effort, it would be difficult to achieve.

In other words, during this month or two, it's best not to use soul power; otherwise, it will only worsen the injury.