Chapter 823: The Realm of Six Cranes

"Music Academy?" Zhang Xuan was puzzled.

"Yes. The phoenix parasol tree is a plant that allows phoenixes to perch. When it matures, it is felled and soaked in flowing water for forty-nine days. The seven-stringed zither made from it produces a beautiful, moving sound with strong penetrating power, making it a treasure coveted by countless music masters."

Alchemist Lu explained: "The one at the Music Academy was personally planted five hundred years ago by Dean Jiang Qingqin. It is ancient, nourished daily by spiritual energy, and extremely precious. If we can obtain its wood marrow, it will surely enhance the efficacy of the Continuation Pill!"

Zhang Xuan nodded.

He knew nothing about the music profession and had no idea that phoenix parasol marrow had such an origin.

"Alright, I'll go to the Music Academy to find a way to purchase the phoenix parasol marrow!"

Knowing it could be found at the Master Teacher Academy, Zhang Xuan felt relieved.

"Purchase? Dean Jiang Qingqin has always been indifferent to fame and fortune. I'm afraid... it may not be possible to buy it!" Alchemist Lu shook his head.

Zhang Xuan frowned.

"In any case, our reputation certainly isn't enough. Master Zhang, you'd better go see for yourself. We haven't had much dealings with this dean, and if we try to explain, we won't be able to say much. In short, if you truly want to buy it, my advice is to first send a name card and visit, with a sincere attitude. The chances of success might be greater."

Alchemist Lu gave a dry laugh: "If you go about it like you did at the Alchemist Academy... I'm afraid it will backfire!"

Dean Jiang Qingqin rarely interacted with others. Although they were elders of the Alchemist Academy, they had little contact with her.

With little contact, they could still discern her temperament and character—she was not easy to get along with.

If treated with respect, there might be a chance. But if this Master Zhang acted as he usually did, charging in and causing massive destruction... it would only make things worse.

"Don't worry, I'm not a reckless person!" Zhang Xuan nodded.

"..."

Alchemist Lu and the others were collectively speechless.

You're not reckless? You've nearly ruined the Artifact Academy, the Physician Academy, and the Alchemist Academy. If you were truly reckless, would the Master Teacher Academy still exist?

"Sun Qiang, prepare. We're going to the Music Academy now!"

Seeing that there was still time before his appointment with Luo Ruoxin, Zhang Xuan called out.

"Yes!" Sun Qiang hurried over.

Master and servant, having asked for directions, strode toward the Music Academy.

...

Music Academy.

Beneath a lush phoenix parasol tree, an old man was quietly playing the zither.

The zither's notes curled upward, and six cranes danced to the music, circling the courtyard, letting out clear, resonant cries.

After a long while, the music ended.

The old man shook his head and sighed: "Pity, still a bit lacking!"

"Dean, your standards are too high. Six cranes resonating is already a goal countless people dream of. To reach seven cranes would likely mean attaining the realm of Seven-Star Music Master!"

An old man not far away stroked his beard and said.

The one who had just played was Dean Jiang Qingqin, and the other was Vice Dean Ning Hai of the Music Academy.

"These days, I always feel the barrier is right in front of me, but unfortunately, I just can't break through!" Jiang Qingqin shook his head.

In the courtyard not far away, the cranes that had been flying had landed, standing nearby, quietly wandering about—more than a dozen of them.

Music, like other professions, had many realms. The more cranes one could make fly, the higher the realm.

Jiang Qingqin's zither music could make six cranes dance, which was already quite formidable.

"The zither arises from the heart. Even if you're anxious, it's useless. It's better to clear your mind, and perhaps you'll break through in one go!" Vice Dean Ning smiled.

"That's true... But lately, with so many things happening at the academy, clearing my mind is easier said than done!" Jiang Qingqin shook his head.

He too wanted to clear his mind and completely distance himself from worldly affairs. But as the dean of the Music Academy, with countless trivial matters, how could he do so?

Moreover, recently the entire Master Teacher Academy had been in chaos, and being in his position, he had no choice.

"Indeed!" Vice Dean Ning nodded, his fingers falling on the ancient zither before him: "Anyway, I wouldn't dare take on the dean's thankless job even if offered. I just want to be a free spirit, playing the zither every day and laughing at the changing world!"

"You..." Seeing his old friend like this, Jiang Qingqin smiled.

This Vice Dean Ning was no weaker in strength than he was and was fully qualified to be dean, but he simply didn't want to.

Just as he was about to speak, a disciple hurried in.

"Teacher, Zhang Xuan requests an audience!" The disciple handed over a name card.

"Zhang Xuan?"

Jiang Qingqin was startled, then his mouth twitched: "What is he doing here? It seems... we have no conflict!"

"What's so special about this Zhang Xuan?" Seeing Jiang Qingqin's reaction, Vice Dean Ning was puzzled.

Although he was called Vice Dean, he basically didn't manage academy affairs, spending his days playing the zither. He was unaware of the commotion Zhang Xuan had caused.

"Special? This guy is the king of destruction. Wherever he goes, chaos ensues..." Jiang Qingqin briefly explained the matter.

"There's such a formidable genius?" Vice Dean Ning was taken aback.

He had heard of people excelling in one profession, or even two, but a new student in his twenties causing several academies to be at their wit's end was truly astonishing.

"Yes! Our Music Academy has no enmity with him. Why is he coming here now?" Jiang Qingqin's expression darkened.

He was indifferent to many things, but this guy, as Lu Feng had described, was like a wolf or tiger—even he felt a bit intimidated.

Coming to the Music Academy for no reason... he wasn't here to dismantle it, was he?

"Judging from what you've said... it's quite possible!"

Vice Dean Ning's eyebrows also jumped.

"How about this: say I'm in seclusion and can't meet him..."

Jiang Qingqin waved his hand, instructing the disciple.

"That won't do! If you refuse to see him, and he decides to force his way in, I'm afraid the Music Academy will suffer the same fate as the other academies..."

Vice Dean Ning quickly interrupted.

"Then what should we do?" Jiang Qingqin frowned.

To be honest, this Zhang Xuan was a jinx. Wherever he went, misfortune followed. If he had a choice, he would avoid him as far as possible...

"How about... let him in first? Since he sent a name card instead of barging in, there should be room for negotiation."

Vice Dean Ning said: "If he's as formidable as you say and has studied music, he might be able to instruct our students and greatly enhance the Music Academy's strength. Who knows?"

"This..." Jiang Qingqin's eyes lit up: "Not bad. If we treat this as an opportunity, it might indeed be a great benefit for the Music Academy!"

After exclaiming, he quickly instructed: "Alright, let him in!"

Although this Zhang Xuan was fearsome, the music master assessment didn't require troublesome things like clearing stages or cultivation support. If this guy truly had skill, he might even help him apply for a Six-Star Music Master.

"Yes!"

The disciple nodded. Before long, Zhang Xuan and a fat man walked in.

"Zhang Xuan pays respects to Dean Jiang and Vice Dean Ning!"

Upon arriving, Zhang Xuan clasped his fists.

On the way, he had asked the disciple and learned the identities of the two under the phoenix parasol tree.

"Master Zhang, no need to be polite. I've heard so much about you that my ears are worn out. May I ask why you've come today? Our Music Academy is small and can't withstand turmoil, so please go easy on us."

Jiang Qingqin said.

"Uh... Dean Jiang, what are you saying..."

Unexpectedly, the other party started with a preemptive warning. Zhang Xuan felt a bit awkward and quickly clasped his fists: "Actually, I've come to ask a favor!"

"Oh?"

They exchanged glances, full of doubt. After a moment's hesitation, Jiang Qingqin said solemnly: "As long as you don't destroy the Music Academy, don't go challenging stages, and don't make my students join the Xuanxuan Society... anything I can do... I will definitely help!"

"Cough, cough!" Zhang Xuan felt helpless.

What was all this?

He had just taken normal assessments and cleared normal stages, and now it was being spread as if he wasn't happy unless he caused destruction...

He wasn't that kind of person!

"I've come to ask Dean Jiang for some phoenix parasol marrow..."

Feeling quite frustrated, Zhang Xuan had to state his purpose.

"Phoenix parasol marrow? No! Absolutely not!"

Hearing his words, Dean Jiang exploded, quickly waving his hands.

Seeing his good attitude, he had thought Zhang Xuan was giving up on causing trouble. But the first thing he asked for was phoenix parasol marrow... Who in the Master Teacher Academy didn't know that this phoenix parasol tree was his lifeblood?

Asking for it... that was like asking for his life!

He might as well kill him!

"This... I'm willing to pay compensation, even buy it at a high price!" Knowing this item would be hard to obtain, Zhang Xuan didn't hesitate and quickly said.

"Not even at a high price..." Dean Jiang shook his head.

"Very well!"

Seeing the other party's firm attitude, Zhang Xuan looked helpless: "Then may I ask where the Music Academy's library is, and how to assess for a music master? Since I'm here, I might as well take the assessment..."

"Take the music master assessment?"

Thinking of the commotion and disasters this guy had caused when assessing other professions, Dean Jiang's mouth twitched violently, and he quickly waved his hand: "No!"

"No? Dean Jiang, are you refusing to let me take the music master assessment?" Zhang Xuan asked in confusion.

"No..." Jiang Qingqin's face was ugly, but he didn't know how to say it.

If the other party truly wanted to take the assessment, he had no way to stop him.

Assessment was a freedom. He couldn't refuse a genius from passing the assessment just because he was afraid, could he?

If he did, he wouldn't be worthy of being a master teacher.

"Dean, aren't you stuck at the realm of six cranes? Since this guy is so highly touted, why not let him give guidance? If he can help you break through to seven cranes on the spot, what harm is there in giving him some phoenix parasol marrow? If he can't... then sorry, send him back and tell him to stop targeting the Music Academy!"

Vice Dean Ning, seeing his old friend at a loss, secretly transmitted his voice.

"This..."

Jiang Qingqin was startled, then his eyes lit up.

Right!

Since he was so formidable that he made all the teachers and students of the Alchemist Academy willingly become his students and earned Wei Ranxue's admiration, perhaps he could do the same in music!

If he could truly break through to the realm of seven cranes, that would mean reaching the level of a Seven-Star Music Master... What was phoenix parasol marrow compared to that?