Chapter 1418: Zhang Jiuxiao Acknowledges a Teacher
If it was the third month of the next year, considering how it was only the start of the tenth month at the moment, he would still have had five months to prepare. Given how swiftly his cultivation was growing, it would not have been too difficult for him to become the sanctum head of the Sanctum of Sages by then. However... if it was the start of the next year, he would only have two months to prepare. Time would simply be too tight for him!
It was just a moment ago that he had heard that the Luo Clan had grounded Luo Ruoxin, and the next instant, the Zhang Clan had already brought their Clan Assembly forward. Were they really in such a rush to marry Luo Ruoxin?
Those shameless bastards!
Zhang Xuan's face turned livid, and he felt raging fury burning in his chest, threatening to blow up at any moment.
Ever since his transcension over to this world, other than the incident where Lu Chong was nearly killed while trying to save him, he had never been so angry before.
To think that the number one Sage Clan of the Master Teacher Continent would completely disregard a young lady's feelings and forcefully push her into a marriage. How were they any different from petty bandits?
He had not wanted to blow things up out of proportion, but since they were this shameless, there was no need for him to hold back.
"Zhang shi..." Noticing the huge fluctuations in Zhang Xuan's emotions, Jian Qinsheng and Zhan shi were startled.
8-star master teachers possessed a transcendental state of mind, and they would be able to remain perfectly composed even as mountains collapsed right before their eyes. Yet, why would the young man get so agitated all of a sudden?
Realizing that he had accidentally allowed his emotions to flow through, Zhang Xuan quickly reined in his rage and replied, "I'm fine."
Then, he turned to Jian Qinsheng and said, "Elder Jian, when are you heading off to the Zhang Clan?"
"Ah?" Not expecting the young man to ask such a question, Jian Qinsheng was dazed for a brief moment before he quickly replied, "I have already prepared an aerial saint beast, and I'm intending to set off right after this."
"Very well. I'll accompany you to the Zhang Clan," Zhang Xuan said affirmatively.
Hearing those words, Jian Qinsheng traded glances with Zhan shi. The situation was changing so quickly that he found himself being unable to keep up with it.
It was just a moment ago that the young man had said that he was unworthy of his confidence, clearly expressing his reluctance to be involved in this mess. Yet, in the blink of an eye, he had suddenly agreed to follow him to the Zhang Clan.
"After some careful thought, I feel that there's a dire need to teach the Zhang Clan a lesson and bring our Sanctum of Sages' Flowing Water Swordsmanship the glory that it deserves!" Zhang Xuan exclaimed with a grand wave of his hand.
Aren't you intending to hold a Clan Assembly to discuss the matter of marrying Luo Ruoxin at the start of next year?
Very well... I shall make sure to wreak havoc such that you won't even have time on your hands to broach that subject during the Clan Assembly!
"This..." Jian Qinsheng was deeply moved by Zhang Xuan's words.
Bliss had simply come too quickly to him. He had never thought that Zhang Xuan would suddenly accept his proposal just like that.
Just that... he was competing with the Xingmeng Sword Saint to settle a private grudge between the two of them. What did this have to do with the Flowing Water Swordsmanship of the Sanctum of Sages?
Despite the doubts in his mind, Jian Qinsheng was still delighted to have Zhang Xuan onboard with him.
The young man before him had comprehended two different Sword Quintessences, so it was likely that his aptitude in swordsmanship far exceeded even that of the Xingmeng Sword Saint's. With the young man making a move, he should be able to crush the Zhang Clan's morale and cleanse the shame that he had been put through over the years.
"It's truly wonderful that Zhang shi is willing to accompany me to the Zhang Clan. When would be a convenient time for you to set off?" Jian Qinsheng asked.
"I'll have to make some preparations beforehand, so let's set off tonight!" Zhang Xuan replied.
Luo Xuanqing had said that he had some business for him, and this could very well concern Luo Ruoxin. Thus, he felt that he should first listen to what Luo Xuanqing had to say before heading off to the Zhang Clan.
Hearing those words, Jian Qinsheng heaved a sigh of relief and said with a smile, "Very well. I'll be waiting for you in my residence, so come and find me there once you are ready!"
Zhang Xuan nodded in response before turning to clasp his fist toward Zhan shi. "Sanctum Head Zhan, I'll be taking my leave now."
"Un." Knowing that Zhang Xuan's mind was already made up, Zhan shi did not bother to dissuade the young man out of this. Instead, he said, "If the Zhang Clan makes things difficult for you, let me know. Rest assured that the Sanctum of Sages will definitely stand up for you!"
Zhang Xuan nodded with a smile in response to those words.
He had half expected Zhan shi to try and stop him, but looking at it once more now, how could the deputy sanctum head of the Sanctum of Sages possibly be a cowardly person who was afraid of trouble?
As one of the two major subordinate powers of the Master Teacher Pavilion headquarters, if the Sanctum of Sages were to cower in fear before a mere Zhang Clan, it really would not be worthy of the standing and prestige that the world had accorded it!
Hu!
Having made up his mind, Zhang Xuan quickly bade farewell and left. Not too long later, he arrived at his residence.
As soon as he landed on the ground, he was immediately welcomed by Sun Qiang.
"Young Master, Zhang Jiuxiao is here. He has been waiting for you for some time now."
"Jiuxiao? I'll go and take a look" Frowning, Zhang Xuan quickly made his way over to the main hall.
Entering the main hall, he saw Zhang Jiuxiao pacing around the room with an anxious look on his face. The latter visibly heaved a sigh of relief upon noticing him. He hurriedly walked up to him and clasped his fist. "Zhang shi!"
"Is this regarding your Clan Assembly?" Zhang Xuan asked.
"How did you know?" Zhang Jiuxiao was startled.
"Let's put that aside for now. Are you here for that?" Zhang Xuan asked.
"That's right. I'm here to thank you for the guidance that you have offered over the past few months. There's no way I would have ever been qualified to attend such a major event without your help. To tell you the truth, I'm here to bid you farewell. My clan has already sent a saint beast over, and it's currently waiting outside for me. Most likely, I won't return to the Sanctum of Sages until next year," Zhang Jiuxiao said.
As a member of the side family, he should not have been qualified to attend such a major event of the Zhang Clan, but under Zhang Xuan's guidance, he had successfully enrolled into the Sanctum of Sages as a student. That was the only reason that he had been invited to the Clan Assembly too.
As tight as his schedule was, he still felt compelled to pay one last visit to Zhang Xuan to express his gratitude prior to leaving. After all, none of this would have happened without the latter's help.
"You didn't mention this the last time we met. Why are you leaving for your Clan Assembly all of a sudden?" Zhang Xuan asked.
Despite his composed exterior, his heart was actually beating in trepidation. He was hoping that he would not receive the answer that he expected.
"To be honest with you, I'm not too sure either. I only received the notice to set off today. Those of the younger generation who are invited to the Clan Assembly must return to the clan within a month's time. I'm not too clear about the details, but it seems like they will be conducting some kind of selections. Zhang shi, you also know that I don't possess much standing in the Zhang Clan. It's already a huge blessing for me to even be invited into the Clan Assembly; there's no way that they would inform of something as confidential as that," Zhang Jiuxiao said awkwardly.
It was not that he wanted to hide anything from Zhang Xuan, but he was truly ignorant of the matter.
"Alright, I understand." Zhang Xuan waved his hand. "Take care of yourself. Most likely, I will be heading to the Zhang Clan too, so if you find out anything, do make sure to inform me!"
"Zhang shi, you're going to attend the Clan Assembly, too?" Zhang Jiuxiao was startled.
"Un, I'll be heading there to settle some affairs," Zhang Xuan said. "This matter could very well draw the hostility of the Zhang Clan, but don't worry, I won't put you in a difficult position."
Fearing that the other party would think that he was asking him to spy for him, Zhang Xuan swiftly reassured the other party to allay his fears.
"Zhang shi, please don't say such words. It's only due to your guidance that I am what I am today. Otherwise, I could very well still be the self-assuming young man that I was back in Qingyuan City!" Zhang Jiuxiao exclaimed in agitation.
These were his earnest feelings. If not for the young man before him generously imparting invaluable knowledge to him, putting aside enrolling into the Sanctum of Sages, he would not have been able to clear Zhao Xingmo's selections at all!
It was precisely due to this that he was filled with veneration for the young man before him.
"You're too kind. As friends, it's only right for us to help one another," Zhang Xuan said.
"I would love to be friends with Zhang shi, but I know that I'm not good enough for that. Be it in terms of talent, knowledge, or eye of discernment, I am far beneath you. In fact, Zhang shi, I hope that you can take me in as your student!" Zhang Jiuxiao stepped forward and lowered his head deeply.
This was something that he had been thinking about since a very long time ago.
Having received the other party's pointers in his swordsmanship and cultivation, the other party could already be considered half a teacher to him. At this moment, since he was already on the verge of leaving, he could not hold this urge of his back anymore.
"You want me to take you in as my student?" Not expecting to hear such words from Zhang Jiuxiao, Zhang Xuan widened his eyes slightly in astonishment.