Chapter 1660: Master Teacher Pavilion Headquarters
Despite the massive scale of the Master Teacher Pavilion headquarters, its appearance could not be said to be extravagant. In fact, it might not even be on par with the royal palaces of some Conferred Empires.
Nevertheless, through the Eye of Insight, Zhang Xuan could still see righteous aura suffusing the area, creating a dignified and solemn atmosphere. Even the most impetuous individual would feel compelled to hold himself prim and proper under such an atmosphere.
"It is called academic aura," Luo Ruoxin said. "The Master Teacher Pavilion has been spreading its teachings across the Master Teacher Continent for tens of thousands of years, bringing wisdom to the masses. The academic aura of the world could be said to have congregated in this area. Due to that, it's much easier to achieve a breakthrough cultivating here."
"I see." Zhang Xuan nodded.
He had been a little perplexed to hear that Luo Ruoxin was able to 'see' the academic aura just like him, but he chose not to fuss over it. Instead, he proceeded into the Master Teacher Pavilion headquarters together with her.
The area right before the entrance was a clearing. There was a towering monument standing at a height of over a hundred meters tall erected in the midst of the clearing, and the tip of the tablet seemed to pierce right into the clouds.
"Is this... the Master Teacher Pavilion's Monument of Valiance?" Zhang Xuan's expression suddenly turned solemn.
While he had never been before, he had read many books relating to the Master Teacher Pavilion headquarters. He knew that there was a Monument of Valiance erected in the empty clearing just outside of its entrance. It was used to record the names of the heroes who had sacrificed themselves in the midst of liberating mankind from oppression.
There were no ornaments on the monument, but on the ground, there were a couple of flower baskets and incense sticks that left trails of smoke drifting into the boundless sky.
There were several massive words written on the monument that induced a heavy feeling in one even before approaching it. This was a feeling that came from the depths of one's soul, compelling even Great Sage cultivators to lower their heads deferentially.
"These names were all written by Kong shi personally. They are the names of the heroes who fought against the Otherworldly Demonic Tribe back then." Luo Ruoxin explained as she gazed upon the monument with an unreadable look in her eyes. "So many lives were lost in the conflict."
"Indeed..." Zhang Xuan nodded solemnly. "Zhang Lingyuan, Chen Qiquan, Wu Lingzhi..."
They were just names—there were no labels to indicate their accomplishments or their standing. Yet, these names seemed to contain a soul of their own. They signified the burning spirits of those who had fought valiantly for freedom back in that tumultuous era. Their resolve was passed down from generation to generation, and even to this day, it still continued to motivate others to stand up bravely for themselves and their brethren.
"If not for their valiance, we wouldn't have the peace that we enjoy right now. Perhaps, we might still be under the oppression of the Otherworldly Demonic Tribe..." Zhang Xuan nodded. "They are worthy of being deemed as heroes!"
The value of the monument lay not in Kong shi's writing but the spirit of those who had died struggling against the Otherworldly Demonic Tribe.
After a short moment of silence, the two of them walked through the entrance and entered the Master Teacher Pavilion headquarters.
Surprisingly, unlike other Master Teacher Pavilions or occupation guilds, there was no one on guard to stop them.
Seeing through Zhang Xuan's thoughts, Luo Ruoxin explained with a slight smile, "This is the headquarters of the greatest power on the Master Teacher Continent. Unless one's tired of living, who'll dare wreak havoc here?"
The reason the other Master Teacher Pavilion branches and occupation guilds needed guards was because they feared troublemakers. However, even the most willful of troublemakers wouldn't dare to pick a fight with the Master Teacher Pavilion headquarters!
Since that was the case, there was no point in wasting manpower to put up guards.
"You're right!" Zhang Xuan nodded in realization.
The academic aura grew significantly stronger upon entering the premises. It seemed to rid one of the feelings of worry, frustration, and such, thus bringing about greater clarity of mind. Luo Ruoxin was right. Not only would it be much more effective cultivating here, the chances of breeding inner demons would be significantly lower as well.
With knowledge comes the wisdom to overcome inner demons!
"Esteemed guests, welcome to the Master Teacher Pavilion headquarters. If you have any contacts you are looking for, I can help you relay the news of your arrival to them!" a young man said after walking over.
Taking a look at the emblem pinned on his chest, Zhang Xuan's eyebrows shot up in surprise.
Even though the young man appeared to be in his early twenties, he was actually a 7-star master teacher!
To think that a 7-star master teacher would be serving as a receptionist... This was an extravagance that he would have never dared think of!
As expected of the Master Teacher Pavilion headquarters!
"I'm looking for Ren shi, Ren Qingyuan!" Zhang Xuan replied.
Since he was there to look for Kong shi's heritage, it would be much more convenient if he could seek the assistance of the deputy pavilion master.
"You are looking for Ren shi?" the young man asked.
Zhang Xuan could vaguely see from the depths of the young man's eyes that he was slightly startled by the request, but those emotions did not surface on his face. Instead, the young man continued asking politely, "May I know how I should address you? Ah, please don't misunderstand. It's in order to inform our deputy pavilion master the identity of his guest!"
"I am Zhang Xuan," Zhang Xuan replied.
"Zhang Xuan? You are Zhang Xuan?" Despite being calm all this while, the young man jolted in shock upon hearing that name. His voice abruptly grew sharper, seemingly unable to believe what he had just heard.
His voice had been a little loud, causing the crowd in the surroundings to overhear their conversation. Curious gazes began gathering on them.
"He's Zhang Xuan?"
"After hearing of his deeds, I thought that he would have three heads and six arms, but he looks more ordinary than I thought!"
"Ordinary is an understatement. Even his appearance is nothing outstanding. His looks don't even come close to matching mine!"
"I sure pity you. To think that you would become blind at such a young age..."
...
Such discussions could be heard in the surroundings.
Zhang Xuan did not expect to enjoy such great fame in the Master Teacher Pavilion headquarters, and his face twitched slightly upon hearing the chatter around him. Taking a deep breath, he focused his attention of the young man before him and clasped his fist. "I'll be troubling you then!"
"Oh... Oh! This way please, Zhang shi!"
The young man quickly shook out of his daze and led the way forward. As he made his way over toward Ren shi's office, he could not help but wonder... I heard that this fellow is a vicious figure. Would he pummel me due to my momentary discourtesy?
But I'm only a 7-star master teacher. There's no way I could be a match for him!
If he really wishes to make a move on me, should I lie down and let him do as he pleases, or should I at least try to put up a fight before being pummeled?
Ahh, what a dilemma!
Just what can I do in order to minimize my embarrassment while appearing awe-inspiring?
In a sense, it's an amazing feat to survive the beating of the legendary Zhang Xuan, right? Perhaps, I might just be able to win the heart of the woman I love once she hears of this deed!
Just like that, the young man's thoughts drifted further and further.
If Zhang Xuan knew of the thoughts of the fellow before him, he would have surely sent him flying with a single kick.
I am a peace-loving, amiable, respectful, self-loving, magnanimous, low-profile person, alright? Just how in the world did you come to the conclusion that I'm a violent man who kicks up a fuss over nothing?
...
Putting aside their miscellaneous thoughts, it did not take long for them to arrive before a massive door.
"Our deputy pavilion master is inside. I'll see you off here then..." Seeing that Zhang Xuan did not make a move on him, a hint of disappointment surfaced in the depths of the eyes of the young man. Nevertheless, his actions still remained incredibly polite.
"Don't you have to report my arrival?" Zhang Xuan was taken aback.
"Zhang shi, you are the head of the Zhang Clan and the Sanctum of Sages. There's no need for you to report your arrival in order to meet the deputy pavilion master!" the young man replied courteously.
In terms of standing, Zhang Xuan could be considered an equal to Ren shi. Naturally, there was no need for him to go to the trouble of seeking an audience.
"Thank you for your help!" Zhang Xuan told the young man before pushing open the door and walking in.
The moment he stepped into the room, he immediately noticed that something was amiss.
There were many familiar faces within the room. Many of the 9-star master teachers that he had met back in the Empire Alliance City were there, and there was quite a number of renowned experts as well.
At the same time, the crowd also turned their heads over to the door and were taken aback by whom they saw.
"Zhang shi, you came at a timely moment. I was just about to look for you!" The first one to recover was Ren shi, and he quickly cleared up the air with a light chuckle. "You have comprehended the Spatial, Time, and Soul Quintessences, and your cultivation has reached Saint 9-dan pinnacle as well. Even though you haven't met the formal requirements required to be a 9-star master teacher, you are already qualified to apply for a 9-star master teacher emblem. Since everyone is around today, why don't we carry out your 9-star master teacher examination right now?"
"You are asking me to take the 9-star master teacher examination right now?" Zhang Xuan was taken aback. He did not expect Ren shi to raise such a matter all of a sudden. "I'm afraid that I'm not prepared for it yet. I didn't even brush my teeth after waking up earlier today, so it might not really be a good idea for me to take the examination right now..."