If one was expelled from the school, at the very least, he would still be a teacher. Even if not in Hongtian Academy, he could still teach at other academies!
On the other hand, if one’s teaching license was revoked, it would mean losing their identity. No matter where they go, it would remain as a stain on their history and they would suffer from the mocking of others!
That’s precisely the reason why Elder Shang Chen got Elder Mo from the Teacher Guild here. After all, despite being the head of the Education Bureau in Hongtian Academy, he didn’t have the qualifications to strip a teacher of his teaching license. Just then, he didn’t expect that… before he could even talk about it, this fellow had already brought it up!
Furthermore, adding a hundred God Slaying Flogs into the mix…
God Slaying Flog was a unique object created specially within Tianxuan Kingdom. One’s flesh would tear apart and they would feel excruciating pain when beaten by it. Yet, it didn’t hurt their core. No matter how powerful a person was, they would probably be half-dead by the time the sentence was completed.
[Do you find the punishment insufficiently harsh, or do you think that you aren’t dying fast enough?]
Everyone looked at the young man as though he was an idiot.
“Zhang Xuan laoshi, you…”
From behind, Shen Bi Ru laoshi barely managed to avoid fainting on the spot.
[Are you really unable to tell that this is a trap Shang Bin and Cao Xiong specially dug out for you? Their purpose is for you to leap in. Initially, being expelled from the school is already harsh enough. Yet, not only do you not try to push it down, you even raise the stakes up higher. Have you really gone insane…]
“Don’t blame anyone else since you are courting death!” Harrumphing coldly, Cao Xiong looked at Shang Chen, who was standing in the middle of the crowd. “Elder Shang, I concur with Zhang laoshi‘s suggestion. I hope that the academy can grant our request.”
Seeing him accept it so readily, Liu Yang slapped his forehead and looked at him with eyes of sympathy.
[Zhang laoshi is really evil!
He first feigns guilt so as to boost the other party’s confidence. After which, he makes use of the situation to up the stakes. Most probably, Cao Xiong laoshi won’t even know what is going on even after he is played to his death!]
“It is fortunate that he became my teacher. Otherwise, my life would be over…”
Upon recalling how he almost became the student of this Cao laoshi, Liu Yang shuddered and cowered backward.
“Un, alright then. Since both parties have agreed on the stakes, then let’s start the process!” Elder Shang Chen nodded his head. Two crystal balls, about the size of a watermelon each, were brought forward and placed on a stone pedestal. Completely transparent, they radiated warm light.
“These are crystal balls made of 【Will Inquisition Stone】. Zhang Xuan and Cao Xiong, both of you will drip a droplet of fresh blood on one of them each! After which, Liu Yang will touch them and the crystal balls will reflect the true thoughts in his mind in the form of 【Trust Level】! The one whose trust level is higher, he will emerge victorious! Are there any other questions?”
Elder Shang Chen asked.
“None at all!”
Zhang Xuan and Cao Xiong nodded their heads.
The Enlightenment Will Trial was actually a simple process. It only involved making use of the Will Inquisition Stone to peer into the innate world of the student. Whichever teacher the student trusted more, that teacher would win.
The rules might be simple, but the Will Inquisition Stone was an expensive commodity, not to mention that it was the type of product that was exceptionally rare. Furthermore, it was a single-use consumable. Thus, unless required, the academy was unwilling to use such means.
As for the expenditure required for the process, normally, it was compensated by the losing side.
In the eyes of Cao Xiong and the rest, Zhang Xuan was just an incapable trash who had scored a zero in the Teacher Qualification Examination. How could it be possible for Liu Yang, a student among the top hundred, to become his student willingly?
He was bound to lose the moment the trial started!
By then, not only would he be expelled from the academy shamefully, he would be bankrupt as well and his reputation would be in the gutters. Truly killing three birds with one stone.
“Let’s begin!”
Seeing that the two have no objections to it, Elder Shang Chen gestured with his hand.
Zhang Xuan and Cao Xiong walked upwards to a crystal ball each and dripped a droplet of their fresh blood on the crystal balls.
A warm glow radiated and their faces reflected in the Will Inquisition Crystal Balls.
“Go!” Elder Shang Chen said.
Liu Yang walked over and placed his left and right hands on a crystal ball each.
Weng!
The crystal balls immediately lit up and their radiance enveloped his entire body.
“The Will Inquisition Stone has hypnotic abilities. The moment one comes into contact with it, one will descend into an illusory realm. In there, all actions done will be a result of one’s true will, and no external factors will influence one’s will. If one was truly forced to become a student, not only will one not hold any trust towards his teacher, one might even hold feelings of abhorrence towards him! As such, the Enlightenment Will Trial is the most straightforward and accurate method to differentiate whether a student is truly willing to acknowledge a teacher!”
Gazing upon Liu Yang who had already closed his eyes and descended into the illusory realm, Elder Mo Xiang slowly said.
“Indeed, trust level represents the level of trust one holds towards another, and the maximum of which is a hundred points. Every ten points is a demarcation zone and zero points means an absolute lack of trust! Ten points means slight trust, twenty means average trust… The relationship between a teacher and student tends to be around thirty. It is said that the more incredible teachers can make a student’s trust in them reach fifty. That is considered an extremely fearsome result, and it is extremely rare for such results to appear, even considering the entire Tianxuan Kingdom! After all, a child’s trust towards their parents only hovers around sixty or such!”
Elder Shang Chen stroked his beard as he continued.
The conversation between the two was, in fact, telling the others about the concepts behind the Enlightenment Will Trial.
Humans were thinking creatures and each of them had their own thoughts. It wasn’t that easy a feat to have one trust in another.
Not mentioning others, even one’s parents, who have lived with them since young, were unable to reach a hundred points of trust!
Needless to say, a teacher.
Only through long periods of interaction could one’s trust level in another slowly rise up.
Yet, it had been barely two days since the start of school. Furthermore, given Zhang Xuan’s horrid reputation, how could he induce trust in any of his students?
It was clear to see even when thinking with one’s toes.
“Right, Elder Mo, I heard that one of the prerequisites to become a master teacher seems to be the student’s trust level, may I know if it is true?”
After explaining the process, Elder Shang Chen remembered something and was unable to hold in his curiosity, he asked.
Teachers could be divided into low-level, intermediate-level and high-level. Zhang Xuan belonged to the bottom category, low-level, whereas Shen Bi Ru and Shang Bin have already attained the ranking of high-level.
Most people’s journey came to an end as a high-level teacher.
The two famous teachers of Hongtian Academy, Lu Xun and Wang Chao, were also at this level.
Master teachers, however, were a level above that of high-level teachers!
Master teachers weren’t just famous for their reputation, they possessed their unique insights into cultivation. One could only become stronger under the tutelage of such a person, allowing them to eventually becoming a heroic figure of a territory.
Emperor Shen Zhui was neither the queen’s son or the eldest son. By logic, it was impossible for the crown to be passed down to him. However, it was said that during his youth, he once studied under a master teacher for a few days, causing his strength to increase by leaps and bounds, thus becoming the strongest of the younger generation. Eventually, he even became the number one expert of the royal family, therefore forming the basis for him to inherit the throne to further the country’s greatness!
It was the dream of countless people to study under a master teacher!
Teachers could only be considered as a lower occupation of the Upper Nine Paths. However, if one were to become a master teacher, then even among the numerous occupations among the Upper Nine Paths, they were without a doubt, and indisputably, a member of the number one occupation.
This was especially so, given the occupation’s frightening ability to rally people. Even the popular occupations like apothecary, blacksmith, formation masters… weren’t able to compete at all!
Teachers were known to have innumerable students all over the world. This was even more true for a master teacher. It was very possible for any expert one sees or hears of to be his student. The moment something happened, many people would answer to their calls, to the point that even those in authority dared not offend them.
It was said that there was once an emperor from a great kingdom who offended a master teacher. With a single call, dozens of Fighter 8-dan Zongshi realm experts surged in and in less than a day, the entire kingdom was destroyed. The royal family was completely purged, not a single descendant of their bloodline remained.
This was precisely why it is a known fact among cultivators that one could offend anyone, just not a master teacher!
Who knew how many students he has? Who knew how many experts there are in their midst?
Offending them was equivalent to stirring a hornet’s nest. Even if one didn’t die, he would be crippled!
Of course, the title of a master teacher wasn’t that easily attainable. There were many conditions and prerequisites to it, and earning a student’s trust rapidly was one of it.
“Indeed, one of the requirements in becoming a master teacher is to have a student’s trust in him exceed 60. This is a standard prerequisite! Otherwise, they won’t be qualified!” Elder Mo Xiang nodded his head.
“60…” Elder Shang Chen couldn’t help but be astonished. “This level of trust is equivalent to the position of their parents in the heart of the students!”
Despite being together for their entire life, the trust level between parents and children were only 60. It was clear to see how difficult it would be for the relationship between a teacher and a student to reach such a level as well!
It was no wonder that there wasn’t a single Master Teacher in Tianxuan Kingdom. The prerequisites were simply too harsh!
“If Lu Xun and Wang Chao of your academy were to maintain this standard for thirty years or so, there is a possibly of them becoming an associate master teacher!” Elder Mo stroked his beard.
There’s no need for master teachers to do everything by themselves. Sometimes, they would delegate tasks to their assistants to help them. The role of an associate master teacher was similar to that of an apprentice. It was a path one must walk on if they intended to become a master teacher.
“Associate master teacher?”
Elder Shang Chen gasped in surprise.
For them to be able to become associate master teachers, this clearly showed the standards Lu Xun and Wang Chao possessed.
“I wonder what the trust levels the students the both of them are guiding have towards them are…” he couldn’t help but ask.
“Throughout these years, they have garnered quite a positive reputation. Those older students whom they have guided for many years should be able to reach up to 40! However, it will be difficult for it to rise any higher!” Elder Mo shook his head.
Being an elder from the Teacher Guild, he was knowledgeable about the circumstances of many teachers.
“That’s true!”
Shang Chen nodded his head.
It was difficult to accrue trust and yet, it falls exceptionally easy. Oftentimes, it could be torn apart by just a small incident. If that wasn’t the case, master teachers wouldn’t possess such tremendous reputation!
“I’ve heard that… a genius young lady has appeared in our Teacher Guild. Despite being just eighteen or nineteen this year, she has already become a low-level associate master teacher?” Upon recalling a news, Elder Shang Chen couldn’t resist asking.
“She’s the daughter of our guild leader. She is indeed a talent!” Upon bringing up this person, Elder Mo stroked his beard and nodded his head in commendation.
Associate master teachers could be split into low-level, intermediate-level and high-level as well. To join one of their ranks under twenty was a fearsome accomplishment, even considering the fact that she was only a low-level associate master teacher.
“Incredible!”
Upon receiving confirmation of the fact, Elder Shang Chen nodded his head in commendation.
He might be the head of the Education Bureau of Hongtian Academy, but in reality, he was just a high-level teacher. He didn’t have the qualifications to become a low-level associate master teacher.
After which, Shang Chen didn’t go on further on the topic. Instead, he looked at Zhang Xuan and Cao Xiong, “Elder Mo, how much trust level do you think the both of them will receive?”
…………………………
“You… It’s best for you to leave now. Leave Hongtian Academy and never come back…”
Seeing the young man standing there foolishly to await the results of the Enlightenment Will Trial, Shen Bi Ru couldn’t help but to walk forward and direct these words to him with a suppressed voice.
In her perspective, Zhang Xuan and Shang Bin were two people from completely different worlds. If it weren’t for her, there was no way the two would mix together.
Such a circumstance had arisen because of her. If Zhang Xuan were to be beaten a hundred times by the God Slaying Flog and have his teaching license revoked, she would definitely feel guilty about his plight.
“You wish to leave now? It’s a little too late!”
Seeing his goddess showing concern towards another man, Shang Bin spat out these words through gritted teeth.
[You don’t even show the slightest concern when I am reduced to this state, and yet, you worry about this fellow who scored zero in the Teacher Qualification Examination. Damn it, damn it!]
His face turned savage and he was so angry that he might explode at any moment now.
“That’s right, the Enlightenment Will Trial has already begun. You wish to leave? Dream on!” Cao Xiong walked forward and revealed a face of enthusiastic savagery. “The results are about to be out. By then, you will understand how foolish your actions were!”
“Are you that certain that you will achieve victory?”
Seeing how confident the other party was, as though the winning ticket was in his hand, Zhang Xuan shook his head and asked.
“Hehe!” Staring at the young man as though he was a fool, Cao Xiong sneered coldly, “Let me tell you the truth then. This Liu Yang was specially invited here by me. I have been living with him for half a month and our trust level should probably exceed 20! What about you? Do you think you are capable of reaching 10 points? After deceiving him over to your side from me forcefully, I think it is very possible for your score to be negative!”
While zero meant no trust whatsoever, negative meant resentment. The greater the resentment, the more negative the number would be.
He still clearly remembered Liu Yang’s lingering and reluctant gaze when he was pulled away from him. How could someone who had guided a student to go berserk make this proud fellow concede to them!
It was very probable for the relationship between the two to still be frosty, so how could Liu Yang not bear any resentment toward this fellow!
“Hongtian Academy is the number one academy of Tianxuan Kingdom. If a student were to really hold a trust level below that of ten points towards his teacher, his teacher will probably become a laughingstock and the event will be known across the entire kingdom!” Shang Bin laughed mockingly. “Oh, that’s right. I forgot. Since your reputation is already as bad as it can get, there is no need for you to worry about becoming a laughingstock…”
“You all…”
Seeing the two of them putting him down, Shen Bi Ru’s angry face flushed pink. Just as she was about to refute them, she noticed that the person in question, Zhang Xuan, was still maintaining an impassive and calm face toward their insults, as though he wasn’t bothered by their mocking at all.
To tell the truth, Zhang Xuan really didn’t care about it.
[These fellows can talk as much as they can now. When the result comes out in awhile, it will be interesting to see them cry…]
…………………………
“The two of them?”
Hearing Elder Shang Chen’s words, Elder Mo Xiang hesitated for a moment before deducing, “This Liu Yang was recommended here by Cao Xiong laoshi, so his trust level towards him should be slightly higher. Even so, in my opinion, it should only be around 18 or 19. After all, 20 is a large hurdle to overcome! As for Zhang Xuan… If he truly coerced Liu Yang, then it is likely for the trust level to be negative!”
“If the trust level turns out to be negative, Hongtian Academy will be embarrassed. At that moment, I will be depending on Elder Mo!”
Elder Shang Chen said.
“Naturally!” Elder Mo’s eyes were bright and stern. “As an elder from the Teacher Guild, I will not allow such scum to appear in our midst! If it turns out to be negative, then there is no doubt that Liu Yang has been coerced into acknowledging him. I will report the incident up to the guild and adamantly push for Zhang Xuan’s teaching license to be revoked!”
Hearing the other party’s promise, Elder Shang Chen smiled. Then, his eyes twinkled and he pointed forward, “Look, the results are about to be out!”
The moment his voice sounded, the light the two crystal balls were emanating from the center of the room started to waver and gradually dim.
In the Enlightenment Will Trial, the person who was involved in the trial had to go through all kinds of illusory realms before they were able to make a choice from the bottom of their heart. At this instant, the fading of the light meant that he had already undergone the experiences required for the test, and the results were about to be revealed.
Weng!
Numbers lightly wavered into existence on the crystal ball by the left.
“The results are out. Misfortune is about to befall you…”
Seeing the numbers slowly floating into existence on the crystal ball, Cao Xiong’s excited eyes gleamed.
This time, not only would he be able to accept Liu Yang back under his tutelage, he would also be able to throw Zhang Xuan out and earn the favor of Shang Bin shaoye. With such a pillar of support, wouldn’t his future in the academy be smooth-sailing?
Shaoye -> Young master
Probably, in less than a few years, he would be able to rise through the ranks successfully to become a high-level teacher.
Just as he was getting excited over the scene playing in his mind, the numbers in the crystal ball finally stopped wavering, and they appeared before the crowd.
“His trust level in me definitely exceeds twenty…”
Roaring, Cao Xiong hurriedly turned his attention to the crystal ball. Yet, with a glance, his excitement choked in his throat and he felt like a duck being grasped at its neck. His eyes widened to the point that they were about to fall onto the floor, “This… How can this be possible?”
The results unfolding before him drove him to the brink of insanity!
This was something he dared not to imagine!
Liu Yang was a student whom he personally invited over. Furthermore, the two even accompanied one another for half a month, giving rise to their close relationship. How could he possibly only hold such a level of trust towards him?
The giant numbers on the crystal ball were clear and conspicuous. As though it was a long sword, it stabbed into his heart—— 10!
Liu Yang’s trust level toward him was a mere 10 points!
Anything below ten meant a lack of trust. Ten was right at the boundary, but it wasn’t too far off from it.
Just a moment ago, he even narcissistically boasted that the trust level would be at least twenty. Yet, the result slapped him hard in his face.
“Is this the basis of your confidence?”
Zhang Xuan looked over.
“I…” Cao Xiong failed to catch his breath and almost fainted on the spot.
[I had gone through so much trouble, traveling the distance to find you and bring you over. After which, we even spent so much time together. Yet, how can your trust level be so low… Brother, what is wrong with you…]
Looking at Liu Yang, the thought of suicide even flashed through Cao Xiong’s mind.
[Where is the trust?
Where is the basic trust between humans?]
You may also Like
Paragraph comment
Paragraph comment feature is now on the Web! Move mouse over any paragraph and click the icon to add your comment.
Also, you can always turn it off/on in Settings.
GOT IT