Ding!

  “Mission issued. Please help the Central Province Academy win against the Myriad Daos Academy’s great teacher group. The more effort you put in, the greater the reward you’ll receive.”

  It was a beautiful morning with birds chirping and flowers smelling nicely. The air was refreshing.

  However, Sun Mo was woken up by the system’s notification.

  “What the hell?”

  Sun Mo frowned and got up from his bed.

  After leaving the villa, he saw lush green plants. Sun Mo couldn’t help but stretch out his body, feeling exhilarated.

  The greatest advantage this world had would probably be the environment. There was no pollution at all, and even the girls were completely natural. One didn’t need to be worried that they had encountered a cosmetic surgery monster.

  Sun Mo ran to the canteen as a form of training.

  In the past, there’d be a lot of people here, mostly students who woke up early. But today, there were only two to three little kittens.

  “Uncle, give me a bowl of beancurd, two vegetable buns, and a dish of pickled radish.”

  Sun Mo ordered his meal.

  “Teacher Sun, why are you still in the mood to eat? Something big has happened!”

  Two great teachers passed by anxiously. When they saw Sun Mo, they greeted him.

  “What’s wrong?”

  Sun Mo took his food, picked up a bun, and took a bite out of it.

  “Cao Xian personally led his group to challenge us to a duel.”

  After Teacher Zhang said that, he added one more line for fear that Sun Mo didn’t know how serious the situation was. “They are the Myriad Daos Academy’s most elite great teacher group.”

  “Oh!”

  Sun Mo searched for a seat.

  “Hmmm? Teacher Sun, don’t you feel anxious?”

  Teacher Zhang was surprised. In his opinion, Sun Mo was An Xinhui’s fiancé and half of this school belonged to him. If the school were to collapse, the ones who suffered the greatest losses were definitely Sun Mo and An Xinhui.

  “Stay calm. It won’t be too late even if we go after having breakfast.”

  Sun Mo felt a little curious, but it was harmful to the gastric to not have breakfast. (Hold on, I’m a cultivator now. I wouldn’t get gastric issues even if I don’t eat breakfast, right?)

  The two great teachers exchanged a glance then cupped their hands and bowed, their faces filled with admiration.

  “Teacher Sun really can hold things in and show the demeanor of a great general. We really can’t compare to you!”

  After saying that, the two great teachers walked toward the counter.

  “Give me a bowl of soya milk. Add more salt!”

  “I want five buns! The ones with wintermelon meat fillings!”

  “.……”

  Sun Mo was speechless. (You guys should try to persuade me further. I’ll go along with you to check things out then.)

  Left with no choice, Sun Mo could only have his meal.

  However, it was also quite interesting to eat with his colleagues.

  En, it’d be even better if they were female colleagues.

  In the time they had their meal, Sun Mo also found out about the importance of the great teachers group battle. When two schools had contradictions or a conflict of interest, then the most direct way to resolve things would be the great teachers group battle.

  This time around, Cao Xian was also driven to a corner.

  In the past, the Myriad Daos Academy’s level was very high, steadily above the Central Province Academy. This was his greatest backing when recruiting students.

  But this year, both schools were of the same grade and Sun Mo also came in first place in two successive examinations. The Central Province Academy also had a glorious history of being ranked amongst the Nine Greats. Therefore, this year, the Central Province Academy had attracted almost 80% of the new students from Jinling.

  Looking at how empty his school was, Cao Xian couldn’t sit back any longer. He led their school’s most amazing great teachers to challenge them.

  Of course, the risk of doing so was very great. If they were to lose, they’d never be able to turn the tables around anymore.

  Sun Mo and the two teachers finished their breakfast and then headed to the square in front of the teaching building. By then, the place was already crowded with people and it was hard to squeeze through them.

  These were all students who were here to watch the excitement.

  Sun Mo was still wondering about how to get in when Teacher Zhang spoke up.

  “Students, please make way. Don’t hold Teacher Sun up from participating in the great teachers group battle!”

  Teacher Zhang intentionally spoke with additional emphasis placed on the words ‘Sun Mo’.

  As expected, upon hearing the mention of ‘Sun Mo’, the students all turned their heads in unison, assessing Sun Mo while also taking two steps back, making a path for him.

  “Good morning, Teacher Sun!”

  “Hello, Teacher Sun!”

  “Teacher Sun is so handsome!”

  The students lowered their heads and greeted him.

  “Teacher Sun, let’s go!”

  Teacher Zhang let Sun Mo take the lead. “The name ‘Sun Mo’ is really good to use.”

  “.……”

  Sun Mo felt helpless. He hadn’t wanted to make such a great commotion.

  There was an empty piece of land in the center of the square. Right now, two groups were in a confrontation against each other.

  One group had close to 50 people with Cao Xian in the lead. The other side was led by An Xinhui and Wang Su. There were over 50 great teachers behind them.

  Sun Mo hadn’t had much contact with these people before, but he knew that this group was the Central Province Academy’s pillars.

  The summer sun was very bright, but the atmosphere was exceptionally stiff. Everyone’s expression was also very solemn.

  At the arrival of Sun Mo, the colleagues greeted him, and the people from the Myriad Daos Academy also looked over.

  “That is God Hands Sun Mo?”

  “He’s so young!”

  “He’s just a young child. Don’t panic. I’ll take care of him later on!”

  These great teachers all assessed Sun Mo with judgmental gazes because the weakest of them were at least 3-star, so they naturally had this right.

  An Xinhui’s expression was solemn and she felt tremendous pressure. She nodded at Sun Mo as a form of greeting and then focused on the task at hand.

  This time around, the strongest great teachers from the Myriad Daos Academy had come. If An Xinhui and the others couldn’t win, then the reputation they had accumulated over the past one or more years would be destroyed.

  “What’s the situation now?”

  Sun Mo saw Gu Xiuxun squeezing her way over and asked her in a soft voice.

  “The first round is a competition in the art of engineering. The one participating is Teacher Mao and his opponent is Liang Jumu. he is a 3-star great teacher in his 30s and has quite a good achievement in the art of engineering.”

  Gu Xiuxun explained the situation to him.

  The topic in the great teachers group battle wasn’t restricted. Both parties could challenge the other side in a certain area.

  Of course, in most cases, the side being challenged wouldn’t refuse the challenger. It was because if they were to refuse, people might mock them for being incapable.

  “Do you think that we can win?”

  Sun Mo frowned.

  Mao Yi was a 3-star great teacher with only one personal disciple. Other than giving lessons, he’d usually spend his days locked up in his laboratory, making all sorts of mechanical beasts.

  Sun Mo knew him. It was because the mechanical beasts he made could often be seen running around the school.

  “It’s tough.”

  Gu Xiuxun wasn’t trying to boost the opponent’s morale and belittle their own side. Since Cao Xian had come to challenge them, the representative they sent out would definitely be the elites.

  Suddenly, a black figure appeared in the air, flying past at an extremely fast speed. It circled around in the air above the square for three rounds before descending.

  It was a burgundy-colored horse that was about half a meter long and one foot tall. It stepped on the ground, releasing clanking sounds.

  “Flying horse?”

  The students gasped.

  As the time used in creating it was shorter, Mao Yi hadn’t given the wooden flying horse any external decorations. Therefore, rough traces of its connecting parts could be seen.

  Mao Yi came back and cupped his hands at An Xinhui.

  This art of engineering wouldn’t be imparted to other people easily. Therefore, a room would be arranged for the mechanists to guard their secret.

  The students from the Central Province Academy revealed a relaxed expression because crafting flying-typed mechanical beasts was considered an extremely high-level skill.

  Mao Yi snapped his fingers, and the flying horse immediately flapped its wings and flew up, circling in the air.

  This was a demonstration.

  “According to the rules, after I’ve completed my mechanical beast, if your mechanist can’t do it within half an hour, it’d be considered your loss. However, I’ll allow you to continue your creation.”

  Mao Yi smiled, speaking in a charitable tone. He sounded very confident.

  “No need!”

  A slightly hoarse voice rang out and a one-foot-tall figure leaped with a swoosh, stepping on other people’s shoulders and passing through the crowd before landing in the square.

  Hua!

  Everyone gasped.

  This was a one-foot-tall puppet that was made in the shape of a courtesan. Its makeup was beautifully done, and it was wearing a red dress. It then wielded a longsword and created a whirlwind with a dance.

  Sun Mo instantly frowned. They were going to lose!

  From just the appearance, this courtesan puppet looked very exquisite, like a miniature version of an actual person and was very beautiful. Moreover, its movements were too agile, spinning and jumping, dancing around lightly without any choppiness.

  Mao Yi’s countenance changed.

  “You’re astonished from just this? The amazing thing has yet to come!”

  Liang Jumu’s lips twitched when he looked at everyone’s expression. He then raised his hands and clapped out loud.

  The courtesan puppet that had bright red color painted on its lips was instantly activated.

  “Putting the thumb and middle finger together, raising the other three, matters of the secular world slipping through one’s fingers like water.

  “On the three-feet red stage, all the events in the world will be covered by the show, disseminated by the people.

  “Singing softly of how when the parting is long. Grief would turn into numbness, no longer being grief. Under the illumination of the fire light, I appear even more beautiful, then eventually turning into ashes.

  “Hoping you to remember me. We’ve spent the most beautiful phase of life together.” [1]

  A clear and spiritual voice entered everyone’s ears.

  “F*ck!”

  Sun Mo instantly cursed in his heart. He wasn’t the only one. Even other people were staring at the courtesan puppet, their eyes almost popping out.

  This voice was too wonderful. Adding on the puppet’s nimble movements, if it wasn’t only one-foot-tall, people would really think that this was an actual opera actress.

  After the song was finished and the dance was completed, the entire square fell silent.

  The greatest height of the art of engineering was to have whatever was created looked like the actual thing. It could be said that even though Mao Yi’s wooden horse could fly, he had lost.

  “For mechanical puppets, didn’t we have to compare their strength? Let’s continue!”

  Cao Xian smiled proudly after seeing An Xinhui’s troubled expression, and he urged on.

  “Please go ahead!”

  Liang Jumu put on an inviting gesture, then his courtesan puppet also bowed slightly.

  “F*ck your mother! Have I been holding it in for too long? To think that I’m finding a puppet beautiful and elegant?”

  Sun Mo felt upset.

  To speak the truth, if it wasn’t because the situation wasn’t suitable, he’d want to ask Liang Jumu if it was for sale.

  This figurine was very useful!

  Mao Yi was also someone with a strong pride, and he snapped his fingers.

  The flying horse immediately galloped and charged toward the courtesan puppet furiously. Before it arrived before the courtesan puppet, it suddenly opened its mouth and spurted out seven arrows that looked like thin needles.

  Sssss!

  Cold gasps rang out. No one had expected that the flying horse had such a mechanism to it.

  They then looked toward the courtesan puppet. It didn’t dodge but flicked its longsword up, spinning its body. Its red dress fluttered like a blooming peony flower, looking very eye-catching.

  Ding! Ding! Ding!

  The longsword slashed out furiously, sending the arrows flying away.

  Swoosh!

  The flying horse galloped on and stomped down violently!

  The courtesan puppet swung its sword once again.

  Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!

  As a result, silver light erupted and then the flying horse shattered. Amidst crashing sounds, it fell to the ground.

  The countenances of the Central Province Academy’s teachers and students instantly turned grim.

  “Thank you for the match! Thank you for the match!”

  Liang Jumu swung his right sleeve and put his right arm behind his back. He then looked toward An Xinhui’s group. “Are there any other mechanists who’d like to have a spar?”

  No one replied.

  “Haha, this feels so good!”

  Cao Xian was very happy. This was the feeling that he wanted. His gaze darted toward those potential new students and noticed that they really showed disappointed expressions toward the Central Province Academy.

  It was a pity that Sun Mo wasn’t a mechanist. Otherwise, if they could defeat him, they’d be able to harm his reputation. (But it’s fine. I have prepared a great gift for you.)

  [1] An extract of a song with a name that can be translated as “The Puppet Show”.

  Chapter 661: My Surname Is Hua and My Name Is Manyue. I Give You My Greetings!

  An Xinhui turned and looked toward a middle-aged great teacher, but the other party shook his head.

  If no one answered the challenge, it would mean that Liang Jumu’s courtesan puppet had dealt the Central Province Academy a crushing defeat.

  This was how simple and straightforward a great teachers group battle was. If you are strong, you are strong.

  The students were young and all of them had a strong yearning to enter a strong academy to study. Therefore, the Central Province Academy’s performance would influence their choices.

  Mao Yi’s countenance was very pale. He wanted to battle again, but to speak the truth, he didn’t have the confidence to win.

  Sun Mo activated Divine Sight and admired the courtesan puppet. There might come a day when he obtained a skill book on the art of engineering and then become a mechanist.

  However, after looking at this, Sun Mo’s brows instantly furrowed.

  The courtesan puppet was extremely skilled and could even compare to an actual person. The only pity was that it was made from ordinary wood. Its sturdiness was worrying.

  The most crucial point of it was the combination of the art of engineering and the spiritual control technique. Rather than calling it a mechanical puppet, one might as well say that it was a vessel for a soul.

  Note: The soul comes from a courtesan.

  Sun Mo looked toward Liang Jumu. This young man was very handsome and had status. He had what it took to get a courtesan to fall head over heels for him.

  As a grandmaster-level spirit controller, Sun Mo knew that some dark secret arts could remove the soul of a person from their bodies, channeling them into another place.

  However, as this was too inhumane, secret arts like these were basically classified as forbidden arts.

  “Aren’t there any other people in your esteemed school who would like to have a spar? Then this round will be considered Teacher Liang’s win!”

  Cao Xian asked in a loud, clear voice.

  “Hold on! I have something to say!”

  Sun Mo spoke up.

  Swoosh!

  Everyone’s gaze looked over.

  “Why? Is Teacher Sun a mechanist as well?”

  Liang Jumu felt curious.

  “Sun Mo, don’t act on impulse!”

  An Xinhui tried to persuade him in a soft voice. Sun Mo’s God Hands, study of spirit runes, and art of spiritual control were all very amazing. These clearly required time for learning.

  This meant that even if he knew the art of engineering, his level was probably not that high and he might have just dabbled lightly in it. If that was the case, he’d just be seeking his own humiliation if he were to make a move now.

  Sun Mo gestured for An Xinhui to calm down and then looked toward Liang Jumu. “I’m not a mechanist. I’d just like to say that the combination of the art of engineering and the spiritual control technique has produced exceptional results. But isn’t doing so a little inhumane?”

  Hua!

  A commotion broke out. After all, what Sun Mo said was too explosive. His choice of the word ‘inhumane’ was shocking.

  He didn’t hold back at all.

  “Sun Mo, what do you mean by that? Are you a sore loser?”

  As the headmaster, Cao Xian immediately stood up and reproached Sun Mo. He must defend his school’s great teacher.

  To speak the truth, Cao Xian viewed Sun Mo in high regard. If it wasn’t because he was left with no choice, he wouldn’t want to fall out completely with Sun Mo.

  Liang Jumu looked at Sun Mo in surprise. To think that this guy had understood the profoundness of the courtesan puppet?

  “Teacher Sun, what’s going on?”

  Mao Yi asked.

  “Regardless of how vivid the mechanical puppet is, it isn’t human after all. But don’t you think that this courtesan puppet looks too much like a human?”

  Sun Mo asked.

  “Teacher Sun, even though its actions are very nimble, it’s still within the range of a puppet.”

  Mao Yi spoke up for Liang Jumu.

  “No, I’m referring to its voice!”

  Sun Mo shook his head.

  “Huh? Isn’t that played out from the recording of a voice-retention stone?”

  Someone was surprised.

  “No, that was sung live!”

  After Sun Mo said that, everyone gasped and cold shivers ran down their spines. Even though it was a hot summer day, their backs felt very cold.

  Great teachers at Wang Su’s level were frowning. They stared at Liang Jumu unkindly.

  As great teachers, they should be role models for students. If they were to take the wrong path, everyone would condemn them.

  “Teacher Sun was it? My surname is Hua and my name is Manyue. I give you my greetings!”

  The courtesan puppet suddenly spoke up, giving everyone a fright.

  “I was sold off by my father at a young age. After passing through many places and eventually becoming a top courtesan, I fell in love at first sight with Lord Liang. However, I’m frail and sickly. Yet, I’m unable to accept that I can’t spend my life with Lord Liang. Therefore, I pleaded Lord Liang to make me into a puppet, keeping me by his side.”

  The courtesan puppet moved lightly on its feet and walked up to Sun Mo. After saying that, she even bowed gracefully.

  The entire square was completely quiet and everyone’s eyes were wide-open. They looked at this mechanical puppet with astonishment.

  “This…… this…… is actually a real person?”

  The students, especially, felt as if all of their perspectives of the world had been turned over.

  Some female great teachers with rich emotions instantly had tears welling up their eyes when they heard Hua Manyue’s mournful voice. This was definitely a pitiful love story.

  Liang Jumu cupped his hands together, wearing a griefing expression, not making any rebuttal.

  There wasn’t a need for him to make any rebuttal either. Hua Manyue, as the person involved, didn’t mind this arrangement. Therefore, Sun Mo no longer had the stand of being the support for justice.

  “Teacher Sun, don’t say any further. The combination of the art of engineering and spiritual control technique is also a profound technique. It’s a lot better than my flying horse.”

  Mao Yi let out a sigh. “This round is my loss.”

  “Alright, let’s begin the second round!”

  Cao Xian interjected. “Teacher Liang, you can step down.”

  Although Hua Manyue had defended him, it was still taboo to input a human soul into a puppet.

  Sun Mo pursed his lips. This was the first time he had encountered something like this. Thus, he was unable to tell if the courtesan puppet willingly had this done to her or if she had spoken these words under Liang Jumu’s influence.

  After all, spiritual beasts were quite a strange subject.

  “This Sun Mo is well-deserving of his reputation!”

  The Myriad Daos Academy’s great teachers assessed Sun Mo, feeling a little surprised. The fact that he could see through Liang Jumu’s secret showed that he was experienced and knowledgeable.

  Therefore, Sun Mo received over 100 favorable impression points, with all of them contributed by great teachers.

  “Since Teacher Sun has stepped out, why not compete in the study of spirit runes for the second round?”

  Cao Xian couldn’t wait to beat Sun Mo down. With that, An Xinhui wouldn’t be able to use his reputation as coming in first place in two star-level examinations to recruit students. After all, people would be disappointed in a loser.

  “You guys were the ones to decide on the content of the first round. Shouldn’t we be the one to decide the topic for the second round?”

  If it was any other time, An Xinhui wouldn’t mind. But in this situation, she didn’t wish for any accident to happen. They must protect Sun Mo’s reputation.

  “Why? Is Teacher Sun scared?”

  A young man who was close to 30 years old walked out. “I’m Fu Hong, a 2-star great teacher. I’ve heard that Teacher Sun had gotten full marks in the spirit runes examination and would like to ask for your guidance.”

  What else could An Xinhui do with them saying this?

  “Sun Mo, do him in!”

  Gu Xiuxun cheered him up. She had seen Sun Mo giving those geniuses from famous schools crushing defeats. Therefore, there was no need to fear this Fu Hong.

  “I don’t dare to give you guidance. Let’s just have an exchange!”

  Sun Mo knew how to speak with courtesy too.

  “I have a piece of beast skin here that was dug out from darkness ruins. There are fragmented spirit runes diagrams on it. I would like to request for Teacher Sun to complete it!”

  As Fu Hong said this, he opened up a box and took out a piece of animal skin that had burned marks on it, handing it to Sun Mo.

  Sun Mo received it.

  Hearing this, a middle-aged man from the Central Province Academy also stepped out and went up to stand next to Sun Mo. He was called Zhou Long and was a 3-star great teacher who majored in the study of spirit runes.

  “Teacher Zhou can join in!”

  Fu Hong smiled, wearing an expression as if he was confident in coming out victorious.

  “I won’t interfere!”

  Zhou Long explained. The reason why he came out was only because he was interested in such fragmented spirit runes. It wasn’t because he wanted to participate in the battle. Otherwise, they’d be bullying the other party.

  “Hehe, feel free to interfere. If you can win, then it’s considered my loss!”

  Fu Hong sneered.

  Zhou Long’s countenance instantly turned grim. (Are you looking down on me?)

  “I didn’t want to set a time limit, but given how there are so many people watching, we can’t possibly continue to wait endlessly. How about we give Teacher Sun two hours to patch it up?”

  Cao Xian suggested.

  “That’s too long! 15 minutes will do!”

  Sun Mo shook his head.

  “Teacher Sun, don’t be rash!”

  Wang Su tried to persuade him. A win or a loss at any other time wouldn’t matter, but under this situation, once a great teacher was to lose, it’d be a stain to their name for life.

  “En!”

  Sun Mo nodded, then turned back and shouted, “Ziqi, come over here. I’ll leave this to you.”

  “Yes!”

  Li Ziqi received the beast skin with both hands.

  “Sun Mo, what do you mean by this?”

  Fu Hong frowned and asked. (What do you mean by letting a student come out in a battle between great teachers?)

  Even Zhou Long also looked at Sun Mo in surprise. However, he then went on to concentrate on the spirit runes since this was a rare opportunity.

  Sun Mo couldn’t be bothered to give a reply.

  “Wow, Teacher Sun is so careless!”

  Yaoguang sat on a tree and looked over. How awkward would it be if he were to lose?

  Helian Beifang squeezed his way through the crowd, causing the surrounding students to feel very displeased. (Do you know that you’re very smelly?)

  Cao Xian’s original intention was to have another round of competition while waiting for Sun Mo to resolve the spirit runes. After all, they couldn’t possibly keep everyone waiting, right?

  However, since Sun Mo mentioned 15 minutes, there was no helping it.

  A bronze incense cauldron was placed on the table and three incense were lit up.

  The summer wind brushed by. It was a little dry and hot.

  “Teacher, do you want some melon?”

  Lu Zhiruo handed him a piece of watermelon. As she had run out of the school to buy it, she felt so hot that she was breaking out in perspiration from the trip there and back.

  “No need!”

  Sun Mo threw a glance at the incense. One-third of it was gone.

  “It’s fine. You guys can continue. Since I said that I’ll give you guys two hours, then let’s just make it two hours.”

  Cao Xian was very magnanimous.

  “No need.”

  Li Ziqi handed the beast skin to Zhou Long.

  “Huh?”

  Zhou Long was a little stunned. What was this?

  “Let’s start!”

  Sun Mo instructed.

  Writing materials were already prepared by the side. Hearing that, Li Ziqi stood by the desk, picked up the brush, and started drawing.

  Cao Xian frowned and looked toward Fu Hong.

  “If she can patch up that spirit runes, I’ll twist my head off and let you kick it like a ball!”

  Fu Hong’s lips twitched.

  Li Ziqi drew the spirit rune.

  Zhou Long didn’t hold back and walked over, lowering his head to take a look. Two minutes later, he couldn’t help but cry out, “F*ck your mom!”

  As a great teacher, cursing wasn’t befitting of their status. However, Zhou Long couldn’t hold back. It was because this girl had drawn it completely correctly.

  In that instant, Zhou Long’s gaze when looking at Li Ziqi was filled with greed.

  (How nice would it be if she’s my personal disciple? Then there’d be someone to inherit my knowledge. Damn that Sun Mo! I’m so envious of him!)

  “Teacher Fu……”

  Cao Xian’s tone turned solemn. He didn’t know Li Ziqi’s standards, but he knew that Zhou Long was very amazing. If it was someone he admired so much, wouldn’t that mean……

  “Headmaster, don’t worry. We’re sure to win this round!”

  Fu Hong was very confident. Zhou Long? (He’s just a 3-star! Just a farthing!)

  Chapter 662: Golden Sentences ‘Sun’, Let’s Put Away that Remarkable Power, Alright?

  “Headmaster Cao, this round is your loss!”

  As Li Ziqi placed down the brush, Zhou Long couldn’t wait to speak up before Fu Hong checked it. “Genius, she’s really a genius! To be able to resolve the spirit runes at such a young age…… Her future is boundless!”

  The students from the Central Province Academy didn’t cheer but looked toward Fu Hong. After all, he would be the one to determine if it was correct.

  Fu Hong got near to the desk and lowered his head to check out the rune paper. His brows couldn’t help but rise. The flow of the spirit rune was graceful yet orderly.

  Not only was it accurate, but it also had a hint of beauty to it.

  It was like how a student from the arts faculty was learning how to draw people. Some people could do it accurately, allowing others to tell what they were drawing. However, the minor few not only could draw accurately but could also add a hint of beauty.

  A grandmaster was also someone like this. They could turn a simple drawing into a piece of art that even ordinary people could appreciate.

  “How old are you?”

  Fu Hong couldn’t help but ask.

  “How is it? Are you convinced?”

  Zhou Long laughed out loud proudly. “She’s Sun Mo’s student. She’s only 14 years old this year.”

  Gu Xiuxun threw a baffled look at Zhou Long. (Why are you being so proud? She’s not your personal disciple!)

  “She’s truly a genius!”

  Fu Hong nodded but then smiled. “It’s a pity that she didn’t complete this spirit rune!”

  Hearing this, Zhou Long felt displeased. “Not finished?”

  As Zhou Long said this, he picked up the rune paper and activated it.

  Buzz!

  A faint blue light glowed, encompassing Zhou Long’s body.

  Hua!

  Surprised gasps rang out.

  “The spirit rune that Ziqi drew has been activated, but you’re telling me that it hasn’t been completed?”

  Zhou Long sneered. “Headmaster Cao, can you not bring just any Tom, Dick, or Harry when you come to challenge us? Are you looking down on us or looking down on yourself?”

  Everyone broke into a commotion, looking toward Fu Hong doubtfully. This was how simple a spirit runes competition was. As long as the spirit rune could be activated, it would mean that it was a success.

  Fu Hong didn’t pay Zhou Long any heed but looked toward Sun Mo. “Teacher Sun, you can’t be saying that it’s completed as well, would you?”

  “Teacher Zhou, it’s true that this spirit rune isn’t complete.”

  Sun Mo spoke up.

  “What?”

  Zhou Long was stunned while Fu Hong furrowed his brows deeply. If Sun Mo insisted that Li Ziqi had succeeded, then he could bring out the actual completed spirit rune to give Sun Mo a slap in the face. However, Sun Mo agreed with him instead……

  (No, that can’t be. He only took a look, so how could he possibly complete this spirit rune? Fu Hong, don’t go scaring yourself.)

  Fu Hong raised his chin slightly. At a time like this, he should just put on an unfathomable disposition.

  “The effect of this spirit rune is to calm one’s spirit, suppressing seething vital energy and blood. Ziqi, I’m very satisfied that you can complete it within 15 minutes.”

  Sun Mo looked toward the little sunny egg and praised her.

  Why did he let Li Ziqi take on the challenge?

  Firstly, it was to give her a chance to gain experience. Secondly, it was to uphold her reputation, letting people know that his eldest disciple wasn’t bad either.

  Although she couldn’t fight, she had an extremely good brain.

  As Li Ziqi couldn’t participate in the personal disciples battle to fight for her teacher’s glory, she had been very reproachful.

  Many students in the crowd revealed astonished expressions.

  Usually, one would only be able to find out the effect of the spirit runes after they had used them. But Sun Mo knew of it from just a look?

  Moreover, judging from Zhou Long and Fu Hong’s expressions, Sun Mo had gotten it right.

  “Ziqi, lay out some paper!”

  Sun Mo walked toward the desk and picked up the brush with his right hand, using his left hand to hold back his wide sleeves. After the little sunny egg lay out the rune paper, he started drawing.

  Fu Hong couldn’t stay calm anymore and walked over. He only took a glance when he let out a sigh in his heart.

  This spirit rune was really beautifully drawn.

  A commotion broke out in the surroundings. The students didn’t dare to move, but the great teachers didn’t have such reservations. All of them walked over to crowd around Sun Mo.

  Three minutes later.

  Boom!

  Spirit qi seethed and came gushing over, channeling into the spirit rune.

  “It’s a spirit qi tornado!”

  A student exclaimed.

  The appearance of this phenomenon not only showed that Sun Mo’s drawing was a success but also that the quality of the spirit rune was extremely high.

  “This drawing actually contains two spirit runes. The main effects would be frenzy, which would raise one’s battle prowess. However, under this situation, one’s emotions would usually become irate, and their blood would seethe. Hence, there is a need to add on a calming effect.”

  As Sun Mo explained, he activated the complete spirit rune on Fu Hong.

  Boom!

  Fu Hong’s muscles swelled up at a rate that could be seen by the naked eye, causing his teacher attire to bulge up. Green veins and blood vessels could be seen bulging up from his exposed skin, looking like earthworms.

  After a momentary silence, the Central Province Academy’s students immediately started to cheer.

  “The don is forever the don!”

  “Teacher Sun is so amazing in the study of spirit runes?”

  “It’s a loss! It’s a loss! Why didn’t I attend Teacher Sun’s spirit runes lesson in the past? I feel that I’ve lost one million taels!”

  The students chattered away, especially those who majored in spirit runes. They were extremely regretful.

  The Myriad Daos Academy’s great teachers group fell silent.

  Cao Xian turned and stared at Fu Hong.

  “This…… this……”

  Fu Hong stuttered, his face wearing a ‘shit’ expression. It was because as a spirit rune master, he understood better than others how terrifying Sun Mo was.

  This was really unbelievable!

  When he said that he didn’t need two hours, he wasn’t trying to act cool. He was really cool!

  “So that 15 minutes is saying that Ziqi needs 15 minutes to complete the spirit rune!”

  Zhou Long was suddenly struck with a realization. He then felt curious. “Teacher Sun, you couldn’t have solved this spirit rune after one glance, could you?”

  The other people also looked toward Sun Mo.

  “No, I thought about it while Ziqi was solving it!”

  Sun Mo shrugged, looking at Fu Hong with a bit of pity.

  Sun Mo was still unable to do this before the 2-star examination. However, after experiencing the tempering from Bai Wenzhang’s five-fusion spirit rune, this spirit rune was nothing.

  This was a two-fusion spirit rune, one at the very elementary level.

  As long as one grasped the pattern, it would be very easy to solve it.

  Sun Mo said very calmly, but everyone drew in a cold gasp upon hearing this, looking at him in great astonishment.

  What a terrifying memory!

  Everyone had seen that Sun Mo only took a glance before passing the spirit rune to Li Ziqi. This meant that he had it memorized at that point.

  Of course, in comparison to having memorized it, what was even more terrifying was that he had run through various trials in his mind and then completed this spirit rune.

  “I’m in admiration!”

  Zhou Long cupped his fists together. “Teacher Sun, please do give me your guidance if you have time later on.”

  “Teacher Zhou, you’re too kind!”

  Sun Mo returned the greeting then looked toward Fu Hong. “This spirit rune isn’t really that complicated. Its difficulty is in the train of thoughts.”

  “Look at Teacher Zhou, he had completed the first set of it in just 15 minutes. You’re just trying to trick us into falling for your trap by challenging us with it.

  “This great teacher, it’s better to do things in a down-to-earth manner.”

  After Sun Mo said this, golden light lit up on his body. Priceless Advice had erupted!

  “Haha, Teacher Sun is too kind with your praise!”

  Zhou Long laughed out loud. Look at how good Sun Mo was with his words. He had even complimented him while talking. His impression of Sun Mo suddenly soared.

  After all, he had made a mistake. With this, his reputation was salvaged by quite a bit.

  “F*ck, it has such a wide scope?”

  It was still fine for the Central Province Academy’s great teachers, but the Myriad Daos Academy’s great teachers had never seen Sun Mo erupting Priceless Advice before. When they saw the entire square permeated by light spots, they were a little shocked.

  Sun Mo’s Priceless Advice was currently at the grandmaster-level. Not only did it have a wide area, but the effect could also be sustained for up to three days.

  After a momentary silence, thundering applause rang out.

  An Xinhui also clapped agitatedly.

  Although Liang Jumu had won the first round, to speak the truth, something like the courtesan puppet was considered a bit of a trickery. For this round, not only had Sun Mo won in a manner that made the other side speechless, but he even preached at Fu Hong with the dignity of a great teacher from a high perspective.

  Their differences were immediately revealed.

  Fu Hong’s lips twitched. He was a 2-star great teacher after all, so how could he possibly stand being preached like a junior? However, Fu Hong had no choice but to bow. Otherwise, he’d just get himself the reputation of being proud and arrogant.

  “I’ve benefited from the teaching!”

  Fu Hong bowed and greeted.

  There was no helping it. If one were to lose in a great teachers group battle and the other party had erupted Priceless Advice, then they would be sincerely giving the loser guidance. The losing party must express their thanks with the attitude of a student.

  This was the rule in the great teacher world. If Fu Hong didn’t do it, his reputation would be ruined.

  “What happened to the agreed easy win?”

  Cao Xian was so upset that he felt like spurting out blood. If he knew that they’d lose so horribly, he wouldn’t have brought Fu Hong here. Not only had they lost face, but there was also the thing about Sun Mo.

  How was he so amazing?

  Even Priceless Advice had erupted! This was the most horrible kind of mockery.

  “Hehe, I knew it!”

  Gu Xiuxun was used to this. Would Sun Mo still be called Golden Sentences ‘Sun’ if he didn’t erupt Priceless Advices?

  “Don’t clap, everyone just sit down, this is just the basics!”

  Lu Zhiruo took a bite of watermelon proudly. It tasted very sweet. after seeing Li Ziqi coming back, she passed her a slice. “Have some melon!”

  “No need!”

  Li Ziqi’s heart was filled with gratitude for Sun Mo because she understood his objective. He was giving her a chance to display her talent.

  (Teacher is really gentle!)

  “Headmaster Cao, what other guidance do you have for us?”

  Sun Mo asked.

  Ding!

  “Congratulations, you’ve received a total of 11,289 favorable impression points. Please keep up the good work.”

  Hearing the notification, Sun Mo felt very happy inside. As there were many potential new students around, as long as he performed well, he’d be able to roll in with favorable impression points.

  “Teacher Sun, take a rest!”

  An Xinhui quickly spoke up, wanting to get Sun Mo to quit while he was ahead. He was now the signboard of the Central Province Academy and mustn’t have any stains on his reputation.

  “Headmaster An, you’re being oversensitive.”

  Wang Su shook his head. Having an ace like Sun Mo, they should use him more. The one who should be worried was Cao Xian. How stubborn must he be to keep going up against Sun Mo?

  Cao Xian suppressed his upset feelings, then turned his head and called out, “Teacher Fan, we’ll be troubling you.”

  A white-haired old man stood out from the group. “Teacher Sun, I’m Fan Wenbin and I specialize in the study of spirit runes. I’d like to have a spar with you!”

  An Xinhui instantly threw an aggrieved glare at Wang Su. Fan Wenbin was a 5-star great teacher, a grandmaster-level spirit rune master. With regard to this field, he was the best in the Myriad Daos Academy.

  “Alright, Headmaster Cao is really stubborn!”

  Wang Su also felt helpless. This guy was out to destroy Sun Mo’s reputation. To think that he even brought out a trump card like Fan Wenbin.

  Chapter 663: Achievement Accomplished, Jinling’s First Spirit Rune Grandmaster!

  “Teacher Fan, your opponent should be me!”

  From the Central Province Academy’s side, an old granny stepped forth.

  Her name was He Yuanjin. Although she was just a 3-star great teacher, her proficiency in the field of spirit runes was extremely high. It wouldn’t be going overboard to say that she was the best in the Central Province Academy now. However, in Fan Wenbin’s opinion, this old granny was still weak.

  “The likes of you?”

  Fan Wenbin threw a glance at He Yuanjin, not caring about her at all. As long as his opponent wasn’t that Grandmaster Zhang Tong, he’d be able to crush any number of people by himself.

  “Hmph!”

  He Yuanjin wore an unfriendly expression, bearing with the anger. She knew that she had to establish her standing through challenging Fan Wenbin.

  This was reality. You could only prove that you were the best after defeating the current champion.

  “What’s the topic?”

  Sun Mo didn’t mind.

  “Someone from Central Province, go buy a few turtles back!”

  Fan Wenbin instructed. To ensure fairness, he’d let the people from the Central Province Academy prepare such ‘materials’ themselves.

  “Where’s Teacher Zhang? Have we not managed to ask him over yet?”

  An Xinhui frowned and then turned to instruct her assistant. “Go and make a request again!”

  “Don’t waste the effort.”

  Wang Su advised. Zhang Tong was a 6-star great teacher, the most amazing person in Jinling in the study of spirit runes. Although he was also a teacher from the Central Province Academy, ever since the old headmaster failed in his attempt to strive to become a saint, Zhang Tong stopped coming to the school to teach.

  Why was that the case?

  Other people weren’t worthy of his respect!

  His original intention was to get the old headmaster to resolve some difficulties he had encountered in his cultivation.

  “We still need to give it a try!”

  An Xinhui bit her red lips.

  Fan Wenbin’s level was only below Zhang Tong. From how He Yuanjin wanted to challenge him to establish her reputation, it was clear how high a status he enjoyed.

  Sun Mo was strong, but he wasn’t strong enough to win against an old monster like him.

  There was a shop selling aquatic products on the street right outside the school. Thus, in less than ten minutes, someone came back with a basket of turtles.

  “I have studied spirit runes for several decades more than you guys. If we were to compete in analyzing spirit runes or reconstruct them, then I’d be bullying you. So, we’ll compete in the fundamentals.”

  As Fan Wenbin said this, he picked up a turtle from the basket and drew two spirit runes on the turtle’s back. “You can draw whatever spirit runes you like. We’ll then judge based on who can complete the spirit runes the fastest as well as their grades.”

  After hearing Fan Wenbin’s words, some students felt a little disappointed. “It’s so simple? That’s so boring!”

  “Simple? We’re talking about drawing spirit runes on a living creature! That’s very difficult!”

  A student who majored in the study of spirit runes immediately explained.

  Why was it that drawing spirit runes required special rune paper and ink?

  It was to ensure the construction of a spirit rune.

  Take the human body for example. The chances of failure would be extremely high if one were to draw a spirit rune onto the skin.

  Why was that the case?

  It was because there were energy channels under the skin. They were like additional channels that would cause spirit qi to gush out from the spirit runes’ lines and thereby failing to form a complete closed circle.

  Then would it mean that the chances of the spirit runes succeeding would be higher if one were to choose a part without energy channels?

  There was no problem with it. However, the spirit runes that were drawn out in this manner wouldn’t have a high grade. A true grandmaster would be able to turn the energy channels into a part of the spirit runes. Not only would this ensure ample spirit qi, but the circulation would also become smoother and more natural.

  It was even harder to draw spirit runes on a turtle shell.

  It wasn’t as fine as skin where one could easily sense the distribution of energy channels. However, it wasn’t a rock either that could be drawn easily. After all, although turtle shells had few energy channels, they still existed.

  Fan Wenbin’s topic did have a certain level of difficulty.

  He Yuanjin’s expression instantly turned solemn.

  “Come and pick your turtles.”

  Fan Wenbin showed the flair of a great teacher, allowing the two juniors to take their pick first.

  “Teacher Fan, I’ll take you up on your offer.”

  He Yuanjin didn’t stand on ceremony, reaching her hand out to pick the largest one of them all.

  “Hehe, no wonder you dare to challenge me!”

  Fan Wenbin’s brows raised. This He Yuanjin really did have some capabilities.

  The larger the turtle, the thicker their energy channels. It’d naturally be easier to draw spirit runes on them. Moreover, with the thick energy channels, there’d be ample spirit qi. The complete product would thus be of an even higher grade.

  “Teacher Sun, pick a big one!”

  He Yuanjin reminded in a soft voice.

  However, Sun Mo didn’t move. He assessed Fan Wenbin with an urge to laugh. “Teacher Fan, are you sure you want to compete in this?”

  “Why? Is Teacher Sun scared?”

  Cao Xian smiled faintly.

  “No, I just want to say that if we compete in this, you guys are sure to lose.”

  Sun Mo felt helpless.

  Fan Wenbin’s expression didn’t change and he urged Sun Mo, “Teacher Sun, you can boast after you’ve won. Please pick your turtle.”

  This junior was too arrogant. He must teach him a lesson.

  Sun Mo shrugged and picked out the smallest turtle that was only the size of his palm.

  At the sight of this scene, Fan Wenbin shook his head, instantly losing interest in him. It was because he was sure to win. The competition had already started from the point of picking turtles.

  “Spirit runes drawing, start!”

  Zhou Long lit an incense and then said, “Since everyone’s time is tight, we can’t possibly continue to wait until you guys are done drawing. Let’s just set a time limit. The competition will end after the incense finished burning.”

  Zhou Long was very smart. The reason he said this was to bet that Fan Wenbin wouldn’t be able to complete the drawing of spirit runes within the time limit. They’d be able to come to a draw then.

  Zhou Long didn’t think that Sun Mo would be able to win.

  Hearing this, Fan Wenbin threw a glance at Zhou Long in disdain. It was really impossible to speak to a person who had limited experience. Fan Wenbin then started to observe the turtle in his hand.

  At this moment, Zhou Long gasped in surprise.

  “Ahh, Teacher Sun, you……Teacher Sun”

  Zhou Long was shocked when he saw Sun Mo go straight to drawing on the shell. (Aren’t you going to take some time to observe it? Look at Fan Wenbin and He Yuanjin. Both of them are first planning before taking action!)

  “Teacher Zhou, stay calm. It’s just drawing a set of spirit runes.”

  Sun Mo felt helpless. (Your cry gave me a shock that my hand almost trembled!)

  “Haha, Headmaster Cao, we’re sure to win this round!”

  Fu Hong smiled proudly.

  However, Cao Xian didn’t feel as positive. “I heard that Sun Mo is able to draw Spirit-Gathering Runes on plant leaves.”

  “Plants and animals aren’t the same. Didn’t you see that even Zhou Long didn’t dare to attempt it? Moreover, Sun Mo is doing it so quickly. He’s sure to lose.”

  Fu Hong explained.

  “Eldest Martial Sister, what do you think?”

  Lu Zhiruo felt a little worried.

  “We’re sure to win!”

  Li Ziqi felt that Fan Wenbin was really a good guy, taking the initiative to become a stepping stone for her teacher. “After this battle, Teacher will become Jinling’s number one spirit rune grandmaster.”

  Her teacher’s Ancient Dragon Capturing Hands wasn’t just effective to humans but to animals as well. Therefore, it was easier to draw spirit runes on a turtle shell than on plants.

  To tell the truth, Sun Mo had it even easier because he had Divine Sight. He activated it outright, and all of the energy channels on the turtle’s back were revealed to him.

  Sun Mo started off with a Spirit-Gathering Rune, something that he excelled in the most. Followed by a Dragon Ball Spirit Rune? Become a Master Roshi [1]?

  Forget it, he should just change it to a Black Tortoise Spirit Rune!

  (Little Turtle, there’s an affinity between us for you to be chosen by me. After the Black Tortoise Spirit Rune is engraved onto you, you won’t ever need to fear predators for your lifetime.)

  Five minutes later, the Spirit-Gathering Rune was completed.

  Boom!

  Spirit qi gathered over, forming a tornado-shaped spiral that channeled into the turtle shell.

  The right hand of Fan Wenbin, who was focusing on drawing spirit runes, shook and he looked toward Sun Mo. If it wasn’t because he had been through a lot of great situations, the spirit rune would have been ruined from this.

  The spectators also looked over, their gazes filled with astonishment.

  This spiral represented that Sun Mo had completed a spirit rune. Moreover, the grade wasn’t low either.

  “Is he so strong?”

  Fan Wenbin took a deep breath. “Calm down! Calm down! The spirit runes I’m drawing will be of a higher grade than his. Stay calm. I can win this!”

  Fan Wenbin calmed his heart down.

  After getting experience from drawing the Spirit-Gathering Rune, Sun Mo became even more familiar when proceeding with the Black Tortoise Spirit Rune. This spirit rune was of the ancestor-level.

  It was just that the Lightning Protection Rune could be used for both attack and defense that Sun Mo rarely drew this.

  Therefore, three minutes later.

  Boom!

  Spirit qi seethed and another tornado appeared.

  “.……”

  Fan Wenbin was completely stunned as he looked at Sun Mo. If it wasn’t in consideration of maintaining his noble disposition, he’d have smashed the turtle in his hand to the ground and then broken his brush.

  “F*ck your mom! Is this Sun Mo possessed by a spirit rune ancestor?”

  Fan Wenbin’s countenance was grim.

  Cao Xian’s countenance was also very grim. At the very least, they had lost in terms of speed.

  “Teacher Fan, I told you. You guys are sure to lose if we were to compete in this.”

  Sun Mo felt helpless.

  “Haha, Teacher Sun is really amazing! I really have to admit my defeat!”

  He Yuanjin took a look at the turtle in her hand. She had only completely half of her first spirit rune. Hence, she decided to give up.

  It was really a case of the youngsters surpassing their predecessors!

  He Yuanjin sighed.

  “Teacher Fan, do you still want to continue?”

  Zhou Long held back his laughter and asked.

  Fan Wenbin’s lips twitched. Only one-third of the incense was burned. According to the rules, he could continue with the match, but he couldn’t afford to lose face.

  “It’s fine. Teacher Fan, please continue! I’ll wait!”

  Sun Mo chuckled.

  With this, Fan Wenbin couldn’t take it anymore. He smashed the brush to the floor. “Teacher Sun, please present your spirit runes!”

  Sun Mo smiled and flicked the turtle shell.

  Pa!

  The Spirit-Gathering Rune was activated and the surrounding spirit qi immediately gushed over.

  “What dense spirit qi!”

  The students gasped.

  Cao Xian’s countenance was extremely grim. If even these newbies could sense the spirit qi, it meant that Sun Mo’s Spirit-Gathering Rune was of an extremely high level.

  “My god, it’s at least level 6 or higher!”

  Fu Hong was astonished.

  “No one will think you are a mute even if you don’t speak!”

  Cao Xian reproached.

  “Second one!”

  After Sun Mo said that, he flicked the turtle shell again, channeling in spirit qi to activate the spirit rune.

  Boom!

  Spirit qi seethed, forming a huge turtle shell that protected the turtle.

  “It’s the Black Tortoise Spirit Rune!”

  Someone who knew their stuff shouted.

  “Teacher Fan, do you want to try slashing at it?”

  Sun Mo asked.

  “Let me do it!”

  Of course, Fan Wenbin would be too embarrassed to do it, but He Yuanjin wanted to try it out. Therefore, she drew her sword and slashed it into the air.

  Swoosh!

  The sharp sword qi gushed out, shooting toward the turtle shell.

  Bang!

  The turtle shell didn’t budge.

  “It’s so tough!”

  He Yuanjin was astonished. “This is at least a level 6 spirit rune!”

  Wow!

  The spectators immediately let out surprised gasps.

  Fan Wenbin’s countenance was extremely grim. With his judgment, he naturally knew of the level of Sun Mo’s spirit runes. Therefore, he felt upset, displeased, and irritated.

  He even felt a hint of envy.

  He had worked hard for several decades before he managed to reach his current level. But Sun Mo was already of a comparable level as him?

  (Have I spent all these years living like a dog? I can’t accept this!)

  Fan Wenbin’s goal had always been Zhang Tong. He had always wanted to become Jinling’s number one spirit rune grandmaster, but now, he had lost to Sun Mo even before he managed to defeat Zhang Tong.

  “This round is considered our victory, right?”

  Lu Zhiruo asked.

  “Hey, hey, you don’t hit a person in their face. Are you trying to drive that old man to his grave by saying this?”

  Li Ziqi was speechless. But this old guy wouldn’t create trouble because he was unconvinced, would he?

  [1] Reference from Dragon Ball.