Translator: Lordbluefire

  Ding!

  “Congratulations, you’ve passed the 4-stars great teacher examination and obtained the honor of being the champion. You’re rewarded with three seven-colored diamond treasure chests. Please keep up the good work!”


  Ding!

  “Congratulations, you’ve completed the legendary achievement, becoming the unprecedented four-time champion. You’re rewarded with three seven-colored diamond treasure chests!”


  Ding!

  “Congratulations, you’ve perfectly topped the ranks, continuing to shine. You’re rewarded with one mysterious treasure chest. You’ll be able to get two great teacher halos or a grandmaster-level occupation from it.”


  The system congratulated Sun Mo and gave him a series of three rewards.

  The lucky mascot was seated on Sun Mo’s left side. Upon hearing that he might be able to get two great teacher halos, he couldn’t resist and immediately touched the papaya girl’s head.

  “Open the mysterious treasure chest first!”


  Sun Mo instructed and waited quietly for the reward.

  Amidst bursting light, a book that emitted various colors flicked out.

  “Excellent! It’s a skill book!”


  Sun Mo was excited. But after seeing the name on the book, he immediately furrowed his brows so tightly that they could clamp a crab to death.

  Ding!

  “Congratulations, you’ve obtained western painting techniques, oil painting branches. Proficiency index: grandmaster-level. Please keep up the good work.”


  “Why don’t you f*cking go die?”


  Sun Mo wasn’t someone who easily scolded others, unless he couldn’t hold it in anymore. But this time around, he was really enraged.

  “System, what the hell are you up to? Even if you don’t give me two great teacher halos, you should at least give me an occupation, right? It’s fine even if it’s at the expert level. What the hell is this western painting technique?”


  Sun Mo was so angry that his lungs were going to burst.

  In the modern world, he’d be able to act cool with it, duping those young girls who didn’t know anything but admired the western culture.

  However, in the Nine Provinces, even in a big city like Jinling, there weren’t many people from the Western Empire, so what was the use of learning western painting?

  Moreover, Sun Mo’s knowledge with regard to it was limited to knowing a few well-known masterpieces like Mona Lisa, Sunflower, and Man with a Pipe.

  He had heard of the names Van Gogh, Monet, and Da Vinci, but that didn’t count as anything. Lastly, he also knew that oil paintings required human models.

  It was said that people who dabbled in western painting could openly look at naked models while creating their work.

  During his university days, Sun Mo had wanted to go to the art college next door to take a look at how those students had their classes. It was a pity that his wish was never fulfilled.

  “Please do not look down on art!”


  The system reproached him.

  Sun Mo put up a middle finger at it. (This is f*cking upsetting!)

  “Oil painting is segregated into renaissance art, baroque, neoclassical, romanticism, as well as neo-impressionism and post-impressionism. If you were to learn them one by one to the grandmaster level, how many favorable impression points would you have to spend? But now, you’ll be able to learn them all in one go. You’re getting a great deal.”


  The system said in disdain, wearing an expression as if Sun Mo was complaining despite having gotten the better bargain.

  If Sun Mo only relied on his talent, he’d never be able to reach this level.

  “What’s the use even if I were to become a Saint Artist?”


  Sun Mo was speechless. “In Europe, I might be able to get myself into the upper society with exceptional drawing skills, being able to communicate on a deeper level with those distinguished ladies. After all, this is popular amongst them. However, in the east, even looking at the small feet of a young lady in embroidered shoes is considered rude!”


  “There isn’t any useless art, only useless people!”


  The system said conclusively.

  “F*ck you!”


  Sun Mo felt upset. (If I want to flaunt, traditional Chinese painting is sufficient. Moreover, it has a deeper meaning, such as a young lady is calling out softly amidst a scene of a small flowery path with lush green and red.)

  ‘The first call, where’s my husband?’


  The eastern charm emphasized appreciating with the heart and not through words.

  “Teacher! Teacher!”


  Lu Zhiruo poked Sun Mo’s arm hard.

  “Huh?”


  Sun Mo turned his head and saw the lucky mascot covering her mouth with her small hand, reminding him softly, “Mistress is asking you a question!”


  “What did she ask?”


  Sun Mo thought to himself that this was bad. He hadn’t heard a single thing.

  Li Ziqi was smart and quick-witted. When she saw Sun Mo’s expression, she knew that he hadn’t been listening and thus reminded him softly in simple terms.

  “Mistress said that the work this year is very important—recruiting a batch of great teachers, increasing the qualifications of the school’s teachers. Mistress is asking which famous school are you planning to recruit from?”


  The power of a school depended on the number of great teachers they had.

  Sun Mo was very strong, but he was only one person. Moreover, he had to do academic research as well and couldn’t be teaching all the time. Therefore, they had to recruit some great teachers.

  “What’s your plan?”


  Sun Mo asked.

  “Although our school has managed to maintain our grade this year, the attraction of the ‘B’ grade title is still too low. I’m planning on headhunting some top students from ‘A’ grade famous schools!”


  An Xinhui threw a glance at Bai Xiqing.

  She was the only outsider here.

  “Why aren’t we headhunting high star-level great teachers?”


  After Lu Zhiruo said that, she was pinched gently by Li Ziqi.

  (Do you think the Central Province Academy is one of the Nine Greats?)

  “The expenses for headhunting high star-level great teachers are too high.”


  An Xinhui smiled bitterly.

  Right now, their school only had the darkness illusion dojo and the Greenhaze Forest.

  “Your thoughts are right. Not only is the price for headhunting them high, but they also don’t have a sense of belonging. It’s better to recruit outstanding graduates and nurture them ourselves.”


  Sun Mo nodded. Becoming one of the top schools wasn’t something easily achieved. It required planning for ten years or more.

  Thankfully, both An Xinhui and him were young and could afford to wait.

  “But if we wish to headhunt, we should headhunt the graduates from the Nine Greats!”


  Sun Mo recalled his graduation season back then. The graduates from the top-notch universities were always fought for by the various big organizations. The treatment they received was so good that it’d make others drool from envy.

  “Isn’t this a little difficult?”


  Jin Mujie felt that Sun Mo was in over his head.

  The students from Nine Greats, even if they ranked at the bottom of the cohort, would think of all methods to stay in their schools. If they couldn’t do that, they’d go to ‘A’ grade schools. As for those who went to ‘B’ grade school?

  They were all useless trash who had been eliminated, being poor competition.

  “It’s very difficult!” Mei Ziyu pouted. “I grew up in Jixia Learning Palace but had only seen an ‘A’ grade headmaster coming to recruit twice. Thereafter, they were ignored.”


  “If you didn’t have a strong heart that can withstand discrimination, then I’d advise you not to go!”


  Mei Ziyu was saying this for Sun Mo’s own good.

  “Would I be able to headhunt people if I offer them saint-tier cultivation arts?”


  Sun Mo suddenly spoke up.

  Swoosh!

  Everyone was stunned and they looked at him, shocked.

  “Teacher Sun, do you have to be so ruthless?”


  Bai Xiqing was speechless. “This is unfair competition. You’ll attract public anger.”


  “Most importantly, are your saint-tier cultivation arts easily obtained? Won’t your heart ache to give them out?”


  Gu Xiuxun interjected. She thought about it and couldn’t take it, so she quickly took a sip of chicken soup to calm down. This made her heart ache too much.

  (This is my son’s assets! Sun Mo, how can you be such a profligate?)

  Pui! Pui!

  (What the hell was I thinking?)

  Sun Mo grinned, revealing eight snow-white teeth. (You’re right. Many of my cultivation arts are free. As long as I have Immemorial Vairocana, I can get as many saint-tier cultivation arts as I want.)

  “We can’t use this method!”


  An Xinhui shook her head.

  The people from the Nine Provinces, great teachers especially, were prideful.

  An Xinhui wanted graduates who could grow with them and help build the Central Province Academy, not those who came for interests.

  “Then we can only convince them with our talents.”


  Lu Zhiruo looked at Sun Mo with admiration. “I believe that Teacher will definitely be able to do it.”


  Ding!

  “Mission released. please participate in the next 5-stars great teacher examination. The reward will be given based on your ranking!”


  Ding!

  “If you get the champion again, you’ll be given a great and astonishing reward.”


  Ding!

  “Mission released. Please head to one of the Nine Greats and recruit at least ten graduates. If the mission fails, you’ll be punished!”


  The system’s notification suddenly rang out by Sun Mo’s ears, and his face turned black.

  “Are you releasing these missions because I scolded you just now? Now you are purposely trying to disgust and make things difficult for me, huh?”


  “Am I such a petty person?” The system explained, “This is to temper and encourage you!”


  After dinner, Bai Xiqing left. The students also went to cultivate. Sun Mo, An Xinhui, Jin Mujie, and the others sat in the living room and were still discussing the school’s future development.

  “I’ve decided! I’ll go to the Nine Greats to headhunt people!”


  Sun Mo was the first to speak up and set the base for the discussion.

  Since all the school’s graduation season was in May, it’d be too late to go at this time. Everyone would have found a place to go to. Therefore, if they decided to headhunt people, they’d have to go right after the new year.

  “You can exclude the Jixia Learning Palace. It’d be a waste of time even if you were to go.”


  Mei Ziyu tried hard to persuade them.

  “Why?”


  Gu Xiuxun thought. (Aren’t you an exception?)

  “In the Nine Greats, Jixia Learning Palace has the longest history, maybe even in the entire Nine Provinces. Their Jixia Rostrum is the dream stage for countless great teachers.”


  Mei Ziyu was right about this.

  There were so many lecture theaters in the world, but the Jixia Rostrum was the stage with the greatest standards and the biggest size.

  “Great teachers will need to be at least 3-stars to listen to the Jixia Lectures. However, the students of Jixia Learning Palace can enter the Jixia Rostrum as volunteers, working while listening.”


  Mei Ziyu threw a glance at Gu Xiuxun. “If you were them, would you be willing to give up on this chance?”


  “I wouldn’t!”


  Gu Xiuxun spurted out.

  The Jixia Lectures had a long reputation, and Gu Xiuxun had wanted to experience it for herself long ago. However, she didn’t have the right to do so.

  “Our Jixia Learning Palace has the greatest library in the whole Nine Provinces, as well as the most number of great teacher exchanges. There, your horizon will be broadened limitlessly!”


  Why was Mei Ziyu so knowledgeable?

  It was because she had seen a lot of things!

  In the great teacher world, any important academic publication would be done in the Jixia Learning Palace.

  In terms of connections, no one would dare to claim to be the first if Jixia Learning Palace were to claim to be second.

  This place was comparable to standing at the forefront of academics, and any information could be obtained at the very first instant.

  In this era where communication was inconvenient, it’d probably take a year before some secluded regions were to receive the latest academic reports.

  After saying this, Mei Ziyu looked toward Sun Mo and let out a sigh.

  If he was willing to join the Jixia Learning Palace, given the Mei Clan’s influence, they’d be able to maneuver things a little and allow his reputation to reach an unprecedented height.

  If that was the case, would someone like Jiang Zhitong dare to look for trouble?

  He wouldn’t even if he had the guts of a dragon.

  It was like how there were so many famous prostitutes along the Qinhuai River, but the top courtesan was backed up by rich people. All great teachers wanted to become famous as soon as possible, but they’d require those influential great teacher clans to help them out.

  As for why the great teacher clans didn’t go into decline even after a thousand years?

  Other than nurturing their outstanding descendants, they’d also keep on taking in geniuses from the commoners. What if the other party was too proud and refused them?

  They could only apply pressure on them.

  After all, there were limited resources in the great teacher world. No one would be willing to see the uprise of an additional influential clan who’d fight with others for resources. If Sun Mo wasn’t An Xinhui’s fiancé, he’d have gotten countless offers.

  “Since we’re headhunting people, we should be fiercer about it. How about the Skyraise Academy?”


  Murong Mingyue proposed.

  The others didn’t say anything. Gu Xiuxun had a forthright character and put out a thumb.

  She wasn’t praising Murong Mingyue. There was a hint of mockery to her action.

  (Please… The Skyraise Academy is recognized as the number one famous school in the Nine Provinces. You’re going to ask their graduates to leave the number one famous school and join a ‘B’ grade famous school?)

  (It’s impossible even if the person has lost their mind.)

  Some of their graduates wouldn’t be able to become full-time teachers even after a few years. Hence, they could only be teaching assistants without the chance to teach a class. But even then, they were unwilling to leave.

  As the greatest school, their graduates naturally viewed themselves with high status. They’d either teach in their school or choose not to be great teachers. They wouldn’t pick a different path.

  “The Skyraise Academy won’t do.”


  Sun Mo shook his head.

  What a joke. This was the famous school that he least wished to go up against. It was because he had the Grand Universe Formless Divine Art.

  This was the Skyraise Academy’s ultimate divine art.

  Although there wasn’t any problem with where the cultivation art came from, the people from the Skyraise Academy wouldn’t care about such things. If they were to fall out with each other, it’d be too troublesome.

  “Then maybe we should pick the Heavenly Mystery Academy?”


  Mei Ziyu looked toward An Xinhui.

  The Dragon Subduing Academy wouldn’t work either. The famous schools in the Central Plains couldn’t afford to have barbarian teachers in their schools. It’d be fine to recruit ten or so of them, but if there were several tens or over a hundred of them, the school’s reputation would be affected.

  Moreover, the Dragon Subduing Academy’s graduates would generally not leave the plains.

  “This won’t do!”


  An Xinhui rejected this idea.

  “Sister An, it can’t be that you feel embarrassed to be making a move on your alma mater, right?”


  Gu Xiuxun teased.

  “No!”


  An Xinhui explained, “The Heavenly Mystery Academy’s graduates place all of their minds onto deriving the heavens’ mysteries, as well as studying the constellations and certain mysterious studies. They might be good in academics, but teaching? That’d be too impractical.”


  The Heavenly Mystery Academy’s graduates were all either advocates for the School of Diplomacy[1] or fortune-tellers who liked to look for trouble or pretend to be mysterious. They liked to indulge in loud and empty talk, talking about anything and everything under the sun. Their speech capabilities were a lot better than their true capabilities.

  In the course of history, many factions amongst the commoners such as the Yellow Turbans and the White Lotus were all founded by students from the Heavenly Mystery Academy.

  An Xinhui didn’t wish to see the Central Province Academy eventually becoming a place for the various sects to establish their grounds.

  “Uhh!”


  Gu Xiuxun was stunned. (Isn’t it bad to be talking about your alma mater like this?)

  “If it wasn’t because of my grandfather’s opinion, I don’t think I would have gone to this famous school.”


  An Xinhui divulged and then let out a helpless sigh. “I’m actually not interested in those profound studies.”


  “Huh?”


  Gu Xiuxun was speechless. “You don’t like them, yet you were still able to become the most outstanding graduate in the Heavenly Mystery Academy’s past century. You were even able to become the top three of your generation. Wouldn’t you have shown heaven-defying results if you were to go to a school that you like?”


  “What rubbish are you spouting?”


  An Xinhui rolled her eyes at Gu Xiuxun.

  “Oh right, given your qualifications, you shouldn’t have learned the Armillary Sphere Chart, right?”


  Mei Ziyu felt curious.

  It was the Heavenly Mystery Academy’s ultimate divine art. Rumor had it that this cultivation art was extremely mysterious and unfathomable. After one achieved success in learning it, they’d be able to speak to heaven and earth, communicating with the gods and the ghosts.

  “The headmaster has shown it to me before, but I rejected him to avert suspicion.”


  An Xinhui smiled bitterly. “After all, my grandfather is the Central Province Academy’s headmaster, and I feel that our Great Dreams Heart Sutra isn’t bad either!”


  “.……”


  Gu Xiuxun’s red lips moved, feeling like scolding. (Damn these second-generation teachers. They really have a strong background. If someone were to show me a peerless-grade saint-tier cultivation art, I’d definitely call them daddy!)

  (Hmm? If that’s the case, I should have called Sun Mo ‘daddy’ multiple times.)

  Gu Xiuxun couldn’t help but throw a glance at Sun Mo.

  (Hmm? Thinking of it like this, it feels quite good!)

  “Half of the knowledge imparted by southeast Haizhou’s Neptune Palace is related to the ocean. An inland country like us almost has no use for it.”


  Mei Ziyu counted with her finger and analyzed the situation.

  “Yue Province’s Myriad Spirits Academy specializes in bug masters, gu-bugs, curses, and the likes. Moreover, they are all from minority tribes and aren’t liked by people from the Central Plains. Therefore, this famous school can be skipped too.”


  “Then there’s the Westshore Military School and Black-White Academy left!”


  Jin Mujie took a sip of water and said, “In terms of fighting, Western Xia’s Westshore Military School might be the cream of the crop, but in terms of teaching, they are weaker.”


  Western Xia was a poor place. The things learned by people from this place were killing techniques and battle formations. They were very valiant and would draw their blades at each other when they couldn’t come to an agreement.

  An Xinhui’s goal was definitely to build the Central Province Academy into an educating holy ground that produced great teachers and saints, not all sorts of combat fanatics and murderers.

  “Then we can only pick the Black-White Academy!”


  Gu Xiuxun’s lips twitched.

  Amongst the Nine Greats, the Black-White Academy’s reputation was mediocre. What they were most well-known for should be that black and white chessboard in their school.

  It was also known as the Black-White Star Disk. They said that its chess pieces were like stars, and with them, one could have a match against the heavens!

  “I have quite a good impression of the Black-White Academy. Look at Secondary Saint Shi and Great Teacher Tong. They are both humble and courteous gentlemen!”


  Jin Mujie praised.

  “When harvesting wool, we can’t just harvest from a single sheep!”


  Gu Xiuxun was speechless. “I reckon that we’d be beaten and thrown out before we’ve entered the Black-White Academy’s doors.”


  (Do you know how great the feud is to headhunt away a secondary saint? It is more serious than to have slept with someone else’s wife!)

  “The Black-White Academy it is!”


  Sun Mo decided.

  Due to Secondary Saint Shi and Tong Xugao, Sun Mo’s impression of this school wasn’t bad.

  Moreover, he also wanted to check out the Black-White Star Disk.

  “Sun Mo, when you go, remember to bring me along!”


  Gu Xiuxun wanted to go too. “Given your reputation, you should be able to have a chance to access the Black-White Star Disk. I heard that this famous school’s first headmaster had once won against the heavens by half a point!”


  “Then we’ll need to set off after the new year!”


  An Xinhui calculated the time.

  The Black-White Academy was far in the northeast Serene Province, situated between white mountains and black waters. It was said that the place was covered in snow, having rich resources, countless wild games, and famous relics. It was a good place to travel to.

  “Don’t be thinking about those things! Let’s think about how to have a good year first!”


  Sun Mo stretched his body.

  Having obtained the 4-stars great teacher title, he could finally take a rest from his busy career. Moreover, his disciples had performed quite well, especially Li Ziqi who had an exemplary performance.

  Right now, he was considered to have obtained a small achievement. He had the right to indulge for once!

  Hence, after returning to Jinling, he’d first go visit all the brothels along Qinhuai River, living the life of a celestial where he’d spend money without any restraint and enjoy soft and fragrant embraces.

  [1] https://en���…wikipedia.org/wiki/School_of_Diplomacy

  Chapter 1094: Laying Cards On the Table, I’m A Multi-Millionaire!

  Translator: Lordbluefire

  After returning to Jinling, Sun Mo didn’t give lectures but went on leave instead.

  With money, spare time, and a good reputation, this was the most relaxing time for him since he came to the Nine Provinces. Therefore, he decided to relax.

  “How much money do I have now?”

  After having breakfast, Sun Mo looked at the money pouch the maid Dong He had brought over and couldn’t help but ask.

  Going to Qinhuai to lead a leisurely life while listening to famous prostitutes’ songs would definitely be expensive. This bit of money was probably not enough.

  “Young Master, the accounts are managed by the princess.”

  Dong He reported in a soft voice.

  As Sun Mo’s personal disciple, it was Li Ziqi’s duty not only to make his bed but also to take care of him when he got old and eventually mourn for his death.

  Therefore, Dong He felt that there wasn’t any problem at all for the little sunny egg to take care of Sun Mo’s money.

  “Oh!”

  Sun Mo turned and went upstairs. He planned on heading to the Wind King Hall and asked the little sunny egg about his current savings.

  There should be quite a lot, right?

  Sun Mo had opened the six treasure chests he had obtained a few days ago. The lucky mascot’s great luck was still around, so his rewards were quite good.

  The first reward was one Dry Origin Pill, peerless grade!

  After taking this alchemical pill, a Longevity Realm cultivator could immediately level up once.

  Right now, Sun Mo was at the peak of the second level of the Longevity Realm. He planned on advancing by one level first before taking the alchemical pill. Otherwise, it’d be a waste.

  The second reward was one [Godly Myriad Corpse Poison Manual].

  It listed the recipes of rare and top-notch poisons that weren’t easy to refine. They would be able to kill without leaving any traces.

  After learning it, Sun Mo then used Soul Imprint to hit this knowledge into Li Ziqi and Tantai Yutang’s minds. He then let them be.

  Anyway, Sun Mo wouldn’t study poison.

  The reason he didn’t teach the others was because he didn’t wish to distract them from their studies. After all, other than Li Ziqi, none of them would be able to master it immediately.

  Moreover, they didn’t like the study of poison either.

  The third reward was an ancient spiritual control incantation.

  According to the system’s introduction, this incantation came from a mysterious ancient tribe. After chanting it, one would be able to summon a tribe guardian beast.

  However, Sun Mo didn’t try it.

  Right now, he held an extremely high level of distrust toward the system. In addition to him having summoned that drunken crane the other time, making it unpleasant for both sides, Sun Mo would choose not to use spiritual control techniques whenever possible.

  The fourth reward was a [Basic Archaeology Encyclopedia].

  The contents on it included fundamental archeology operations, some means of excavating relics and tombs, as well as the outlines of some secret ruins.

  Sun Mo read it as if it was a tomb-raiding novel. After all, he’d probably not have any chance in this lifetime to perform archeology or to excavate tombs.

  The fifth reward was a skill book titled [Weapon Identification Manual].

  Upon learning it, one could discern weapons, having a similar effect as being able to understand music after having performed over 1,000 pieces of music, and being able to discern swords after having observed over 1,000 treasured swords.

  At the very least, after Sun Mo was done reading it, he could explain a lot about a particular blade or sword.

  Of course, with this, Sun Mo was equipped with the ability to pick up loots.

  Take for example some famous swords and blades from ancient times. Although they were already rusty and battered, no longer having any more practical value, it was still good to keep them as collections.

  The sixth reward was a [A First Look at Music Theory], elementary level.

  After Sun Mo learned it, he smashed three ten-year time emblems and raised the proficiency index to the grandmaster level. Right now, Sun Mo could use a guzheng or pipa to perform some simple pieces.

  To speak the truth, after coming to the Nine Provinces, one thing Sun Mo was very upset about was the lack of modern music to listen to.

  There was no electronic music or classical music.

  But now, Sun Mo could use the pipa and perform all sorts of rhythmic music pieces. It was just that the feeling was a little different.

  “Should I use a voice-retention stone to record a killing piece? When I fight in the future, I can arrange for my disciples to play it by the side. I’d be able to remain undefeated then.”

  Sun Mo thought about this and planned on enjoying a ‘no one can defeat me in my BGM’ sure-win melody

  “Teacher, what are you smiling about? It feels a little disgusting!”

  Tantai Yutang teased.

  “Scram!”

  Sun Mo scolded while laughing.

  Amongst his disciples, the only ones who would dare joke with Sun Mo were only the sickly guy and Qin Yaoguang. The others were all good kids.

  The kind who’d be able to win a lot of awards for being good students.

  “How’s your condition recently?”

  Sun Mo reached out his hand and checked the sickly guy’s body.

  “Thanks to Teacher, I’m already a lot better.”

  After saying that, Tantai Yutang knelt on the floor and kowtowed to Sun Mo.

  It was Sun Mo who had given him the chance to continue smiling under the sun.

  Tantai Yutang wasn’t sure if he’d be able to live a few decades, but his lifespan had been extended by at least ten years.

  “Then enjoy your life!”

  Sun Mo encouraged him.

  After Sun Mo had engulfed that god skeleton, his blood had a miraculous effect. After saving Bai Wenzhang, he tried giving Tantai Yutang a blood transfusion and didn’t expect the results to be quite good.

  His disciples were all working hard, not daring to slack off.

  In the past, even though they admired Li Ziqi’s intelligence, she wasn’t good at fighting and thus they did underestimate her a little. This was especially so for Xuanyuan Po. He rarely called her eldest martial sister.

  But after Li Ziqi summoned the Wind King, everyone was stunned.

  This was the power of extreme wisdom!

  Everyone didn’t wish to be lagging behind Li Ziqi and thus put in even more effort.

  “Teacher, you’re here!”

  When Li Ziqi saw Sun Mo, she immediately got up and welcomed him.

  “Why don’t I see Qi Shengjia?”

  Sun Mo had looked at all the halls but hadn’t seen the honest guy.

  “Student Qi seems to be in a love relationship!”

  Li Ziqi paid a lot of attention to this honest guy who wasn’t Sun Mo’s disciple, yet had the chance to cultivate in the Wind King Hall, enjoying the nourishment from multiple folds of spirit qi.

  “What?”

  Sun Mo was stunned.

  It wasn’t that he looked down on Qi Shengjia, but this guy’s looks were really bad!

  To think that he had gotten into a relationship?

  (Damn it! I hadn’t even been in a relationship when I was in university!)

  “A junior confessed to Student Qi!”

  Li Ziqi continued to expose him, almost driving Sun Mo to his death.

  “It was the girl who wooed him?”

  Sun Mo frowned.

  He had decided. He was going to “add side dishes” for the honest guy, getting him to train for three more hours every day.

  Li Ziqi noticed Sun Mo’s expression and felt a little stunned.

  (You’re feeling jealous? But why? You’re the dream lover of all the girls in the school. If it isn’t because a teacher-student love relationship is a great taboo, I’m very sure that there’d be two-digit or more girls secretly writing love letters to you.)

  “Let’s not mention that spirit-dampening guy.”

  There was no legal age for marriage in the Nine Provinces. Therefore, getting into a relationship at a young age wasn’t an issue here. Even if Sun Mo wanted to preach, he had no reason to justify his actions.

  “Ziqi, how much money do I have now?”

  “What?”

  Li Ziqi blinked.

  “Uhh!”

  Sun Mo was stumped. He couldn’t possibly say ‘Give me some silver notes. I’m going to spend nights at Qinhuai, watching famous prostitutes sing songs and have a good time with the ladies.’

  “To buy a house.”

  Sun Mo thought of an excuse.

  (This is very reasonable! I’m giving a like to my quick-wittedness!)

  “Huh?” Li Ziqi was perplexed. “Why do you need to buy a house?”

  The Central Province Academy was An Xinhui’s private property. As her fiancé, Sun Mo was naturally also the owner of this famous school.

  The villas here had a nice and quiet environment, with a comfortable set-up. Sun Mo could live in different villas each day!

  If he were to go to the countryside, there was also a massive royal manor to reside in.

  “You don’t understand. Having a premises permit with one’s own name on it is the dream for every man!”

  Sun Mo sighed.

  In the modern world, property prices shot up very quickly and if a poor person like him didn’t rely on their parents, they wouldn’t be able to afford one. However, right now……

  (I’m going to buy a house! Buy a villa!)

  “Approximately, how much does the best house in Jinling cost?”

  Sun Mo suddenly felt very curious.

  “Five million silver taels. But for such properties, you won’t be able to buy them even if you have money.”

  Li Ziqi thought to herself, (It’s my aunt’s house.)

  “Over a billion?”

  Sun Mo was shocked.

  The value of silver was more stable in the Great Tang. 1 silver tael could be converted to slightly over 300 renminbi. If he went by that conversion, the most expensive house would cost over a billion RMB.

  Hold on, this didn’t seem too expensive when compared to a siheyuan [1]?

  But not having the right to buy it was the most upsetting thing.

  “Teacher, if you wish to buy a property, should I get someone to find it for you?”

  Li Ziqi had decided to think of a way to find the best manor for her teacher.

  This was how precious land was, being on the first-come-first-serve basis. They’d only be freed up if those extremely rich people were to commit wrongdoings and had their possessions confiscated.

  However, those who could accumulate such massive wealth would probably have dealt with improper activities. As long as one was willing to investigate things, they’d be able to find something.

  (Sigh! For Teacher’s sake, don’t blame me for being ruthless! You can only blame that Teacher needs your manor!)

  “There’s no need to go to such trouble. Let’s just check out the properties directly!”

  Sun Mo was seized by a whim. He wondered if there were any young female salespeople selling properties while wearing professional clothing in Jinling. He was looking forward to the experience. “Oh right, how much money do I have?”

  “Ignoring the smaller denominations, you have 3.12 million taels!”

  As the little housekeeper, Li Ziqi knew about Sun Mo’s money very well.

  “Huh? A billion?”

  Sun Mo was agitated. (It’s said that the most beautiful Yangzhou thin horses[2] cost only several thousand silver taels. How many of those can I buy?)

  (Pui! Pui! I’m a great teacher! How can I have such vile thoughts? But I really want some! After all, they are legal!)

  “Your first huge income came from what was found at the Daoist temple after having gotten rid of Daoist White Bird, as well as a ‘monetary gift’ sent over after Old Master Zheng had confiscated Prince Li’s manor. However, a part of it has been given to the school, as salary as well as to the farmers who bring over vegetables and food, and rely on the school for a living.”

  Li Ziqi introduced, “After the giant medicine packets and the spring water beauty medicine packets started being put up on sale, their sales gradually became the bulk of your income.”

  “To think that I would rely on selling medicine packets and earning dead people’s money to become rich?”

  Sun Mo was surprised.

  (Aren’t I too weak as a 4-stars great teacher? Where’s the agreed rich remuneration? Other 4-stars great teachers are eating meat, but why am I eating vegetables?)

  “Your reputation has surged tremendously and the school has also risen to ‘B’ grade. The number of students enrolling in the school will definitely increase tremendously. Out of which, those who came from wealthy families should contribute a big sum of school fee.”

  Li Ziqi explained.

  The children who came from both poor and rich families paid the same amount of school fees. However, if some children couldn’t get into the school through their capabilities, they could pay for a ticket to get into the school.

  In the past, the Central Province Academy almost had to be removed of its title as a famous school and would naturally not be able to get this amount of money. However, this year, things would be different. With just Sun Mo’s identities as a saint candidate, as well as the number one spirit runist in the Nine Provinces, they’d be able to attract a lot of new students.

  “Haiz, I’m not going to think so much! Come, let’s go and buy a house!”

  Sun Mo said with great valor.

  (I’m a multi-millionaire. It’d be nothing to buy a house that cost several ten million.)

  [1] A siheyuan is a historical type of residence that was commonly found throughout China, most famously in Beijing and rural Shanxi.

  [2] Thin horses is a term used during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, referring to beautiful, young girls who had been trained. They are usually more culturally literate, proficient in sophistication and human relationships, and can treat others well. However, they are commodities…… They have lost their freedom, and their fate is in the hands of others.

  Chapter 1095: Teacher Sun, I Wish To Join Your Great Teacher Circle!

  Sun Mo toured the streets, but he didn’t buy any luxurious residence.

  He still felt reluctant to spend so extravagantly and waste money!

  After all, he was very comfortable in his current villa. It was also very convenient for him to teach classes, rest, and even head to the Wind King Divine Hall and Greenhaze Forest.

  Besides, rich people would only purchase more houses to keep their mistresses. Sun Mo was someone single, and he didn’t have such needs.

  A busy winter vacation ended just like that.

  Sun Mo had planned to rest, but he had to teach his students every day. Some of the great teachers in his school also didn’t return home during the holidays. Rather, they stayed in school to further their own learning.

  If everyone had a problem, they would come and consult Sun Mo.

  Although he hadn’t reached the stage where everyone felt a deep reverence for him, whenever everyone sincerely visited and consulted him, Sun Mo also felt embarrassed to reject them.

  Even if he just spent an hour interacting with everyone, there were simply too many great teachers who chose to stay behind, and they took up a large amount of Sun Mo’s time.

  Naturally, the benefit was that he could obtain a large number of favorable impression points.

  This could also prove that his reputation as a saint candidate was well deserved.

  After the new year, many wealthy merchants, nobles, and high officials in Jinling came to the Central Province Academy to visit An Xinhui and Sun Mo under the pretext of wishing them a happy new year.

  Naturally, their target was Sun Mo, but An Xinhui was after all the headmaster and Sun Mo’s fiance. If they didn’t mention her name, their purposes would be too clear.

  These people from the upper society of Jinling not only wished to see the extremely popular rising star, but they also wanted him to accept their children as his personal students.

  These large clans didn’t lack money and had lived comfortably for many generations. Hence, they had many offspring.

  If one of their children could enter Sun Mo’s tutelage, it would be a relatively good investment.

  Hence, they prepared ample and generous payment.

  The payment wasn’t a strip of waxed meat, or a chicken and a flask of wine. Rather, it was property deeds, land deeds, fields, etc.

  (What? You are reluctant to pay? Then why do you even want your children to take Sun Mo as a teacher?)

  Even those with expensive gifts were filled with trepidation as they were deeply afraid that Sun Mo wouldn’t accept their children.

  The truth proved that Sun Mo truly had no regard for such things in his eyes.

  Let alone Sun Mo, even An Xinhui didn’t accept a single one.

  “This fellow truly doesn’t know the ways of the world!”

  After the prefectural magistrate of Jinling got rejected, he immediately started to grumble and left the school.

  In the great teacher world, there was a hidden rule. Usually, the great teachers would judge a student’s potential when recruiting a personal student, but they would still recruit some personal students of poorer potential but had powerful family backgrounds.

  The great teachers needed money for research, learning, and touring the Nine Provinces, but they didn’t do business. So, how did they get the money?

  They naturally obtained the money from the parents of these students.

  And the parents of the students could ‘use’ the fame of the great teacher as well. After all, regardless of the eras, graduates from certain famous schools and the personal students of certain great teachers would easily earn face for their respective clans.

  However, Sun Mo didn’t act according to logic. He didn’t accept any students.

  Many people were standing here, and they were all waiting to pay a visit to Sun Mo. But after the prefectural magistrate finished speaking, he discovered that no one agreed with him. Even for the two unlucky others, who had also been rejected, although they had a look of anger and resentment on their faces, they didn’t grumble at all.

  “Oh no!”

  Since this man could become the prefectural magistrate of Jinling, he naturally wasn’t a fool. He immediately realized what was going on.

  He had said something wrong.

  Sun Mo’s current prestige had reached the point where no one would dare to speak ill of him in public places.

  Pak!

  The prefectural magistrate lifted his hand and slapped his son who was beside him.

  “You are trash. You better study well after we return and improve yourself. If you still fail to enter Great Teacher Sun’s tutelage next year, I will expel you from the family. No, I will directly beat you to death!”

  The magistrate scolded.

  He had to say something to try and save the situation caused by his earlier words.

  “Ah?”

  The youth had a dumbstruck look on his face. After that, he started crying. “Father, you should just beat me to death now. Even the eldest personal student of Great Teacher Sun can become my teacher. How would I ever be qualified to be his personal student?”

  The number of high officials who got rejected grew gradually.

  This was especially so when the holidays were nearing their end. They continued to increase in batches.

  This was because Sun Mo’s outstanding performance in the 4-stars great teacher examination had spread far and wide. This was especially so for the sentence he had used to reply to the Ancient Wind King. It was simply amazing.

  “Our journey is the great ocean of stars!”

  It was unknown how many young great teachers felt their hearts stirring. This also caused many people, who were initially discouraged, to feel their spirits surging once more. It reignited their will to explore their own ocean and pursue their own stars!

  When spring came, the content of the 5-stars great teacher examination was announced by the Saint Gate.

  Every 4-stars great teacher had to first hunt 10 dark great teachers. After that, the number of their great teacher halos had to be verified, and they had to undertake a test to prove their grandmaster-level expertise of a secondary occupation. After passing, they would then become 5-stars great teachers.

  This exam would take around three years.

  Those who knew some secrets understood that the Saint Gate and the Dark Dawn were clashing openly, wanting to suppress each other.

  Another month had passed. Sun Mo made his preparations and was ready for a journey.

  “Teacher, bring me along!”

  Qin Yaoguang tugged on Sun Mo’s arm and was acting coquettishly as she wept.

  Ying Baiwu also had a look of resentment on her face because she couldn’t go.

  “No way. You guys should stay here and work hard. I’ll check on your homework once I’m back.”

  Sun Mo rejected.

  “In that case, why can my two other senior martial sisters go?” Qin Yaoguang was unconvinced. “I can understand because Ziqi has to be your assistant. But what about Senior Martial Sister Zhiruo?”

  Qin Yaoguang mentally mused that Lu Zhiruo was a fool. What could she do?

  (Even when it comes to serving tea and waiting on people, her actions are not as nimble as mine.)

  “Don’t act willfully and make a scene!”

  Sun Mo put on a stern expression. (The papaya girl is my lucky mascot, but can I even tell you this?)

  With regard to the students, Sun Mo could still use his status to suppress them. But as for An Xinhui and the others, he couldn’t do the same.

  Mei Ziyu, Gu Xiuxun, Murong Mingyue, and Jin Mujie—they all wanted to go!

  “If you guys all go, what about your official duties at school?”

  Sun Mo frowned.

  “I will get Teacher Yue to take over. Also, with Secondary Saint Shi here, we don’t need to worry!”

  This trip to headhunt prospective talents would be filled with difficulties. As the headmaster, how could An Xinhui hide in the school and reap what she had not sown? Moreover, she also wanted to prove herself.

  If not, if this continued, she would be nothing but a flower vase in the heart of her childhood sweetheart.

  On a sunny afternoon, the group set off. After that, Sun Mo discovered to his shock that the Yin Aura was excessively heavy in this group.

  Other than him, there were no other males at all!

  A moment later, Sun Mo felt awkward.

  (If it wasn’t for you guys traveling so slowly, I would have long since reached Liaojing and experienced the nightlife there.)

  Sun Mo wanted to leave first using Little Silver, but things would be too awkward.

  “Why are you in such a hurry? It’s merely a ten-day journey!”

  Gu Xiuxun’s lips twitched. She wanted to slowly enjoy the journey and take in all the sights along the way.

  The group first took a ship that was heading to Gourd Island. After they reached it, they had to ride on horses along the northern ocean’s shoreline before they could reach Liaojing.

  The masochist had done her research. There were several fun places on the way there!

  “Yeah, you have been so busy for such a long time. You should take this chance and have a good rest.”

  Mei Ziyu felt heartache for Sun Mo.

  An Xinhui truly treated him like a beast of burden.

  One could say that the reason the Central Province Academy could reach this level was all due to Sun Mo.

  Jin Mujie covered her mouth and smiled secretly as she looked at these people.

  Sun Mo was a strapping young lad of 20 plus years old. There were so many beautiful great teachers here, but he could only watch and couldn’t eat them. How unbearable must that be?

  (It’s so rare to see someone like Sun Mo who is so clean-living and honest! It’s a pity that I’m too old, or I might have tried to woo him.)

  If Sun Mo heard Jin Mujie’s silent musings, he would surely reply like this…

  (I don’t mind even if you are older. Come at me!)

  Truthfully speaking, Jin Mujie who exuded the charm of a mature woman was the one who possessed the ‘greatest’ killing prowess among these women.

  After all, she was truly too huge.

  On the deck of the ship, the sounds of laughter could be heard. This seemingly caused the footsteps of time to slow down as though it was afraid to disturb the tranquility of the moment.

  During the night, the moon was high up in the sky, casting its pale white light down.

  Sun Mo was clad in a set of long robes. He stood at the head of the ship with his hands behind his back, allowing the feeling of the cool night wind to blow across his face.

  He felt that right now, he was like an immortal.

  “It’s a pity we don’t have a mobile phone or we could have taken a lot of selfies.”

  Sun Mo found this very regretful.

  Afterward, he felt like reciting a poem to express his mood. But after thinking hard for a long time, there were only Li Duwang’s poems in his mind. He decided not to recite them as it would only defile the beautiful scene here.

  (Why don’t I just copy one?)

  “Teacher Sun!”

  A light shout interrupted Sun Mo’s thoughts.

  “Teacher Jin!” Sun Mo smiled. “You are not playing mahjong anymore?”

  “Nope, that two disciples of yours are monsters, they already won a year’s worth of salary from us.”

  Jin Mujie sighed.

  The days on the ship were filled with boredom. This was why everyone wanted to play cards to while the time away. However, Sun Mo didn’t know how to play and didn’t find them fun either. Hence, he ‘invented’ mahjong.

  You don’t say, but this game depended on luck and calculation. It was much more interesting compared to the card game they were playing.

  When the few female great teachers tried it, they immediately fell in love with it. Hence, they kept playing.

  Li Ziqi was as expected of someone with Retentive Memory. That, in addition to her outstanding calculation abilities, her number of victories far exceeded the others in just a mere half a day.

  Naturally, this had something to do with the fact that everyone felt embarrassed to win Sun Mo’s student’s money.

  It was one thing that Li Ziqi was strong. This could be considered as her being talented. But as for Lu Zhiruo, her luck was so strong that it was terrifying. Either she didn’t win or she would win a big one that squeezed everyone dry of their chips!

  The money the little sunny egg earned after a hard day of effort was lost to the papaya girl in a round of mahjong after dinner.

  “Hehe!”

  Sun Mo also played a few rounds with his students before quitting.

  There was no solution because he simply couldn’t win.

  He played just for fun and didn’t want to waste his brainpower in calculation. But he couldn’t win if he didn’t calculate. Hence, he could only give up.

  Jin Mujie no longer spoke. Her arms rested on the railings as she stared at the scenery in the distance.

  Sun Mo also fell silent.

  “Why are you in a daze? Quickly go and flirt with her?”

  The system was speechless. “Someone like you will simply drive the Cupid mad. The chance is already here, but you are useless!”

  “Teacher Sun, I dispersed my great teacher circle!”

  Jin Mujie suddenly spoke.

  “Why?” Sun Mo was astonished. “Did you lack money?”

  That shouldn’t be the case. Given the income of 4-stars great teachers, it wouldn’t be a problem to support an ordinary great teacher circle.

  Jin Mujie was a little depressed and frustrated. (What thought process is this? I really have no way to continue the conversation! Shouldn’t you be very happy and warmly invite me to join your great teacher circle instead? Forget it! I’ll just ask!)

  Hence, Jin Mujie turned her head and looked at Sun Mo. “Teacher Sun, I wish to join your great teacher circle!”

  Huh?”

  Sun Mo was stunned.

  (Great teacher circle?)

  (Do I have one?)