He was charging for this too?
A wave of disappointment washed over the trainees. Getting something for nothing was humanity's ultimate pleasure, and Yuanshi Tianzun had just robbed them of it.
"Crucial intelligence must be purchased, and vital knowledge must be paid for. That is entirely fair," the old dean chuckled. "Everyone, out there, no matter how much money you possess, you might never buy intel regarding these unsolved enigmas."
Deacons generally commanded an annual salary of over one million yuan. By taking side gigs, skimming a little off the top, and selling crafting materials, clearing ten million a year was not difficult.
Therefore, tuition of one million was well within everyone's means.
Upon securing the trainees' agreement, the old dean immediately fetched paper and pen to draft a promissory note.
The knowledge-hungry old man capped the pen and was the first to press his thumbprint.
He then handed the document to the class monitor to pass along so the other trainees could add their thumbprints.
Before long, the paper was covered in thumbprints and delivered into Zhang Yuanqing's hands.
Twenty-two million secured. His pockets were suddenly flush with cash... Zhang Yuanqing stared at the note, his mood soaring.
Ever since he forged a divine weapon at Wanbao House, his stash of useless items had been almost entirely cleaned out. Without selling items and materials, Zhang Yuanqing had realized that making money was genuinely damn hard.
This also explained why most spirit realm walkers, especially wild walkers, were universally strapped for cash. Unless they were on the brink of starvation, very few would ever choose to sell their items.
In comparison, Scholars and Musicians had it easiest.
The former possessed technical skills and knowledge to take freelance gigs, while the latter could earn a fortune by performing for a living.
Conversely, some combat-oriented classes, bound by the restrictions of Morality Points, lacked steady means of generating revenue.
Satisfied, he folded the note and slipped it into his pocket.
"Alright, thank you all for your support." Zhang Yuanqing stood up from his seat, walked onto the lecture platform, and glanced at Dean Li Yanxi.
The white-haired dean blinked in surprise, then silently rose and stepped to the side.
Zhang Yuanqing smoothly took his seat and looked down at the trainees, whose eyes burned with anticipation. He began:
"According to analyses by overseas spirit realm scholars, the Third District corresponds to Norse mythology. There are two pieces of evidence supporting this claim. First, overseas spirit realm walkers have gathered a small number of class items that do not belong to the First or Second Districts.
"After deciphering their item attributes, they found these items correspond to certain deities in Norse mythology.
"Second, the conclusion of Norse mythology: Ragnarok.
"In the lore of Ragnarok, all the gods perish as they slaughter one another, casting the mythos into great desolation to await the dawn of the next cycle. The Third District is awaiting its opening."
*So the Third District corresponds to Norse mythology. Since there are item attributes supporting this claim, it's almost certainly correct...* Xiahou Aotian and the others nodded repeatedly.
"That's too far-fetched!" Zhao Feiwen suddenly spoke up, drawing everyone's eyes. He said, "The Third District might correspond to Norse mythology, but on what grounds do you claim that the reason it hasn't opened is Ragnarok? Whether Ragnarok actually occurred remains to be verified."
Hearing this, the trainees fell into thought and turned their eyes toward the dean, hoping to hear his opinion.
Li Yanxi voiced no opinion, seemingly waiting for Yuanshi Tianzun to continue.
"Ragnarok truly happened, because mythologies across the globe record similar cataclysms; it is not unique to Norse myth." Confronted with skepticism, Zhang Yuanqing replied in an even tone, "We all know that myth and legend are another chronicle of spirit realm walkers. Have you ever considered why every major mythology contains records of an apocalypse? Is that merely a coincidence?"
Zhao Feiwen frowned. As a Scholar, he acknowledged the merits of Yuanshi Tianzun's reasoning.
"Then what about the depletion of spiritual energy?" Niulanshan Little Fairy asked excitedly, raising her hand.
"What was the ultimate outcome of Ragnarok?" Zhang Yuanqing countered.
"The gods perished, and the Third District remained sealed to this day," Sun Miaomiao answered eagerly.
"Is it possible that the depletion of spiritual power was caused by that very cataclysm?" Zhang Yuanqing expounded with ease. "After the cataclysm, the primordial cultivators were virtually wiped out, fracturing civilization and leaving behind only oral myths. Countless years later, a new generation of cultivators arose—what we now call the ancient cultivators.
"Yet because the cataclysm inflicted irreversible consequences, spiritual power steadily waned until the late Ming, when cultivators stepped off the stage of history."
The trainees listened with rapt fascination.
"Logically, you've tied it all together, but where is the evidence supporting this theory?" As a paying customer, World Returns to Fire vigorously defended his rights and raised a challenge.
Even though Yuanshi Tianzun's analysis was brilliant—and gripping even if taken purely as storytelling—it still left everyone impressed.
"Spiritual power depletion stemming from a cataclysm in the distant past? A brilliant angle, but unfortunately far too conjectural to form an academic paper." Xiahou Aotian shook his head with regret.
Zhang Yuanqing said in a grave voice, "I can only prove that the cataclysm truly existed. Moreover... it will happen again."
The moment those words were spoken, the trainees' expressions shifted dramatically. Even the old dean looked stunned and somber.
"Nonsense!" Zhu Mingxu called out. "Are you saying a catastrophe like the mythical Ragnarok will strike in the future? Pure sensationalism!"
No one believed Yuanshi Tianzun, dismissing his words as absurd and empty posturing designed to scare them.
Only one thought crossed Xiahou Aotian's mind: *Has the moment for this protagonist to save the world finally arrived?*
Dean Li Yanxi pondered before asking, "Yuanshi Tianzun, why do you believe that?"
Zhang Yuanqing projected his voice clearly: "Over twenty years ago, a monumental event occurred. The mysterious, supreme treasure known as the Compass of Light emerged. The compass prophesied that in the near future, a dreadful cataclysm would return.
"Once the prophecy was revealed, it caused a massive uproar among the leadership of major factions. Demigod experts from all around the world fought for the compass. The first Grand Marshal of the White Tiger Guards fell in that very battle. Ordinary trainees might not know of this, but those hailing from spirit realm clans should have heard of it from your elders."
Liu Yushu, Zhao Feiwen, Zhu Mingxu, and the others exchanged strange glances.
Indeed, they had heard of it.
However, they only knew the event had occurred, not the actual contents of the Compass of Light's prophecy.
In fact, not even their elders knew the prophecy's contents—save for the venerable patriarchs of each clan.
Seeing the expressions on the scions' faces, the trainees understood that it was true.
"What was the content of the compass's prophecy?" Liu Yushu asked in a low voice.
The crowd below instantly perked up.
Zhang Yuanqing chuckled. "That's beyond what one million can buy. If you want to know, come find me after we exit this trial. I'll sell it to you for five hundred million."
"...Why don't you just rob a bank?" Liu Yushu snapped indignantly.
Ignoring his snark, Zhang Yuanqing concluded, "In summary, I believe the cause of spiritual power depletion was a dreadful world-ending cataclysm, and the sealing of the Third District shares the same cause. As for when it will open, that I cannot say.
"The final unsolved enigma is the genesis of the Spirit Realm. I apologize, for I do not know the answer, but I can offer some angles of thought. First: the creation of realm instances is not unique to the Spirit Realm; demigod spirit realm walkers can achieve it as well.
"Second: ancient cultivators were unconstrained by the Spirit Realm, yet they were a group that rose after the great cataclysm. Casting aside conventional assumptions, is it possible that the existence of ancient cultivators was the anomaly, whereas spirit realm walkers are the norm?
"According to the Compass of Light's prophecy, the cataclysm appears to recur in cycles, happening every vast span of ages. Following this logic, we might boldly hypothesize that after the cataclysm, the Spirit Realm ceased functioning and went dormant, which gave rise to the ancient cultivators."
At this point, he stood up. "That is all I have to say. For your reference only."
The classroom was dead silent as everyone fell into deep, prolonged contemplation.
***
Since Brother Red Chicken had reached an agreement with the chef by force, the cafeteria offered only one dish for lunch: moonlight fish fillet congee.
Though the menu lacked variety, the congee was excellent, and Zhang Yuanqing downed three large bowls.
The first afternoon class was scheduled for two o'clock. Brother Red Chicken rounded up some trainees to play cards in the library, while the female trainees submitted an outing request to visit Spirit Flora Island—led by Peony Fairy and Niulanshan Little Fairy.
Zhao Chenghuang also submitted an island-access application to Instructor Starlit Sky Observer. Of course, the destination he chose was not Spirit Flora Island, but Chicken Heart Island.
While having congee, Zhao Chenghuang had uncharacteristically approached Zhang Yuanqing of his own accord, saying, "I purchased a private lesson for this afternoon to absorb lunar power on Chicken Heart Island, accompanied by Starlit Sky Observer. Care to join?"
Zhang Yuanqing agreed.
He indeed needed to consult an experienced Saint regarding Stargazer combat techniques, and he would have had to buy a private tutoring session sooner or later anyway. Besides, Zhao Chenghuang seemed to specialize in lunar power.
Up until now, he still didn't know how to specialize in lunar, stellar, or solar power.
Simply leveling up step by step certainly wouldn't do; Zhang Yuanqing suspected special methods were required, and this was an ideal opportunity to inquire from Zhao Chenghuang and Starlit Sky Observer.
As the group boarded the ferry to cross Jiaoren Lake again, Zhang Yuanqing felt the cool breeze on his face and reflected on the lecture, a puzzle rising in his mind.
Wasn't the Embrace of Empress Wa the item belonging to the Palace Master of Halting Slaughter?
According to the dean, that item had been unearthed by Baihui's First Elder from the Qinfeng Academy trial. How did it end up in the hands of that psycho woman?
And that wasn't even the crux of it. If the Palace Master of Halting Slaughter possessed the Embrace of Empress Wa, how could she not know of Empress Wa?
When he asked her last time, why did she conceal it?
*She knows Empress Wa exists. That's why she said that night that the things in Takamagahara might very well change her fate... That wretched woman. Once I leave this trial, I'm definitely going to teach her a lesson...*
*String her up and spank her!* Zhang Yuanqing silently swore in his heart.
"What you said in class was quite interesting," Zhao Chenghuang spoke up.
*The only thing of real substance was the Compass of Light's prophecy; the rest was just speculation, no different from claiming aliens created the Spirit Realm...* Zhang Yuanqing said solemnly, "As long as I can pass on knowledge to everyone, I am content."
Zhao Chenghuang stared at him silently.
"What?" Zhang Yuanqing asked.
*If you truly cared about sharing, you wouldn't charge money. Shameless bastard...* Zhao Chenghuang said flatly, "Nothing."
Soon, Chicken Heart Island came into view, and Zhang Yuanqing, Zhao Chenghuang, and Starlit Sky Observer leapt onto the shore.
From behind came the sweet, melodious voices of the official female Saints:
"Goodbye, Lord Tianzun!!"
Without hesitation, Zhang Yuanqing turned around and blew them a kiss. "See you later, my beloved concubines."
This drew a chorus of silvery giggles.
Watching the ferry turn and depart, the ethereal, mysterious middle-aged man teased, "The last man so popular with the ladies was Young Master Lingjun."
Zhang Yuanqing said with a straight face, "None other than my master!"
Starlit Sky Observer froze, his expression turning abruptly chilly. He said, "By the way, I am from the Taiyi Sect as well. Lingjun hit on my sister."
Zhang Yuanqing feigned fury, tearing off a corner of his T-shirt and proclaiming, "Lingjun has lost all sense of decency! I hereby sever all ties with him!"
Starlit Sky Observer smiled. "You have a good sense of humor."
Zhao Chenghuang maintained an aloof expression, not uttering a word.
The three strolled forward into the gloomy woods and sat cross-legged beneath a locust tree inhabited by a resentful spirit.
The spirit in the tree shivered in terror.
Once seated, Zhao Chenghuang immediately closed his eyes to regulate his breathing. Starlit Sky Observer said, "My main duty is to watch over him and ensure he doesn't absorb too much lunar power. In addition to his island-access fee, Chenghuang paid extra for a private session so I could instruct you in some Stargazer techniques and knowledge."
In other words, Zhao Chenghuang had footed the bill for him.
*This kid looks cold on the outside, but he actually knows how to show gratitude. Knowing he owes me a colossal favor from the killing trial, he seizes every chance to pay it back...* Zhang Yuanqing said, "Stargazers lean toward support, right?"
Starlit Sky Observer pondered briefly. "Let's just say a Stargazer's style of combat isn't straightforward. First, let's talk about techniques for the Star Escape Technique. Most Stargazers prepare two items for themselves: one for melee and one for ranged combat, paired respectively with Night Roaming and the Star Escape Technique.
"When facing opponents skilled in close combat—such as Fire Masters, Swordsmen, or Bewitching Demons—you kite them using the Star Escape Technique to fight a war of attrition. When facing those weak in close combat—like Water Ghosts, Musicians, or Illusionists—you use Night Roaming to launch surprise assaults.
"Our Night Roamer profession is an all-rounder. Being 'weak' in melee is only by comparison to classes like Swordsmen."
Zhang Yuanqing frowned. "But the Star Escape Technique consumes a tremendous amount of spiritual power."
In layman's terms: his mana pool wasn't deep enough.
Starlit Sky Observer chuckled. "As long as you specialize in stellar power, that won't be an issue. Now that you are a Saint, it's time to choose a path. We'll discuss that later. First, let's cover the practical techniques of Astromancy.
"Although Astromancy is a support skill, it is exceptionally useful. How far have you developed your application of Astromancy?"
Zhang Yuanqing thought for a moment and shared the insights he had gained from the battle at Wanbao House.
"Reading the target's physiognomy to verify your plans... Impressive, truly impressive. You are remarkably gifted. Having been a Stargazer for barely a month, you've already grasped the proper application of Astromancy. Back then, it took instruction from seniors in the Taiyi Sect for me to realize it could be used this way."
The middle-aged instructor appraised Yuanshi Tianzun closely, as if beholding an unpolished gem of the highest caliber, heaping praise upon his talent.
Zhao Chenghuang's brow furrowed slightly in quiet gravity.
"Given your current level, you have developed Astromancy to its peak. Once you advance to Level 5, the feedback from physiognomy will become much clearer. For instance, amidst a calamity of blood, you will be able to see the vision of your own demise. At the same time, you will master Stargazing," Starlit Sky Observer said. "Next, I will explain the defining traits of the Stargazer stage."
*That's just like the Yata Mirror's ability—foreseeing death and other visions ahead of time. The Stargazer class is exceptionally suited for scheming from the shadows and orchestrating conspiracies...* Zhang Yuanqing listened patiently.
"Because of Astromancy and Stargazing, Stargazers make terrifying chess masters. Through Stargazing, they can observe the trends of all things under heaven and lay plans well in advance. For example, over what happened to my sister, I might want to kill Lingjun, but because Lingjun is the Sect Master's son, I cannot act directly.
"So I watch the stars at night and discover that on a certain future day, he will attend a banquet and have a romantic tryst. Well, isn't he in Songhai? So I start scouting for an evil-faction walker in Songhai, leaking information to him or subtly guiding him so he infiltrates the banquet and slaughters everyone. Of course, there are many fine maneuvers involved. For instance, the evil walker I look for must hold a grudge against Lingjun, or be bloodthirsty and savage enough to leave no survivors... Huh, Yuanshi Tianzun, your face looks rather pale?"
"N-no, nothing..." Zhang Yuanqing's face went white, a stampede of ten thousand curse words storming through his head.
He immediately thought of Sect Master Chunyang.
Starlit Sky Observer continued, "Or, for example, through Stargazing you discover that in the near future, your life will be in mortal danger. The stellar signs will provide vague hints about where the threat originates and what form it will take.
"At that point, you must begin scheming: who the enemy is, what the danger is, and what measures or allies can effectively counter them. Step by step, you lay your traps and schemes, ultimately surviving in the end... Huh, Yuanshi Tianzun, what's wrong?"
"I'm fine..."
"No, you're ghost white."
"..." Taking a deep breath, Zhang Yuanqing asked, "Instructor, how does one counter this ability of a Stargazer?"
"Unless you know every piece of their layout, there is no way. However, we are Stargazers; Stargazing counters Stargazing, so it simply comes down to who is more skilled. Alternatively, by specializing in lunar power and reaching the Dominator stage, you can suppress Stargazers." Starlit Sky Observer conscientiously imparted the lore: "The lunar aspect symbolizes secrecy and concealment—just look at the Night Roaming skill. Lunar power can blind a Stargazer's divinations."
Zhang Yuanqing's mind was in total turmoil. A doubt he had previously buried surged back to the surface.
*Is the Demon Lord truly dead?*
*The Demon Lord was a half-step supreme being! Even if he didn't specialize in stellar power, his mastery of Stargazing must have been extraordinary.*
*He left behind so many things: the character card, the black crescent moon, the strap-less digital watch, the treasure maps given to his female confidantes... Is he truly dead?*
*Is my dad, Zhang Zizhen, truly dead?*
*The Twin Blazing Suns might not have reached demigod rank, but at minimum they were peak Dominators. Dad was also a Night Roamer. It's unknown what he specialized in, but he likewise left behind contingency plans.*
*From the current clues, during the years following the struggle over the Compass of Light, he had been constantly laying plans. His cause of death was suspicious, and his funeral had been handled with suspicious simplicity... Did he really die?*
*Was Sect Master Chunyang sneaking into that banquet truly an accident?*
*Right after I entered Qinfeng Academy, the Thousand Cranes Group sent Asano Ryo for help, bringing the connection between Takamagahara and Qinfeng Academy to light. Was that a coincidence too?*
*And the leader of the Dark Night Rose is also a Night Roamer, and a high-level one at that. A treasure as crucial as the Little Sun—how could it have been intercepted by us so easily?*
*Was it really intercepted by us?*
*The person disguised as the Demon Lord knew Black Impermanence and knew everything happening here, fitting the profile of a chess master to perfection. Who on earth is he?*
*I can't think about this anymore. I can't. My sanity is plummeting...* Zhang Yuanqing's mind was an absolute tangle.
Chapter 423