Chapter 33: Chapter 33: The Teachers
"Intermediate?" Qin Ya let out a dismissive smile and turned to leave. ’Are you kidding me? For a mighty Pill Venerable like me to teach, and all I get is the title of an Intermediate Teacher.’
Huaa Que immediately panicked and rushed forward to grab Qin Ya. "Kid, most of the teachers at Mingxin Academy are Junior-level, and they’re all at least in the Earth Element Realm! You’re so young; giving you the title of an Intermediate Teacher is already a huge honor."
"Fine. In that case, find someone else more qualified." Qin Ya sneered. As an Alchemist, he valued his pride. ’They want a mighty Pill Venerable to toil away for the mere title of an Intermediate Teacher?’ He had one word for that: ’Impossible!’
"Wait! Advanced! The most I can offer is Advanced Teacher." Huaa Que said through gritted teeth, as if making a monumental decision. "The highest rank is Special-Level, and even as the Mansion Master of Mingxin Academy, I can’t just hand that title out."
"Why not? Aren’t you the Mansion Master of Mingxin Academy?"
"Do you think being the Mansion Master means I can do whatever I want? Let me tell you, every Special-Level Teacher at Mingxin Academy is an Extraordinary Strong Person on par with me. You’re only at the Profound Origin Realm. If I gave you the title of Special-Level Teacher, how do you think that would make them feel?" Huaa Que said irritably.
Qin Ya thought about it and had to admit the man had a point. ’Extraordinary Strong People are beings who have transcended the mundane. It would indeed be inappropriate to put them on the same level as a Profound Origin Realm Martial Artist. Honestly, if someone were to compare a Pill Venerable to a novice who had just learned alchemy, I would feel insulted too.’
"Fine. Advanced it is."
Huaa Que beamed with delight, though he was muttering to himself inwardly. ’This has to be the first time I’ve been so shameless. But it just goes to show how incredible Qin Ya’s skill in the Alchemy Dao is; even an Extraordinary Strong Person like me was willing to swallow my pride for it.’
"Here, take this. It’s your Jade Order." Huaa Que took out a cyan Jade Order and handed it to Qin Ya, then led him through some simple registration procedures.
The Master Dao Pavilion was the place where the teachers of Mingxin Academy held their meetings. Matters of great influence over Mingxin Academy were discussed and decided here.
At this moment, a Divine Thought spread to the Jade Orders held by every teacher of Mingxin Academy.
"Hm? A new teacher is coming."
Inside a pavilion, a beautiful woman sat on a meditation cushion. Below her was a group of young men and women. Some sat upright, their expressions respectful; some were lost in thought, scratching their heads in frustration; while others experienced moments of sudden enlightenment, having clearly gained new insights...
"Alright, everyone, that’s all for today’s lecture. I will inform you of the next class." The woman tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and gave a radiant smile.
.........
On a mountaintop, a gentle breeze rustled through strange flowers and rocks. A white-bearded old man sat quietly on a large green boulder. Suddenly, the Purple Jade Order at the old man’s waist lit up.
"Heh, a new member has arrived. And it’s a personal notification from that old rascal Huaa Que. It seems this newcomer is no ordinary person." The white-bearded old man slowly rose. With every step he took, the exotic flowers and grasses around him withered and turned yellow. In stark contrast, the old man’s full head of white hair instantly turned as black as ink.
In the blink of an eye, the decrepit old man had transformed into a handsome and elegant young man.
.........
On a lake, a small boat floated like a leaf. A leisurely melody drifted from the boat, echoing between heaven and earth, sounding like a flowing stream, like the calls of birds and beasts...
Suddenly, the flute music stopped. A middle-aged man in green robes emerged, his feet lightly tapping the surface of the lake and creating rings of ripples. His movements were as graceful as a swallow’s; in a flash, he leaped onto a cliffside, disappearing from sight after a few more bounds.
............
In the solemn and dignified Master Dao Pavilion, the teachers of Mingxin Academy had all gathered today, speculating on just who this venerable new teacher could be.
"For the Mansion Master to personally call a meeting, it must be for a remarkable Martial Arts senior," a bald, middle-aged man said, rubbing his bald head.
"I think so too. I remember the Mansion Master also called a meeting last time Teacher Muh joined Mingxin Academy, as a show of welcome."
"Yes, Teacher Muh is one of the few Special-Level Teachers in the Academy. Could it be that this new one is also a Special-Level Teacher? That would be great."
"The Mansion Master is as elusive as a Divine Dragon, showing his head but never his tail. For him to call a meeting in the Master Dao Pavilion over a single teacher, it must be some Extraordinary joining us."
"Speaking of which, I’ve never even seen the Mansion Master. I can’t believe I’ll get to witness his esteemed presence today," a young man who looked to be in his late twenties said with a yearning expression.
A burly man walked over and laughed heartily. "Haha, Teacher Lin, you’ve only just joined Mingxin Academy, so it’s normal you haven’t seen him. Our Mansion Master hasn’t been seen for years. It’s not easy to catch a glimpse of him."
"Heh, Teacher Lin is a prodigy. To be a Martial Artist at the Earth Element Realm at such a young age... I’m sure even the Mansion Master will be impressed when he meets you." A female teacher’s eyes sparkled as she spoke with a tone of admiration.
"You flatter me. The Mansion Master is the pillar of our Yunxiao Empire. My meager cultivation would surely be beneath his notice," Teacher Lin said humbly.
"Teacher Lin, there’s no need to be so self-deprecating." A gentle voice drifted in as a woman walked in slowly. She was breathtakingly beautiful, yet in a way that inspired reverence rather than profane thoughts. She exuded an aura that inexplicably drew people in, making them want to be near her.
Upon seeing her, all the teachers greeted her respectfully.
"Teacher Yun, you’ve come as well."
"Heh heh, Teacher Yun, have you been well?"
"Teacher Yun, how have your classes been? I bet those young rascals have been keeping you busy."
Teacher Yun responded to each of them, appearing poised and graceful. Seeing this, the young Teacher Lin bowed slightly and said respectfully, "This junior, Lin Yifeng, greets Teacher Yun."
Teacher Yun nodded with a smile. "I’ve heard of you. You’re one of the youngest teachers to join Mingxin Academy in the last decade. I hope you’ll continue to do your best."
Lin Yifeng was incredibly excited. "Thank you for the praise, Teacher Yun! I will definitely work hard."
"Mm, if there’s anything you don’t understand, you can always come and ask me."
Lin Yifeng grew even more excited. ’To become an Earth Element Realm Martial Artist at his age was to be considered a prodigy, no doubt. So why join Mingxin Academy as a teacher? Wasn’t it for this exact reason—the chance to receive personal guidance from an Extraordinary Strong Person?’
In truth, being a teacher at Mingxin Academy was far from a tiring chore; it was a position countless Martial Artists in the Yunxiao Empire dreamed of. The high salary was secondary. Most importantly, not only did one receive the protection of a behemoth like Mingxin Academy, but one could also work alongside so many experts, discussing and exchanging ideas. This was far more effective than training bitterly in isolation.
"Heh, Yun Yu is here too. How come that old rascal Huaa Que hasn’t arrived yet?" A light, teasing voice interjected. The newcomer was dressed in white robes embroidered with gold trim, holding a Jade Fan. With eyes like stars and a dashing demeanor, he was exceptionally handsome.
