Chapter 182

Chapter 182: All Good Gardeners

The first batch of volunteer teachers arrived swiftly at Zhen Yan Sect, some even reaching the sect days earlier than the agreed schedule. Each wore the eager expression of diligent gardeners ready to nurture young minds.

You You wasted no time. After hosting a welcome assembly to introduce them to all disciples, she instructed Qiu Zhang to schedule their specialized classes immediately.

These five elders were rare educational assets the sect desperately needed. Their practiced Cultivation Techniques aligned perfectly with the sect’s curriculum—particularly for Beast Tamers, two of whom filled that critical gap.

This eased the teaching staff shortage. Though initially hoping Qiu Zhang would refine their techniques, the volunteers soon found disciples submitting modification suggestions for every subject alongside Qiu Zhang Technique revisions. Given the explosive update rate, new editions now emerged monthly rather than decennially.

Unsurprisingly, the new teachers struggled to adapt. Within five days of receiving the first batch of technique feedback, they stormed toward the main peak demanding answers from You You.

"Foundation Building disciples critiquing advanced techniques? Outrageous!"

"Impudent whelps overstepping their station!"

"These are venerable methods left by ancestors—not playthings for novices!"

"I’ve studied this technique for centuries without mastering it! Do they think themselves all Master Qiu?"

"One flawed character could cause Qi deviation! Who’ll take responsibility?"

"Zhen Yan disciples defy all propriety under the sect master’s orders! End this farce or we depart!"

"Exactly! Our reputations hang in the balance!"

As their shouts echoed closer, You You prepared to "enlighten" them—until Qiu Zhang’s residual soul floated forward clutching new technique scrolls. "Allow me, Sect Master. I’ll…persuade them."

With a beard-stroking flourish, the soul drifted out, trailing familiar words: "Five friends, your mindset requires adjustment…"

The aftermath proved startling. The once-rebellious teachers became zealots, drowning disciples in homework. Within a year, the Library expanded its Qiu Zhang Technique section with five new cabinets labeled:

– Beast Taming Heart Method (Xing Hong Revision)

– Mystic Talisman Spells (Mo Qing Edition)

– Arctic Guardian Beast Arts (Xie Yi Version)

– Radiant Light Formula (Hao Wu Update)

Each chapter bore collaborative credits to Zhen Yan disciples.

You You: "……"

Ling Qi: "……"

Bizarre yet inevitable.

Thus Zhen Yan Sect plunged deeper into scholarly fervor.

——————

Five years later, Main Hall

"Qing Yu Sect?" You You blinked at the ornate invitation.

"A millennium-old mid-tier sect," Ling Qi explained. "Though not part of Three Sects and Six Schools, their sword cultivators grew formidable after adopting Qiu Zhang Technique. Now bordering first-rate status."

"Why invite me? And what’s this ‘Star Plucking Ceremony’?"

"The grand ceremony where celestial maidens renounce their status to wed," Ling Qi clarified solemnly. "All sects witness this rare event."

"Wedding?" You You brightened. "Send gifts then. Why my presence?"

"Celestial maidens forfeit power to marry," Yuan Qi interjected. "Their spiritual root-bestowing ability vanishes with the vow."

"Why?"

"Celestial maidens belong to the realm," Yuan Qi sighed. "Exclusive partnership conflicts with divine mandate. Most only marry when…" He hesitated.

Realization struck. "She’s dying?"

Ling Qi nodded. "Stuck at Nascent Soul stage for centuries. With her lifespan ending, she seeks love before falling."

The invitation’s weight became clear—this wasn’t just a wedding, but a celestial maiden’s farewell.