Teacher, That Old Man Seems to Be Cursing You

The growth gift package given by the system had all been handed over to Zhu Zhuqing.

Rather than saying he was taking on disciples in droves, it was more accurate to say the system was using his hands to recruit disciples.

But Jiang Yunzhou had long since figured it out: his relationship with the system was more like a partnership.

As long as he could profit from it, that was enough.

He explained things as the system had instructed:

"The Nether Shadow Profound Nether Art is of a relatively high level, so cultivation will be slower. Just follow the proper steps and progress gradually. The other two are equivalent to Self-Created Soul Skills; they consume comparatively little and are easy to learn. Master them as soon as possible to expand your combat options."

The energy level of this world was relatively low. The Nether Shadow Profound Nether Art already belonged to the level of immortal cultivation techniques, so progress certainly would not be quick.

After thinking it over, he added, "The cultivation techniques I pass down must not be leaked. Remember that."

Zhu Zhuqing was no fool. How could she not know that if these techniques were exposed, they would draw countless greedy eyes and might even bring disaster upon her?

The things now in her mind alone encompassed cultivation techniques for movement, attack, body tempering, Spiritual Power, and much more.

Was there anything more precious in the world?

Knowing full well what was at stake, she nodded heavily. "Rest assured, Teacher. This disciple understands."

"Very good." Jiang Yunzhou nodded in satisfaction.

He was not afraid of trouble, but he hated hassle.

Besides, how could the cultivation techniques he taught be casually passed on to others?

Unless... they paid for them. A great deal of money.

This system really was incredible. When it passed on cultivation techniques, it even conveyed the essential insights and circulation routes in full, making them far easier to learn.

Jiang Yunzhou did not even need to guide her from the side, although... he did not understand them himself.

As a tool, he could benefit as well. Otherwise, seeing so many good things, he would definitely turn green with envy and perhaps even go on strike.

After settling everything, Jiang Yunzhou gave another instruction:

"Alright, familiarize yourself with the techniques first. Tomorrow, you'll go out with me. We'll go... recruit students."

"Re-recruit students?"

Zhu Zhuqing remembered that Jiang Yunzhou had said he wanted to establish an academy.

"Teacher, I'm already your disciple. Why are we still going to recruit students?"

She had thought Jiang Yunzhou's talk of founding an academy had merely been meant to provoke her.

She had not expected him to actually mean it.

When she asked that question, she had not thought it through at all, and there was even a trace of petty emotion in her voice.

Jiang Yunzhou gave her a half-smiling look. "Of course we are. I'll take in nine disciples, and you'll be the first."

Once Zhu Zhuqing came to her senses, she realized she had lost her composure.

Jiang Yunzhou had never said he would take only her as a disciple.

But upon hearing the words "first disciple," the small sense of loss in her heart immediately vanished.

If I can't have Master all to myself, then being the senior disciple will do!

This way, Teacher would be above, and she would be below.

She had already gained so many benefits. She could not demand everything.

"Alright."

The bad mood Dai Mubai had brought her today had already been washed away without a trace by Jiang Yunzhou's series of actions.

Jiang Yunzhou also thought that, after doing this much, the little bond between those two should have been cut apart for the most part, right?

Still, he would have to keep an eye on them in the future. If the plot forcibly tied them together again and there were signs of old flames rekindling, he naturally had to snuff them out at once.

Jiang Yunzhou was in an excellent mood. Even his walk seemed to carry a breeze, and he could not suppress the smile at his lips.

Sure enough, as long as you swung the hoe diligently, there was no corner you couldn't poach!

Of Shilaike's three beauties, he had successfully won one over.

Two remained? Naturally, he had to keep swinging that hoe!

He glanced at Zhu Zhuqing, who was still sitting with her eyes closed in concentration, and did not disturb her.

They had agreed to get a good night's sleep, yet the two of them ended up meditating and cultivating all night, only opening their eyes at dawn.

Cultivation could really become addictive sometimes.

Their itinerary had long been decided.

The two rose to their feet and exchanged a smile. Everything was understood without words.

Jiang Yunzhou had a clear goal: the shabby little village where Shilaike Academy was located!

"Little Zhu Qing..."

As he walked ahead to lead the way, Jiang Yunzhou stroked his chin. "What do you think our academy should be called?"

Zhu Zhuqing followed behind him and froze at the question. "Ah? Teacher, are you asking me?"

She silently prayed, It'd be best if neither of us can think of anything, and the academy plan falls through!

She had her own selfish motives, though she only dared to think them.

Out loud, she was as obedient as ever. "I-I don't know either. Teacher, hadn't you thought of one beforehand?"

"Tsk." Jiang Yunzhou smacked his lips.

"If founding an academy weren't simpler, I'd really like to start a sect for fun! Too bad there's no manpower."

After mulling it over, he said, "How about Supreme Academy? What do you think?"

Zhu Zhuqing's little scheme fell through, but she still agreed. "Whatever Teacher thinks is good is good. Any name will do."

Jiang Yunzhou curled his lip. He hated this kind of "whatever" attitude the most!

She did not have the slightest enthusiasm expected of a founding senior disciple.

Forget it. He could not be bothered to think anymore. Supreme Academy it was!

Zhu Zhuqing seemed to be in a good mood today. Yesterday's gloom appeared to have been swept away.

It seemed she had truly let go of her previous convictions.

Because she seemed to have found a new pursuit.

"Teacher..."

She looked at the two of them, both empty-handed. "Are we really going to recruit students empty-handed like this?"

Jiang Yunzhou abruptly stopped in his tracks!

Right! If he wanted to poach people, he needed to bring a shovel...

He looked around. It was the middle of nowhere; apart from a few crooked trees, there was nothing.

Suddenly, his gaze fixed on a large roadside tree that looked fairly old, and his eyes lit up!

"You're right! Going empty-handed really won't do. Wait here!"

Before his words had even faded, his figure flashed beneath the tree, and the phantom of a longsword flickered through his hand!

A sharp sword qi swept out. The tree, so thick it would take two people to encircle it, fell with a crash, its severed surface smooth as a mirror!

Zhu Zhuqing's small mouth fell slightly open. That fleeting glimpse of his martial soul's aura, along with the way he had cut down the tree, had been so dashing!

But what did Teacher need a tree for?

Before she could figure it out, Jiang Yunzhou had already returned carrying a large wooden board.

"Teacher, what do you need that board for?" Zhu Zhuqing stared at it, completely baffled.

Jiang Yunzhou grinned, flashing two rows of white teeth. "Of course it's for making the signboard for our Supreme Academy! If we're opening for business, we need a storefront!"

With that, he held two fingers together like a sword. Soul Power gathered at his fingertips, and he began carving across the wooden board with a flurry of swift strokes!

Amid the flying wood chips, the four grand characters, "Supreme Academy," soon appeared on the board.

The calligraphy was magnificent and imposing, carrying the sharpness of a sword's edge and bearing the air of a true master.

Zhu Zhuqing clicked her tongue in amazement. She had not expected her Teacher to have such fine handwriting!

"Teacher, the words are indeed beautifully written! But where do you plan to hang this sign?"

Jiang Yunzhou's hand, holding the signboard aloft, froze in midair. "Uh... how about you hold it for now?"

At that moment, a vigorous roar came from the distance:

"Hey! Which damned bastard cut down my family's ancestral thousand-year-old peach tree? Get your ass out here and pay up!"

At the spot where the tree had just been cut down, an old farmer holding a hoe was hopping madly as he cursed in their direction, his spittle clearly visible in the sunlight.

Zhu Zhuqing tugged on Jiang Yunzhou's sleeve and softly reminded him, "Teacher, that old man seems to be cursing you?"

"Trouble's coming—run!"