Chapter 117: Barred from Passing

The companions sitting in front of Zhang Ning were not so lucky. They dared not stand up rashly—what if they blocked His Highness’s line of sight? But with such an important figure seated behind them, how could they possibly focus on the lesson? Even the teacher seemed at a loss for what to say.

In truth, the instructor was quite skilled in formation arrays, reaching a master-level proficiency. Teaching these disciples advanced formation courses was more than within his capability. Normally, he was confident and commanding in class, pointing out grand strategies with assured authority. But confidence must be measured against one’s audience. Fifth Prince Zhang Ning was the most favored new disciple of the Revered, and among the myriad techniques mastered by the All-Embracing Demon Lord, formations were a specialty!

Moreover, unlike Chu Hanyu, who concealed the full extent of his other techniques, it was widely known that Chu Hanyu was the supreme grandmaster of formations. Supreme grandmaster meant that no one could surpass his depth of understanding in formations; he was the pioneer, the unmatched one above all. How could this instructor dare to flaunt his knowledge of formations before the disciple of such a figure?

After some hesitation, the teacher came up with a brilliant idea: to teach the very basics! Surely, this wouldn’t cause embarrassment or mistakes.

When the other students heard the change in lesson content, quick-witted ones like Lin Feng immediately grasped the teacher’s intention. Those less perceptive, hearing such elementary material—things they already knew—were eager to perform well before the prince. The teacher, clever as he was, knew that sometimes simplicity was key; otherwise, trouble could arise. So he delivered a plain, straightforward lesson, completely skipping the usual interactive questions and the classic contests for first place that the prince often encouraged. He swept those moments away.

Only Zhang Ning listened as if discovering a treasure. Though he had glimpsed these basics in books given by his Third Senior Brother, no one had ever truly taught them systematically. Having someone else explain these structured concepts suited him perfectly, and he was delighted beyond measure.

Seeing Zhang Ning’s earnest attitude, the teacher and some disciples grew solemn, realizing the prince was seriously evaluating them. They became cautious and alert.

After an hour-long class, much like a university lecture, Zhang Ning felt greatly enriched. At dismissal, he bowed halfway to the teacher, and following his lead, all the disciples respectfully and earnestly bowed as well.

From afar, the Grand Elder silently observed Zhang Ning, nodding repeatedly.

The Grand Elder had been paying attention to Zhang Ning for some time. It began when Zhang Ning, aboard the Great Belly Boat, taught a lesson in humility to the brash Lin Feng and others who had just joined the Great Freedom Demon Sect. Elder Mu Heng, also on the boat, had witnessed this and felt a mixture of frustration and hope—the prince was too lenient but not harsh enough.

Although Zhang Ning unintentionally rebuked Elder Mu Heng during a live broadcast, which made him feel awkward and guilty, it did not change his plans. Upon returning to the sect, he reported the matter to his superior, the Third Elder, who was aligned with the Grand Elder’s faction and naturally shared the information.

The Grand Elder, already attentive due to his close, age-defying friendship with Xiao Suye, the Fifth Prince’s confidant, happened to encounter Zhang Ning at the Asking Path Hall and had been quietly monitoring his movements ever since. No matter what his previous thoughts were, seeing Zhang Ning’s respect for his teachers today sparked genuine goodwill. He turned to his subordinates and ordered, “Send word to the prince: I wish to meet with him.” His attendants responded respectfully.

Unaware of these behind-the-scenes developments, Zhang Ning, still savoring the lesson, stepped out of the classroom to find Han Zun leaning against the doorframe with arms crossed, looking thoroughly bored. The breeze teased his silver hair, yet rather than feeling intimidating, Zhang Ning found Han Zun resembled a student being punished to stand—though undeniably a prominent figure in the school.

If they were in a university setting... Zhang Ning momentarily drifted off in thought before breaking into a broad smile and briskly approaching Han Zun. “It was really quite interesting. Although basic, it offered a lot. Next time, why don’t you join me?”

Han Zun, feigning boredom, scoffed, “Listen to such simple stuff? Forget it.”

Seeing Zhang Ning’s disappointed look, Han Zun’s interest was piqued. “Why don’t you beg me? Are you too shy to go alone? If you beg, I’ll come with you.” He narrowed his eyes and smiled slyly.

Zhang Ning’s eyes lit up, and without hesitation, he blurted, “I’m begging you, Zun-ge, please come with me next time!” Han Zun was genuinely puzzled—why was Zhang Ning shy sometimes and shameless the next? He grew curious about the cultural customs of the Blue Water Star. With a resigned expression, he replied, “Fine, fine. I’ll go with you next time.”

Zhang Ning waved goodbye to Han Zun in high spirits and headed back to his quarters to have a simple dinner but was stopped by someone.

The man looked like a careless rogue, someone no one would notice, yet he wore a face full of flattery as he addressed Zhang Ning, “Greetings, Your Highness!”

Zhang Ning stared at him for a moment before recalling that he had seen this man before—he was one of the attendants following Second Senior Brother, presumably?

As Zhang Ning guessed, the man said, “Your servant has seen the Fifth Prince! By order of the Second Prince, I have come to escort Your Highness to the Rebirth Hall for a ceremony.”

What? What was the Second Senior Brother up to?

Zhang Ning rubbed his wrist. No one had mentioned any ceremony today, and life had seemed typical. Was it some sort of memorial? Although puzzled, Zhang Ning held respect for such matters and said, “Lead the way.”

The man bowed and walked ahead without looking around, leading Zhang Ning. The prince couldn’t help but feel a strange sensation, especially since they passed no one else heading in that direction.

Could the Second Senior Brother be trying to scare me? Because I didn’t go talk with him? But it wasn’t on purpose—he was just too busy! Feeling a pang of guilt, Zhang Ning’s mind wandered until they reached the door of the Rebirth Hall. The man bowed deeply, nearly touching his head to the ground, and said, “Your Highness, only you may enter.”

Hearing this, Zhang Ning assumed it was a rule of the Great Freedom Demon Sect. He nodded without suspicion and stepped inside.

The man closed the door behind him.