No one responded immediately to Yu Qingzhi’s question. Instead, they all wore thoughtful expressions.

As disciples of the Desolate Academy, many of them held prominent positions and illustrious backgrounds outside. They were well aware of the weight carried by the title of the seventh instructor. It was a status equivalent to that of an Immortal King.

Why did a new Instructor suddenly appear out of nowhere?

"In the Desolate Academy, there are only members with the surname Fang. Could it be that one of them has ascended to the Immortal King realm?" someone ventured a guess.

Yu Qingzhi shook his head lightly. "Ascending to become an Immortal King is akin to achieving immortality. Even though the gates to the immortal realm have been shut, such an event would cause a surge in spiritual energy, at least enough to affect several prefectures. It wouldn’t happen so quietly."

He paused. "Moreover, this new Instructor, Fang, is teaching ancient Dao techniques. I heard those who wish to attend must register with the Three Thousand Dao Sect first...."

Zhao Jiaolong glanced at a slender young man who looked timid and suggested, "Why not ask Junior Brother Han about this? Surely he would know more.”

"Yes, Junior Brother Han is Master Han's son. He must know more than we do."

"Come on, Junior Brother Han, don’t keep us in suspense. What exactly is the connection between this Instructor and the Three Thousand Dao Sect? Could it be that he’s actually the legendary Heavenly Cloud Emperor in disguise?"

"I-I-I..." Han Xiuxian stammered, his pale cheeks flushing bright red, "I don’t know. Father has never mentioned anything about this to me...."

The group exchanged puzzled looks.

"Not even Junior Brother Han knows..."

Looking at Han Xiuxian's awkward look, some couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Compared to Han Linqiu, Han Xiuxian fell far behind in both talent and composure.

"Although Junior Brother Han is Teacher Han’s son, he is still young and currently only at the Foundation Building Realm. Teacher Han might not have shared such important matters with him," Zhu Qingzhi explained on behalf of Han Xiuxian.

He continued, "What about all of you? The new Instructor will be lecturing tomorrow. Is anyone planning to attend?"

"Ancient Dao techniques are extraordinary, but I don't practice them. They're incompatible with my cultivation techniques. So, I won't be going," Zhao Jiaolong said flatly.

"I'm with Brother Zhao on this."

"I do cultivate Dao techniques, but joining the Three Thousand Dao Sect... that's something I need to think carefully about," another replied.

Most of the group expressed reluctance or preferred to wait and see.

In the end, only a few showed interest in attending, including Zhu Qingzhi, Hua Miaoqing, and Han Xiuxian.

"You three are seriously considering joining the Three Thousand Dao Sect?" Zhao Jiaolong asked with a peculiar expression. "The Three Thousand Dao Sect is entangled in immense karma… it’s practically the enemy of all Dao sects. Shouldn’t you think this through more carefully?"

"Exactly. The Three Thousand Daoist Sect was destroyed ages ago, and the Central Continent Empire region has changed hands multiple times since. The time gap is too vast," another added.

"Joining the Three Thousand Dao Sect, I see only disadvantages and no benefits. Getting entangled in such karma could hinder our future progress," one warned.

Zhu Qingzhi smiled lightly, chuckling. "It’s fine. I don’t believe much in the concept of karma, it’s too vague and intangible. What’s real is the Dao techniques right in front of us. You all know that alchemy was once a branch of the Three Thousand Dao Sect.

“If I’m lucky enough to gain some ancient Dao techniques related to alchemy from Instructor Fang, then even if there’s some karmic entanglement, I’ll accept it willingly."

"Junior Brother Zhu, you can choose not to believe many things, but how can you not believe in karma? The Three Calamities and Nine Tribulations… Aren’t they all rooted in karma?" Zhao Jiaolong frowned slightly and shook his head. "It seems your mind is made up, so I won’t try to dissuade you further."

The next day quickly rolled about.

The trio set off together to the Ancient Platform, the designated venue for lectures given by the academy’s instructors.

The platform rarely opened, but whenever it did, it meant that an Instructor would personally lecture. Regardless of which instructor it was, it was customary for disciples from all six departments to attend, and the seats below the platform were usually packed.

However, when the three arrived at the platform, they were greeted only by the sight of a few dozen scattered figures.

There were disciples from the Combat Department, the Achievement Department, the Techniques Department, as well as the Talisman, Alchemy, and Artifact Departments.

Yet... most of them had relatively low cultivation levels. Some were at the Qi Refining Realm, others at the Foundation Building Realm. Golden Core and Nascent Soul Realm cultivators were few and far between.

Among them, Zhu Qingzhi, as a Fusion Realm cultivator, stood out as the most powerful, with Hua Miaoqing following in second place.

"Greetings, Senior Brother Zhu!"

Seeing Zhu Qingzhi, the scattered disciples immediately perked up, their previous unease giving way to relief.

Looking at everyone, Zhu Qingzhi showed a friendly smile. "Looks like you all have a strong interest in Dao techniques; otherwise, you wouldn’t have come here today.”

Someone exclaimed excitedly, "Of course! It's said that ancient Dao techniques are incredibly diverse, with countless variations, all derived from immortal techniques. If we can master just two or three of them, it will greatly enhance our ability to protect ourselves while traveling the mortal world."

Many nodded in agreement. Indeed, most of them bore traces of practicing Dao arts and techniques in their cultivation.

The inheritance of Dao sect techniques was not uncommon within the Desolate Academy, and those with a passion for such practices extended beyond figures like Ji Liang.

"The Fifth Princess is here too?" Zhu Qingzhi’s gaze swept past Ning Tieniu and landed on the Fifth Princess. A flicker of surprise flashed in his eyes. "Princess, are you aware that attending Instructor Fang’s lecture today entails joining the registry of the Three Thousand Dao Sect? Have your elders permitted this?"

Everyone else was equally astonished. It was well-known that members of the imperial family’s direct lineage were typically only allowed to join the Desolate Academy. Unless under exceptional circumstances, even prestigious sects like the Void Immortal Sword Sect were off-limits to them.

This was a strict rule of the Central Continent Empire imperial family.

The Fifth Princess, looking visibly excited, responded, "I’ve already consulted my father, and he has granted me permission to attend Instructor Fang’s lectures."

"Oh?"

The crowd’s eyes lit up at this revelation.

The Fifth Princess's words confirmed some suspicions brewing in their minds.

Zhu Qingzhi sent a voice transmission to Hua Miaoqing, "

If Senior Brother Zhao and the others had known about this, I’m afraid they would have come today as well.

"

Hua Miaoqing nodded lightly.

The fact that even a member of the imperial lineage dared to attend spoke volumes.

On the elevated platform, Fang Chen stood silently. At this moment, he could see everyone below, but they could not see him thanks to the techniques Elder Xun had left on him.

Elder Xun’s intention was clear: to craft an aura of profound mystery around him, making it impossible for others to gauge his depth.

"Even Zhu Qingzhi has come, but among those in the Middle Three Realms, it’s only him and Hua Miaoqing. The rest are all in the Lower Four Realms….”

Fang Chen pondered quietly.

It appeared that not only was Instructor Wen opposed to this matter, but the other instructors seemed to be observing, waiting to determine whether the ancient Dao techniques he taught would be worthwhile.

Fang Chen waited for a while to ensure that no other students would be arriving before subtly making a gesture. Instantly, the Ancient Platform was entirely sealed off by spiritual energy.

Zhu Qingzhi and the others immediately noticed the figure on the platform. Their hearts skipped a beat, and they quickly clasped their hands and bowed deeply.

"Greetings, Instructor Fang!"

With just a single glance, the attendees were convinced that this man was undoubtedly an Immortal King. The aura emanating from him felt even more unfathomable than what they had experienced from the other instructors!