The Urban Cultivation Grandmaster

Chapter 9: The First Class of the New Semester

On September 1st, Tianjiang Cultivator Academy began its new semester. Thanks to the arrival of Mu Tian, a volunteer teacher from Tianhai Cultivator Academy, Tianjiang Cultivator Academy was particularly bustling this year. Rumor had it that the legendary volunteer teacher would make an appearance at today’s opening ceremony to deliver the first lecture of the semester. This news sent the entire academy into a frenzy, with the attention of all faculty and students focused on the Grand Auditorium that evening. Seating in the Grand Auditorium was limited to a maximum of 4,000 people, yet the total number of faculty and students at Tianjiang Cultivator Academy far exceeded 4,000—even adding a zero wouldn’t be enough. Consequently, the spots reserved for class representatives to attend the opening ceremony suddenly became extremely coveted; without one, it would be impossible to attend the lecture in person and witness the extraordinary qualities of this prodigy from Tianhai Cultivator Academy. Lu Yue was very lucky. Everyone drew student ID numbers at random to try their luck at securing a spot, and she was the very first one selected. [Mu Tian, hehehe, I got a ticket to Tianjiang Cultivator Academy’s first class of the semester. I’m so happy. ] For some reason, when Lu Yue shared her joy, the first person who came to mind wasn’t her best friend Ping’er, but Mu Tian—someone she’d met only once. Mu Tian was currently mentally rehearsing his speech to prepare for his upcoming lecture. In the past, when Mu Tian taught others or instructed them on Daowen texts, it was always one-on-one—at most five or six people at a time. Speaking in front of thousands of people like this was a first in his life, so at this very moment, he couldn’t help but feel a little nervous. But after receiving Lu Yue’s We Chat message, Mu Tian was speechless. This was way too coincidental—all these coincidences piling up at once. Now he was in an awkward spot, with no way to avoid it. [...... Really? Congratulations, congratulations (sweating emoji)] 【Uh, what’s with that emoji? Are you there too? 】 【Um... you guessed right, and you’re about to see me (crying emoji)】 No sooner had Mu Tian sent the message than the host’s voice boomed throughout the venue. “The opening ceremony has come to a close for now. Next up is what everyone has been most looking forward to—the first class of the new semester. Let’s welcome Teacher Mu Tian!!!” No sooner had the host finished speaking than the entire venue erupted in excitement, with thunderous applause ringing out and refusing to die down. A moment later, Lu Yue, who had been sending a message, was stunned. The instant she heard Mu Tian’s name, she froze. Lu Yue jerked her head up, her gaze landing squarely on Mu Tian as he made his way onto the stage. It was actually him! No wonder Mu Tian had been acting so strangely today—and on top of that... In an instant, Lu Yue’s cheeks flushed crimson, as if she were drunk, and she lowered her head, burying it in her ample bosom. If there had been a crack in the ground, Lu Yue would have crawled right into it. How mortifying!!! Lu Yue recalled the “bold declaration” she’d made that day on the high-speed train. It had been meant as a joke, but fate is full of coincidences—who would have thought that the volunteer teacher would actually be sitting right next to her at that very moment! Oh my God! How could something so awkward happen? Mu Tian had also felt a bit awkward and flustered at first, but now that he was on stage, facing the gaze of thousands of pairs of eyes, he had no time to feel embarrassed. “Good afternoon, distinguished leaders and fellow students. Let me start by introducing myself: My name is Mu Tian, and I’m from Tianhai Cultivator Academy. During my time there, I achieved ‘remarkable feats’—over the course of three years, I was the subject of over a thousand complaints demanding my expulsion, with the highest single-day tally reaching over a hundred...” Mu Tian’s self-deprecating opening remarks were highly effective, instantly energizing the crowd—and sure enough, some people couldn’t help but burst out laughing. “Of course, the fact that you’re all here seeing me means I must have some talent after all. At the very least, when it comes to Daowen research, I’m among the very best in all of Huaxia.” The entire hall erupted in thunderous applause. “This time, returning to my hometown and coming to Tianjiang Cultivator Academy, I’m not here to teach or educate. My purpose is simple: to serve as a guide.” “The Legacy Stele is a rather capricious thing. For those with exceptional talent, it practically wants to dump the entire cultivation technique on you all at once, as if afraid you won’t learn it well or master it thoroughly. But for the vast majority of ordinary people, the path to cultivation remains inaccessible—it seems to be the exclusive domain of a select few.” Mu Tian’s words struck a chord with everyone. The hall instantly fell silent, and countless pairs of eyes fixed intently on him, as if seeking answers in his very presence. Mu Tian smiled faintly: “In my view, everyone can cultivate. If the Heritage Stele won’t pass on the teachings, I will!” The crowd erupted in cheers; Mu Tian’s words were exactly what they’d been hoping for. Like drowning people, they would cling to any chance of survival with the unwavering faith of a believer. “In my vision, Earth will be a world of cultivators—where anyone can become one. This will be an unprecedented transformation for Earth, a quantum leap in the level of life: extended lifespans, superhuman strength... In the future, Instructor Wang standing before us now won’t be called ‘uncle’ anymore—he’ll be a ‘young man.’ ” The director did a fantastic job; as Mu Tian finished speaking, the camera immediately cut to Wang Jian, and instantly, the giant screen on the podium displayed a shot of Wang Jian giving an awkward smile. Instantly, the entire audience of teachers and students shared a knowing smile; they’d truly learned something new this time—who would have thought that the usually stern Instructor Wang could have such a charming side? “Have any of you ever wondered what this society would look like if everyone possessed such power?” Next, two massive characters appeared on the screen. “Self-Reflection!” “Since the great upheaval three years ago, a group of people became the world’s first cultivators, gaining extraordinary power. Overnight, their influence and authority expanded rapidly, rising above the secular world to become figures akin to immortals on earth.” “This is a terrifying situation. Some cultivators believe they have transcended the mundane world and view ordinary people as nothing more than ants. Consequently, they lord it over ordinary people, acting like tyrants—and that’s still the milder case. Worse still, some act with complete disregard for consequences, committing all manner of crimes, preying on men and women, and committing every conceivable evil.” The audience below immediately revealed a cross-section of human nature: there were indignant students, government officials nodding in approval, and nervous managers from major factions... “To put it bluntly, according to the logic of certain cultivators, if you dare to cross me, I’ll wipe out your entire family! They euphemistically justify this by saying, ‘Our actions are guided solely by the clarity of our thoughts!’ ” Instantly, the entire hall erupted in laughter. Mu Tian stopped speaking and looked out at the audience. As the crowd’s laughter gradually died down, the hall suddenly fell into an eerie silence, the atmosphere becoming oppressively heavy. What Mu Tian said was by no means an exaggeration; the bloody facts were right there for all to see. It was just that very few public figures would dare to bring them up in broad daylight. Now, Mu Tian had unceremoniously thrust them into the spotlight, and everyone was deeply moved. It must be said that Mu Tian was exceptionally skilled at setting the mood; he had the entire audience on the edge of their seats, following his every move. “Of course, Huaxia is still much better off than many others abroad. At least we have a strong government; we haven’t descended into chaos, and order still prevails. As for those ‘newly rich’ who used to strut around, boasting about destroying heaven and earth—now the grass grows three feet high over their graves.” “Hahahaha” The entire audience burst into laughter once again. Mu Tian smiled and nodded, signaling for quiet, then continued. “Without further ado, what I said earlier was both advice for all of you and a reminder to myself. Now, let’s get down to the actual lecture.” No sooner had Mu Tian finished speaking than the entire room erupted into whispers. They shook their heads and looked from one another to the next, with two words written all over every face: “completely baffled.” What did Mu Tian just say? Why can’t I understand a single word! In the blink of an eye, everyone’s breathing quickened, and the thought on everyone’s mind burst forth: “Daowen!”