Cultivation: I Have Studied Abroad in the Modern World-Chapter 1209 - 534: The Age of Expansion, First Entry into the Turquoise Pool (2)
"Dragon Lord..."
"I dare not accept."
"It was the little dragon who was misguided..."
Zhang waved her hand and spoke, "Present the North Sea Suppression Seal, surrender to the Jiushan Sect, and I will spare your life, allowing your family to be reunited."
Cangming Dragon King hesitated for a long while, eventually not daring to refuse, and replied, "Yes!"
Shuyu Dragon Lord understood, "The sect has an interest in the Northern Continent?"
Zhang lightly smiled.
...
"Currently, as Leiyin Temple has sealed off the West Continent and instability exists within the Supreme Dao, it is the window of opportunity to strategize for the Northern Continent." In the Haori Base, the Sword Dao Body eloquently discussed, seemingly having made plans long ago.
Zhang, the Heavenly Emperor Body, Master Pang, Yun Wujie, and others all stood by listening.
"From what Lu Yao mentioned, Hongmeng Purple Qi actually requires the unity of heaven and earth. The path Lu Yao travels is the Golden Immortal’s deliberation, which is the fastest and easiest route."
"However, our Jiushan Sect is different; we are destined to stand in opposition to the majority of Dao Fruits."
The crowd silently nodded.
Not even mentioning the ideological differences.
Just discussing the relationship between Jiushan Sect and the Nine Nether Emperor is enough to offend most Dao Fruits.
Sometimes, choosing your friends also means choosing your enemies.
"The Pure Land of Leiyin Temple still exists, and once repaired, it will remain extremely tempting to the Golden Immortals." The Sword Dao Body analyzed, "We must accumulate enough territory, resources, and strength during this period to contend with Leiyin Temple."
He paused for a moment and added, "After overcoming the Heavenly Human Five Decline Tribulation, the more followers the main body has, the faster he cultivates."
Yun Wujie agreed, "Indeed, the stronger the Jiushan Sect is now, the more it aids the Sect Leader."
After hearing what the Sword Dao Body said, Zhang continued, "Besides, there’s another reason, which is the income issue."
The crowd turned their gaze to Zhang again.
The plan to strategize for the Northern Continent was proposed together by Zhang and the Sword Dao Body.
The highest echelons of the Jiushan Sect initially had only two radical factions – Junior Master Huang and Zhang.
The appearance of the Sword Dao Body added another major figure to the radical faction.
This strategic plan also represents a complete shift of the Jiushan Sect towards expansion.
"Occupying Haori Mountain, we are currently at a loss." As the financial steward of the Jiushan Sect, Zhang spoke with confidence, "The land of Haori Mountain has been mostly polluted by the Gu God, not only yielding no output, but also requiring pollution management; it will not contribute much to the sect within years."
"Originally, we also obtained Haori Mountain’s treasure trove, but used up most for forging the Slaying Immortal Sword Formation, and the rest were used in the operation of the Golden Sun Burning Heaven Array."
Master Pang furrowed his brows, "And the sea route is severed again."
"This is the biggest issue." Zhang slowly nodded, "After consecutive battles, the sect’s consumption has been considerable, and the sea route’s income now is almost nonexistent, while the disciples’ cultivation continues to advance, and their numbers increase."
Upon hearing Zhang’s words, the others furrowed their brows, aware that the sect’s financial situation was indeed poor.
"Are you placing your hope in the Northern Continent?"
"Yes, since the West Continent’s route is severed, then turn north... The Northern Continent has cultivators and resources; even without occupation, it may compensate some of the trade route losses."
The crowd understood.
The Sword Dao Body and Zhang’s starting points were different.
The Sword Dao Body, in essence, aims to occupy the Northern Continent and expand the Jiushan Sect’s sphere of influence.
Zhang’s consideration is how to expand the Jiushan Sect’s income; trade is feasible, occupation is certainly an option as well.
Seeing the crowd in contemplation, Zhang added, "Of course, this is merely a concept... Our understanding of the Northern Continent is still too limited; only by managing the North Sea well and gathering more information can we make decisions to avoid losses."
Fighting at Haori Mountain and taking a loss is insignificant; if Haori Mountain dies, then the Jiushan Sect must die.
Fighting in the Northern Continent, the Jiushan Sect still has to consider economic matters; blind expansion is impossible, and plans are just starting to take shape.
Master Pang stroked his chin and suddenly laughed, "While discussing, we almost forgot there are four Golden Immortals in the Northern Continent; Nephew, are you treating them like they don’t exist?"
The Hidden World Three Immortals and the Peacock Emperor both have presence in the Northern Continent, yet earlier Zhang mentioned this matter only in terms of cost-benefit, barely acknowledging these four as if they didn’t exist.
Zhang glanced at the Sun-shooting Divine Bow behind Yun Wujie, remaining silent, making the crowd laugh.
This battle not only provided the Jiushan Sect a developmental phase, but more importantly, the spirit of the Jiushan Sect has changed – Golden Immortals? It’s not like they haven’t been slain before!
...
While Haori Base was filled with laughter, Leiyin Temple lacked even the slightest joy.
Looking at the Peacock Emperor and the Jile Heavenly Girl before him, Lu Yao lowered his gaze, as if unsure of what to say.
After a long time, he finally spoke, "Heaven Shaking, is dead?"
Seemingly unable to believe what he was hearing.
The Peacock Emperor lowered his head, speaking softly, "He died right in front of us, that Golden Sun Burning Heaven Array..."
"Golden Sun Burning Heaven Array..." Lu Yao closed his eyes slightly, heart filled with complex emotions; the array was created by him, yet it never displayed such power in his hands.
Who could have imagined that one of his most reliable allies would die under this formation!
"We didn’t dare to linger, so we had to return..."
"It’s not your fault." Lu Yao waved his hand, understanding, "With Heaven Shaking deceased, the fact that you two protected yourselves is a good thing."
The Peacock Emperor and Jile Heavenly Girl’s faces revealed a trace of gratitude.
"However, the Jiushan Sect has indeed become a major problem."
The Golden Immortals in the hall remained silent.
After contemplating for a while, Lu Yao continued, "The current plan is to restore the Pure Land, then we can free up resources and cooperate with other Golden Immortals. Until then, be cautious of the Jiushan Sect, it’s best not to go to that sect."
"Yes!"
Upon hearing this, the faces of the Golden Immortals present grew dimmer.
Lu Yao saw their gloomy expressions and spoke, "With the Great Vajra Realm present in the West Continent, we need not worry about the Sun-shooting Divine Bow."
Eastern Glazed Buddha listened to these words, feeling neither comforted nor assured, but instead deeply saddened.
When did Leiyin Temple and these Golden Immortals resort to playing turtle to preserve their lives?
He glanced around, murmuring:
"Not long ago..."
"Recently, this hall was full of Golden Immortals."
"The Pure Land was intact."
"But now..."
His words echoed lonely through the Great Hero Hall, with no response.
Liuli Buddha finally couldn’t accept it, speaking, "World Honored One, are we just letting it go like this?"
Lu Yao’s gaze chilled, "Zheng Fa must not escape."
He turned to the Jile Heavenly Girl, asking, "How is the Turquoise Pool?"
"Under control."
...
"Zheng Fa" had actually arrived at the Turquoise Pool half a month earlier.
The scenery at Turquoise Pool is exceptionally unique, different from other places.
Throughout his journey, what left the deepest impression on him was Turquoise Pool’s vegetative cover rate.
Whether the Jiushan Sect, Haori Mountain, or Leiyin Temple, while there are plants on the land, cities and villages are still built on open grounds, mainly plains.
The edge of Turquoise Pool is still composed of farmland, villages, and cities.
But the closer he got to the center of Turquoise Pool, the more he felt—Turquoise Pool seemed to be established within a forest.
Houses are mostly wooden, either two or three stories high on stilts, using one or two huge ancient trees as the foundation.
In the forest filled with abundant Spiritual Energy, rivers densely crisscross, fruits hang heavily.
Spiritual Medicine grows freely at one’s feet.
A small deer suddenly leaped past "Zheng Fa," startling a squirrel-like small beast which fell from the tree branch, tightly clutching a fruit.
"Zheng Fa" stretched out his left hand, catching the small squirrel. Being unafraid, the small creature extended its paw, offering the fruit to "Zheng Fa," as if in gratitude.
"Zheng Fa" raised his right hand, and with a look of pained expression on the little creature’s face, he took the fruit, examined it, preparing to put it in his mouth.
"Master Zheng seems quite leisurely."
A voice rang out from behind, and Zheng Fa, seemingly unsurprised, bit into the fruit before turning to look at Lord Nichang.
