I Studied Abroad in the Modern Times-Chapter 295Book 2: : Six Sects Compete, Five Sects Test

Vol 2 Chapter 295: Six Sects Compete, Five Sects Test

Xiaguang Island, over a thousand li from the Western Continent, had a diameter of around fifty li—considered a sizable island within the Xuanyi Sea Region.

Previously, the island had been home to a thousand households, mostly fishermen and a few merchants trading by sea. Life scraping by among the waves was tough, but manageable.

But some time ago, the Netherworld Immortal had come to refine the Blood Fiend Banner, and the human inhabitants of the island suffered. Nine out of ten homes were emptied, and the once-thriving vegetable patches had gone to ruin.

There weren’t any valuable spiritual resources nearby either.

The island gradually fell into desolation. Over the past half-year, houses had become overgrown with weeds, and the wooden posts on the pier had long been broken by sea winds.

But today, the island had come alive again.

Boat after boat cut through the waves toward the pier.

In the sky, rainbow-colored lights from flying magical treasures reflected against the sea, forming flickering streaks of neon.

Everyone coming here was a cultivator.

They had one purpose—to attend the Five Sects Conference, which would be held on Xiaguang Island.

Across the sea, a large ship was also heading toward Xiaguang Island.

A little girl leaned against a window, looking at the myriad flying treasures in the sky, murmuring, “So many people!”

Behind her stood a middle-aged man with a solemn expression. He smiled slightly at her words and stepped up to explain: “Ever since news of the Five Sects Conference spread, countless people have gathered here.”

“Why are they coming?”

Before the man could answer, his gaze shifted to the side.

A man and a woman flew side-by-side over the sea, also heading toward Xiaguang Island.

With a slight probe, he could tell that the man was nothing to worry about—just late-stage Golden Core.

But the woman was remarkable—already a Nascent Soul.

He had a knack for judging people. He could see the woman was young, yet her cultivation was no weaker than his—clearly a young genius. He immediately had the idea to make acquaintances and called out: Ȑ𝘼ΝồꞖЁ𝐬

“Fellow Daoists, the journey to Xiaguang Island is still long. Why not come aboard and travel together?”

Zheng Fa and Senior Sister Zhang turned toward the voice. Seeing the man’s friendly expression and seemingly genuine invitation, they exchanged a glance and flew over to the ship.

Only after boarding did Zheng Fa realize the ship itself was a magical treasure with a hidden realm inside—

From the outside, it looked like a three-level vessel. But once through the entrance, the inside was expansive—each floor several acres wide. The lower two levels were divided into dozens of rooms, while the third floor resembled a courtyard, complete with rock gardens, ponds, pavilions, layered buildings, and winding corridors. Quite extraordinary.

The middle-aged man came forward and said, “I am Deng Cheng, Sect Master of the Beihe Sect. Greetings, fellow Daoists. May I ask your names?”

Zheng Fa cupped his hands and replied, “I’m Zheng. My Senior Sister is Zhang.”

Seeing Zheng Fa speak for both of them and that Senior Sister Zhang seemed to defer to him, Deng Cheng’s eyes flashed with a hint of intrigue, but he said nothing. He simply gestured behind him and introduced:

“These are the elders and core disciples of my Beihe Sect.”

“And this is my daughter, Deng Yan.”

Zheng Fa understood at once—this Sect Master Deng had brought his sect’s elites with him.

The sect wasn’t weak. Including Deng Cheng, they had five Nascent Soul cultivators—stronger than the Jiushan Sect had once been.

The ship alone showed they had some wealth.

Zheng Fa hadn’t brought anyone else.

Usually, he stayed within Jiushan Realm out of caution. But this time, he couldn’t afford to be cautious—not only that, he had to appear even more confident.

Hiding in Jiushan would only make him look weak.

Since the Jiushan cultivators wouldn’t be able to help anyway, they didn’t come.

Even so, it wasn’t entirely without risk. That’s why Senior Sister Zhang insisted on coming, and she brought along Tranquility Bamboo.

With the Fusang Tree Dao Fruit hidden in Zheng Fa’s body, plus the Ten-Thousand-Beast Banner in his storage pouch, they had a shot even against a Dao Fruit cultivator. At worst, using Rainbow Transformation, he and Senior Sister Zhang could escape.

That was why Zheng Fa dared to come alone.

Everyone walked into a guest hall and took their seats. Sect Master Deng asked:

“You’re heading to Xiaguang Island as well? To witness the Five Sects Alliance?”

Zheng Fa smiled faintly and nodded without committing either way.

Sect Master Deng, seemingly a talkative man, sighed:

“The Five Sects Alliance… is the grandest event in the Xuanyi Realm in this entire era.”

“The fate of us immortal sects may be decided in these few days—who wouldn’t care?”

“Those who could make the journey are surely already here.”

Upon hearing this, the elders and disciples behind him all wore somber expressions.

Zheng Fa understood their frustration:

The purpose of the Five Sects Conference was now clear to many—dividing up sect power.

Frankly, most sect members weren’t happy about it. Cultivators were used to acting freely, above the world. Who wanted another master over their heads?

But… no one had the strength to resist.

Even having one’s fate in others’ hands, while still needing to show up and witness it—that bitterness was hard to describe.

Naturally, Zheng Fa didn’t say he was attending the conference—

For one, it would sound boastful, and there was no need.

For another, in his heart, he still wasn’t sure how things would play out.

If not for the need to eliminate the Five Sects’ suspicions, he might’ve hesitated to come at all.

His daughter, Deng Yan, seemed to sense her father’s mood and leaned against him obediently.

Deng Cheng smiled and wrapped an arm around her. “Actually, I brought Yan’er along to find her a future.”

Zheng Fa glanced at the little girl. A silver glint flashed in his eyes. His heart stirred, and he exchanged a look with Senior Sister Zhang.

She also looked intrigued.

They hadn’t even interacted yet, but based on the spiritual energy around her, the girl clearly had exceptional talent—likely a single spiritual root and a Dao Body.

Even more interesting—the Dao Body seemed extraordinary.

Zheng Fa now had some theories about Dao Bodies—in his view, Dao Bodies might be incomplete versions of Dao Fruits. For example, the Qingyang Dao Body corresponded to the Fusang Tree Dao Fruit.

That meant Dao Bodies had varying levels.

This little girl’s spiritual energy harmonized subtly with the stars in the sky—her Dao Body was likely very special.

“My daughter’s talent is the greatest I’ve seen in my life. Any technique—once taught, she masters. She progresses rapidly…” Seeing how the two had noticed his daughter’s uniqueness at a glance, Deng Cheng grew even more respectful toward them, his tone tinged with pride.

The little girl blinked, still a bit lost.

But Zheng Fa had already guessed what he meant.

“You want her to join one of the Five Sects?”

“Exactly. If she can enter one of the Five Sects…” Deng Cheng’s gaze dimmed, “then she won’t end up like us—powerless and at others’ mercy.”

A father’s heartfelt wish.

“Now that the Five Sects are gathered, I brought her to try her luck. If some mighty cultivator takes a liking to her…”

“She could soar like a dragon, and perhaps have a chance at the Dao.”

The girl named Yan’er seemed to understand a little, and she clutched her father’s sleeve tightly, unwilling to leave his side and join the Five Sects.

Understandable. She looked only four or five—how could she comprehend what the Five Sects truly meant?

All she heard was “leaving home,” and of course she was reluctant.

But Deng Cheng hardened his heart and said:

“Yan’er, the Five Sects are the most powerful sects in all of Xuanyi. There are no others that compare.”

“If you can join one of them, we’ll finally have backing…”

A Nascent Soul elder of the Beihe Sect also nodded.

“Indeed. Soon the Five Sects may control all of Xuanyi… we must prepare early.”

“If Yan’er can join one, it would benefit her—and be a great help to us.”

Zheng Fa silently admired their insight.

The era of Five Sect rule couldn’t be avoided. For many sects, the best course was to send their geniuses into the Five Sects—forge ties and become insiders.

Yan’er was clever. After hearing their reasoning, the reluctance on her face faded. Her big eyes filled with resolve as she looked up at Deng Cheng and said, “Father, I’ll definitely join the Five Sects!”

The middle-aged man smiled in reply, though his smile held sadness.

He adored his daughter. Though he wanted her in a strong sect, thinking of her joining the Five Sects, flattering elders, and representing the Beihe Sect at such a young age...

It made his heart ache.

It felt like selling his daughter for honor.

But… he had no choice.

It was still the best option.

Even this plan might just be wishful thinking… but if it succeeded, countless sects would envy him.

Deng Cheng was about to say more, but suddenly turned toward the window.

The sky outside had changed.

They had arrived near Xiaguang Island!

The conference was about to begin. The Xuanyi Five Sects were arriving one after another!

From the west, Buddhist light spread across the sky, casting a holy glow on the sea.

Everyone aboard the ship looked up and saw rolling auspicious clouds blanketing the sky, coming from the Western Continent. Behind the clouds, a giant Buddha head with lowered gaze loomed over all beings.

Its eyes were larger than the tallest mountain, its gaze piercing the clouds with a compassionate calm, watching over the cultivators below.

“Leiyin Temple!”

The middle-aged man’s voice trembled slightly as he explained to everyone.

Little Yan’er’s mouth dropped open. All she could do was nod.

As the clouds churned, the Buddha head vanished. In its place stood an old monk in the sky, flanked by five or six disciples.

Wuzhi stood behind the old monk, but his eyes were turned east, as if waiting for something.

To the west’s other edge appeared a group of female immortals.

Around a dozen of them, blooming like a field of flowers.

Their robes flowed like colored clouds, propelling them across a thousand miles in a blink.

Their breath became a gentle breeze, calming the crashing sea waves.

The sea beneath their feet was as smooth as a mirror.

They were the immortals of Yaochi.

On Xiaguang Island’s eastern side came the three sects from the Eastern Continent.

Taishang Dao stood alone—just one middle-aged Daoist walking across the sea, step by step.

He strolled past casually, but behind him in the sky, a celestial path formed from purple energy trailed in his wake—mysterious and noble.

Haori Mountain’s entrance, however, was far more domineering. Dozens of brawny cultivators stood gathered around Zhenren Luo, who had been seen earlier. Their auras blazed like scorching suns, causing the seawater to steam. A thick, white mist rolled across the sea’s surface.

What Zheng Fa cared about most, of course, was the Tianhe Sect, where Xie Qingxue was.

The Tianhe Sect arrived last—later than even Zheng Fa.

From the southeastern sky, sword qi surged forth like a grand, majestic meteor shower. As the meteor shower descended, over a dozen sword cultivators were revealed.

Xie Qingxue stood behind a man.

Zheng Fa hadn’t seen that man before, but the moment he looked at him, he recognized the resemblance—those brows and eyes were at least seventy percent like Yan Wushuang!

The Five Sects had all gathered on Xiaguang Island, but none rushed to step ashore. Each claimed a corner of the sky.

Even the sky seemed split into five parts by their auras.

Their presence tested, collided, and subtly pressed upon one another.

Zheng Fa figured the Xuanyi Five Sects likely didn’t get along well—this alliance meeting probably came about under external pressure.

Sect Master Deng beside him had no idea what he was thinking. Likely, he had never seen a Dao Fruit cultivator before.

Though the Five Sects’ Dao Fruits didn’t aim their power at the cultivators below, he still found it hard to circulate his spiritual energy—clearly aware of how overwhelming their strength was.

“This… this is Dao Fruit?”

From what he said, it was clear that after the battle with the Great Freedom Demon Emperor, the term “Dao Fruit” had spread among cultivators.

Everyone on the ship nodded, their faces all tinged with fear. Deng Cheng, however, took this moment to instruct his daughter:

“Before, you were always within the sect, never seeing how vast the world is or how many mighty figures exist. I often praised your talent, and perhaps that made you arrogant…”

Deng Yan’s face turned slightly red.

“Now that you’ve seen these immortals from the Five Sects, you should understand. I, your father, am no great cultivator. And your talent, if not paired with hard work and a good teacher—if you don’t receive the right legacy—it’ll be wasted.”

Deng Yan nodded silently, watching the Five Sects display their strength. The girl seemed to gain some insight—and perhaps, real desire to join the Five Sects.

Deng Cheng smiled and added:

“No one knows if any mighty cultivator from the Five Sects will take notice of you… I can only hope they glance your way…”

Deng Yan’s eyes dimmed, her cheeks puffing up a little, clearly nervous.

But the next moment, Deng Cheng’s voice stuttered.

“Th-the Five Sects… why are they all looking at us?”

Everyone looked up—only to see that the leaders of the Xuanyi Five Sects had turned their gaze to their tiny ship.

“Could it be… our Little Junior Sister is a heaven-blessed genius?” a disciple blurted out in sudden excitement.

Deng Cheng’s face twisted. Could he have underestimated his daughter?

If the Five Sects ended up fighting because of her, what then?

Just then, in the sky, Zhenren Luo of Haori Mountain opened his mouth: “Sect Master Zheng, long time no see.”

Deng Cheng abruptly turned toward Zheng Fa.

Zheng Fa smiled at him, cupping his hands: “I have some connections with the Five Sects… if needed, I… can write a letter of recommendation.”

“Ab… ab… ab…”

Normally so eloquent and talkative, Deng Cheng was suddenly mute.

He stared dazedly at his two passengers—who now rose into the sky.

Zheng Fa had always intended to showcase his strength today. His Golden Core in his dantian burst into radiant light.

His Golden Core had been powerful from the beginning—it had startled Zhenren Chengkong when it first formed.

Now, in the late Golden Core stage, its power was over ten times stronger than before.

As he unleashed it fully, a vision like the sun rising over the sea unfurled.

Deng Cheng watched as Zheng Fa forced his way into the sky claimed by the Five Sects. Amidst the five distinct heavenly manifestations, a sixth sun appeared, equally dazzling!

Even Zhenren Luo and the others couldn’t help but glance over—

Not that Zheng Fa’s power was threatening.

But… who the hell had seen a Golden Core like this before?

This was a Golden Core?

On the ship, Deng Cheng shut his eyes, opened them again, then exhaled in relief: “This Sect Master Zheng… must be pretending to be a Golden Core…”

Beside him, Deng Yan tugged at his sleeve and asked softly:

“Didn’t you say… the Xuanyi Five Sects were the most powerful sects in the world?”

She was clever by nature, but even she couldn’t help counting on her fingers, confused: “Why are there six?”

Deng Cheng’s expression twisted again. He couldn’t answer.

So there was another path.

So someone could stand alongside the Five Sects.

…

It wasn’t just him who felt this was strange—even the Dao Fruit cultivators in the sky now wore unreadable expressions.

The Five Sects had stood at the peak of the Xuanyi Realm for countless years. There had never been another sect that could stand as their equal.

And yet, Zheng Fa and Senior Sister Zhang, whose cultivation levels seemed no higher than Nascent Soul, were now drawing attention?

Wouldn’t that cause suspicion?

Zhenren Luo exchanged glances with the other four Dao Fruit cultivators, transmitted a few words, and the look he gave Zheng Fa became more layered.

He said aloud:

“It’s been too long since I’ve seen my fellow Daoists. Why don’t we… debate the Dao a bit?”

Zheng Fa blinked, only to see the Five Sects’ Dao Fruit cultivators all smile—and simultaneously reveal their celestial phenomena.

Behind Zhenren Luo, a wooden bow appeared.

In front of the Tianhe Sect’s Sect Master Yan, a long sword took shape.

The others were no less extraordinary—the Yaochi Dao Fruit cultivator’s vision was a strange and beautiful flower, while the Taishang Daoist had a yin-yang Taiji diagram floating above an auspicious cloud.

The old monk from Leiyin Temple didn’t change much—but the Buddha behind him became increasingly lifelike, like a real Buddha descending to the mortal world.

These were no mere illusions.

Zheng Fa instantly felt the spiritual energy in the world shift—and even breathing became difficult!

It was as if the five Dao Fruit cultivators truly wanted to test him. All five visions turned to shine upon him.

In a flash, the entire world seemed to reject Zheng Fa…

Senior Sister Zhang’s eyes gleamed with killing intent. She looked ready to raise Tranquility Bamboo.

But Zheng Fa held her hand down. The Fusang Tree in his dantian emerged in the sky—its vast canopy blanketing the heavens. From it came a calming presence.

All the pressure on his body dissipated.

Below, little Deng Yan unclenched her tiny fists and sighed in relief.

Beside her, Deng Cheng’s expression was even more filled with shock and doubt.

But the Five Sects’ Dao Fruits weren’t done—they already knew Zheng Fa had the Fusang Tree, so they weren’t surprised. Then, the old monk from Leiyin Temple glanced at Tranquility Bamboo and pressed his palms together, chanting sutras toward Zheng Fa.

Behind him, the Buddha suddenly opened its eyes—glaring with righteous fury and exuding a demon-subduing aura.

The sea beneath them exploded. Waves surged skyward, lowering the sea level by a full zhang.

With a single glance, all present felt as if heaven and earth had turned upside down.

Among the Tianhe Sect group, Xie Qingxue’s hand rested on the hilt of the Qingping Sword.

In Zheng Fa’s hand, a flicker of black light revealed a banner painted with ten thousand beasts.

“The Ten-Thousand-Beast Banner?” Zhenren Luo murmured.

But the next moment, his eyes widened. Staring at Zheng Fa, he blurted out:

“Demon Emperor?!”

The aura coming off Zheng Fa now… was more like the Great Freedom Demon Emperor than the Demon Emperor himself had ever been!

The old monk from Leiyin Temple froze, seemingly too stunned to act.