I Studied Abroad in the Modern Times-Chapter 352Book 2: : Refining Qi into Spirit, Utilizing Everyone’s Potential
Vol 2 Chapter 352: Refining Qi into Spirit, Utilizing Everyone's Potential
"Dao Fruit cultivation techniques?"
In the backyard of the retirement home, Old Man Bai and several others sat in a circle, studying the "Vermilion Heaven Jade Manual" and the "Trapping Immortal Sword Canon."
From Zheng Fa's explanations, they had come to understand that so-called Dao Fruit cultivators were the legendary immortals.
Being able to see such techniques naturally filled them with curiosity and excitement.
Tang Lingwu had already reviewed these two manuals and now leaned close to Zheng Fa's shoulder, peering at the "Great Freedom True Technique" in his hands.
Truth be told, Dao Fruit techniques were extremely rare in the Xuanyi Realm. Even among the five major sects, very few cultivators had the privilege of seeing such authentic methods.
Let alone three of them.
In the entire Jiushan Realm, only a handful of people had read these three techniques.
None of them were below the Nascent Soul stage.
But the retirement home was different.
Teacher Tian and Tang Muda had long gained Zheng Fa's trust.
Not to mention Old Man Bai and Tang Lingwu.
Zheng Fa naturally wouldn't hide anything from them.
Though Old Man Bai didn't know this, he was still brimming with enthusiasm. He quickly skimmed through the three techniques and sighed sincerely, "Cultivation... is truly miraculous."
Tang Muda also looked excited:
"The 'Vermilion Heaven Jade Manual' focuses on fire-element techniques. Achieving the Nine Suns Yang Spirit makes one akin to a fire deity."
"The Dharmakaya from the 'Great Freedom True Technique' not only has formidable physical strength but also possesses various esoteric methods and incredible vitality."
"Even the seemingly incomplete 'Trapping Immortal Sword Canon,' when merged with the sword, surpasses the previous two in power."
"Three completely different approaches, each with its own merits."
Zheng Fa shook his head. "Not completely different. The Yang Spirit method is the origin."
Through discussions with Senior Sister Zhang and others, Zheng Fa had nearly confirmed this point.
"The neural system constructed by the Yang Spirit method leaves traces in both the Dharmakaya and Tianhe methods."
"Their differences merely stem from the choice of techniques."
Hearing this, Tang Muda frowned as if recalling the three techniques, then slowly nodded. Suddenly, he said, "Setting aside the demonic sect and Tianhe methods, the Yang Spirit method... actually feels somewhat familiar."
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"Familiar?"
Zheng Fa was taken aback and looked at Tang Muda.
"As you said, cultivation is a spontaneous evolution of life. The Yang Spirit could be seen as evolving toward a spiritual energy lifeform."
This description was quite apt.
"What makes this method sound familiar is that in Taoist texts, there's a commonly used term."
"What term?"
"Refining Qi into Spirit."
Zheng Fa was stunned. Of course he had heard this phrase before, but he hadn't connected it to this context, let alone linked the Xuanyi Realm's Yang Spirit method to it.
"The Yang Spirit method subtly aligns with the concept of 'Refining Qi into Spirit,'" Tang Muda mused. "In fact, 'Refining Qi into Spirit' represents the most orthodox path of Taoist cultivation."
This statement seemed to support Zheng Fa's claim that the Yang Spirit method was the root of the three techniques.
"Then why create the Tianhe and demonic sect methods?"
Old Man Bai asked, puzzled.
"That's the key question. I have a speculation." Zheng Fa looked up at the sky as if counting the stars and slowly said, "The Yang Spirit method likely has hidden flaws."
"Flaws? What kind?"
"I don't know, hence it's just speculation," Zheng Fa admitted frankly. "But the possibility is high. Otherwise, those cultivators wouldn't have created the demonic sect and Tianhe methods."
The logic was simple: if the Yang Spirit method were flawless, why would Tianhe Venerable and the Demon Ancestor go to such lengths?
Or, to put it more bleakly, all three methods in the Xuanyi Realm probably had issues, otherwise the realm wouldn't be in its current state.
Having gathered all three Dao Fruit techniques, Zheng Fa felt even more pessimistic. He was certain that from now on, there would be no more references to follow—he would have to forge his own path.
From this point onward, there might be no more stones for him to feel his way across.
The difficulties ahead were foreseeable.
Noticing his somber expression, Tang Lingwu's eyes showed a hint of concern, though she didn't know what to say.
Zheng Fa sensed her gaze and turned to smile at her. "With the Nine Chapters Calculation Array perfected, technique derivation should be highly efficient. It will be a great help to me."
"Mm!"
Tang Lingwu nodded vigorously, glancing at her room as if eager to get back to work.
This wasn't just Zheng Fa comforting Tang Lingwu.
He had his own plan, which was quite simple:
Use the Nine Chapters Calculation Array and modern research to deduce the principles of the three techniques, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and improve upon them.
Then, with the "Heavenly and Earthly Fiend Transformations" and the Great Sun True Fire, he could conduct human experiments without leaving hidden flaws.
This way, even if he couldn't create a perfect technique, he could still combine the strengths of the three and find the path most suited to himself.
Old Man Bai glanced at Zheng Fa but said nothing.
...
"'Vermilion Heaven Jade Manual' Talismanic Diagram Explanations?"
Ten days later, Zheng Fa looked at the black notebook in his hand, then up at Old Man Bai. For a moment, it felt like he was back in that old, rundown teacher's apartment.
"You wrote this?"
Old Man Bai waved his hand dismissively. "Just some insights from reading the 'Vermilion Heaven Jade Manual.' Scribbled them down. Nothing special."
Zheng Fa fell silent.
He looked at Teacher Tian, who chuckled. "He's pretending. He was scratching his head every night, struggling to write it."
"Xiao Tian!"
Teacher Tian rolled her eyes. "Who do you think you're fooling with that act?"
Old Man Bai froze, sneaking glances at the others. Even the usually naive Tang Lingwu wore an expression that said she saw through him but wouldn't say it.
"If you want to help, just help. No need to be so awkward," Teacher Tian muttered. "The older you get, the more别扭 you become."
Zheng Fa looked at the silent Old Man Bai and opened the black notebook. He realized Teacher Tian wasn't exaggerating about the effort:
Using the "Vermilion Heaven Jade Manual" to perfect the Nine Chapters Calculation Array wasn't simple.
As a Dao Fruit technique, the "Vermilion Heaven Jade Manual" was grand in conception and profound in content.
The number of talismanic diagrams alone was astronomical.
This posed two problems:
First, comprehending this technique required extremely high proficiency in talismanic arts.
Second, comprehension alone wasn't enough. To apply its concepts to the Nine Chapters Calculation Array, the content had to be translated into something Tang Lingwu and the programmers could understand.
Senior Sister Zhang had done part of this work using the Nine Chapters Calculation Array.
But she couldn't compare to Old Man Bai, a modern mathematics professor, in terms of thoroughness and detail.
Most importantly, Senior Sister Zhang's upbringing created a gap with modern thinking...
Many of her interpretations leaned toward Xuanyi Realm cultivators' habits, making them difficult for modern people to grasp.
Moreover, most programmers had no exposure to cultivation or talismanic arts.
Old Man Bai was different. His analysis of the "Vermilion Heaven Jade Manual" was more accessible to modern minds.
After finishing the notebook, Zheng Fa handed it to the curious Tang Lingwu.
Tang Lingwu flipped through it, then grinned at Old Man Bai, her eyes full of admiration.
Old Man Bai puffed out his chest proudly. "Useful for the Nine Chapters Calculation Array?"
"Extremely!"
Old Man Bai smiled triumphantly, while Tang Lingwu cradled the notebook like a treasure.
She seemed even happier than Zheng Fa.
Zheng Fa exhaled softly, a smile appearing in his eyes:
Though there might be no one ahead to follow,
having companions by his side was even better.
...
"The talismanic diagrams Director explained yesterday were so hard!"
"I thought I was the only one who didn't get it..."
Team Leader Yang walked along the mountain path, still wet with morning dew, heading to the lecture hall.
The voices belonged to several martial arts disciples behind her.
Hearing this, an old man walking ahead turned to glance at them, his eyes amused.
"Professor Wu, what do you think?"
A young man from the martial arts school asked eagerly.
"Hmm, they were a bit complex,"
Professor Wu replied after some thought.
The young man slowed his pace, watching the professor walk away before sighing.
"Turns out we're just dumb. Professor Wu didn't seem to find it difficult."
Team Leader Yang watched Professor Wu's retreating back and nodded gloomily.
Though Professor Wu acted modest, they could all hear the ease in his tone.
Ironically, this genuine consideration from a top student hurt the struggling students even more.
If you wondered how Team Leader Yang knew this so well... it was because she hadn't understood yesterday's lecture either.
At this thought, she nearly cried.
She had to admit she was just as clueless as these muscle-headed martial artists behind her.
Among the thousand-plus attendees, the majority were former professors and students.
Next came researchers and engineers from various institutes who had contributed to the retirement home's projects.
Last were Team Leader Yang, the martial arts disciples, and employees from the Jiushan Grain Company.
Well, this was probably also the IQ ranking.
Director Zheng didn't discriminate—he taught everyone the same techniques equally.
The extra tutoring sessions, she heard, weren't related to cultivation.
But how could she and those academic elites achieve the same results from the same lectures?
Team Leader Yang didn't consider herself stupid—otherwise, she wouldn't have been entrusted with important tasks before.
Without boasting, her IQ and EQ surpassed eighty percent of the population.
The problem was, the top 0.0001% of geniuses...
probably half of them were at the retirement home.
In terms of IQ, the gap between her and a dog might be smaller than between her and these freaks.
Sitting through the same lectures, how could she not compare herself?
The constant comparisons were giving her a psychological complex.
Reaching the lecture hall entrance, Team Leader Yang took a deep breath, pushed aside her thoughts, and encouraged herself:
This cultivation opportunity was rare—a chance to bring honor to her ancestors and bless future generations.
Even if she cried from frustration, they'd be tears of happiness.
...
The moment she entered, she saw Tang Lingwu standing by the door.
"Lingwu?"
"Aunt Yang, here!"
Tang Lingwu stretched out her small hands and effortlessly pushed a stack of books half her height into Team Leader Yang's arms.
Team Leader Yang hurriedly caught them and flipped through curiously.
The books seemed freshly printed, still warm to the touch.
"'Pathways of Formations.'"
"'Introduction to Alchemy.'"
"'Topology of Talismanic Diagrams.'"
"'Principles of Artifact Crafting.'"
"..."
After browsing, she realized this was a complete set of cultivation textbooks.
Not only did they include analyses of common Qi refinement techniques,
but also subjects like artifact crafting, formations, alchemy, and talismanic arts.
There were even two books on agriculture and spiritual plants.
"This is..."
Team Leader Yang clutched the heavy textbooks, beginning to understand.
Her eyes glazed over, and her lips trembled slightly.
"Zheng Fa said the previous lectures were just an introduction, to help everyone adjust... basically preschool," Tang Lingwu said cheerfully. "Now it's really starting."
Preschool?
Team Leader Yang turned pale, nearly crying:
Where's the door?
I haven't even entered yet!
...
Zheng Fa sat cross-legged on a cushion, nodding in satisfaction as everyone received their new textbooks.
These textbooks were the ones Zheng Fa had asked Madam Xuanhua about earlier. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞
Of course, they weren't solely her and the Artificers' Guild's work.
"'Introduction to Alchemy'" was the result of Elder Xiong and Master Song from the Qingmu Sect.
"'Topology of Talismanic Diagrams'" compiled Zheng Fa and others' previous research.
"'Pathways of Formations'" was primarily Senior Sister Zhang's creation.
In short, these textbooks represented the pinnacle of Jiushan Sect's various arts.
Moreover, Senior Sister Zhang had used the Nine Chapters Calculation Array to review them, correcting many errors.
To Zheng Fa, these might be the most systematic and comprehensive cultivation textbooks in Xuanyi Realm history.
They would also be Jiushan University's first official textbooks.
The first fifty-year plan prioritized education.
With only about twenty years of peace left for the Jiushan Realm,
the value of good textbooks was self-evident.
Zheng Fa had high hopes for these books, striving for perfection.
Bringing them to the retirement home was partly to nurture the attendees,
but also to further refine the textbooks.
Seeing everyone settled, Zheng Fa picked up a copy of "'Topology of Talismanic Diagrams'" and announced:
"Today's lecture has two parts."
"In the morning, we'll begin studying this 'Topology of Talismanic Diagrams.'"
"In the afternoon, we'll continue with Qi Refinement techniques and cultivation precautions."
"This will be the general format moving forward."
Naturally, no one objected. Many faces even lit up with keen interest as they eagerly opened their new books.
"Let's start with the introduction."
As Zheng Fa lectured, he sensed the attendees' thoughts.
Midway, he caught one particular idea:
"This proof method is too convoluted. A different approach might simplify it?"
Zheng Fa perked up, checking the book. Indeed, the talismanic diagram transformation he'd just explained could be simplified.
He lightly tapped the page, marking it, a satisfied smile appearing.
Using these textbooks to teach served two purposes:
First, to enhance the retirement home's research capabilities.
Second... to harness these experts' insights to improve the textbooks.
Though these materials were about cultivation,
the similarities between the Xuanyi Realm and modern science meant many arts overlapped with technology.
For instance, talismanic diagrams closely related to topology.
Artifact crafting aligned with physics and materials science.
Alchemy leaned toward chemistry.
Formations connected to mathematical logic and computer theory.
Most textbooks came from Jiushan cultivators. While practical, their theoretical depth and systematic approach, in Zheng Fa's view, were lacking.
Simply put, they lacked profundity, theoretical rigor, and fundamental understanding.
These scholars might not understand cultivation as deeply as Madam Xuanhua,
but their scientific perspectives could help Zheng Fa refine the theories and principles.
...
After a morning of lecturing on "'Topology of Talismanic Diagrams,'" Zheng Fa's book was densely annotated—almost every page had marks.
Some proofs were unnecessarily convoluted.
Some theorems were misapplied, leading to errors in simplifying talismanic diagrams—even Old Man Bai had missed these.
Most importantly, some deductions lacked depth and could be expanded.
Previously, Jiushan's talismanic arts relied on Old Man Bai, Zheng Fa, and Senior Sister Zhang.
Three minds had limits;many areas were only superficially explored.
Teaching these materials to the group sparked numerous innovative ideas.
Some insights even gave Zheng Fa sudden clarity, inspiring further research.
There was another surprise:
This group included many textbook authors.
As they read "'Topology of Talismanic Diagrams,'" they instinctively applied their writing experience, considering how to structure the book more logically and scientifically.
Zheng Fa noted these thoughts silently.
By the end of the morning session, the attendees might have learned something.
But the one who gained the most was Zheng Fa, the teacher.
...
Two months later.
"Any questions?"
In the lecture hall, Zheng Fa closed his copy of "'Pathways of Formations.'"
Silence.
Team Leader Yang wanted to cry.
She had nothing but questions!
Because Zheng Fa wanted to cover the material quickly, these two months had been intense. Team Leader Yang was completely lost.
But she didn't dare speak up, struggling privately while falling further behind due to knowledge gaps.
With so much she didn't understand, she didn't even know where to start asking.
She wasn't alone—about thirty percent of attendees couldn't keep up.
Whether from insecurity, fear, or not wanting to waste Zheng Fa's time, no one spoke.
Zheng Fa scanned the crowd and nodded slightly. "Since there are no questions, today's lecture ends here."
Team Leader Yang stood, bowing to Zheng Fa with a troubled expression, already dreading another sleepless night.
"Those whose names I call, stay behind."
Team Leader Yang didn't look up. In the past, these extra sessions never included strugglers like her.
But the next moment, her name echoed through the hall.
Her head snapped up. Around her, other struggling attendees looked equally shocked and delighted.
Dazed, Team Leader Yang sat back down, staring at Zheng Fa in disbelief.
"I'll go through 'Topology of Talismanic Diagrams' with you again."
Again?
Just for them?
Team Leader Yang's heart trembled, moved by Zheng Fa's dedication to teaching all equally.
Her eyes stung with tears as she listened intently.
As he lectured, Zheng Fa gave her a deep look, surprised: They still don't get this?
He marked the page with a question, deciding to make this section's explanation even more beginner-friendly.
Good textbooks should balance depth and accessibility.
Depth could be handled by the professors and academic elites.
As for accessibility...
Zheng Fa glanced at the dense question marks in the book, then at the group before him, reflecting that every kind of mind had its use.
Without teaching this group, he'd never have realized these three pages contained eight unsolved mysteries.
