I Studied Abroad in the Modern Times-Chapter 377Book 2: : Two Great Formations, Unfazed by Change
Vol 2 Chapter 377: Two Great Formations, Unfazed by Change
The scapegoat Rogue Immortal Luo Sanxian arrived swiftly.
Not only swiftly, but with immense grandeur as well.
Zheng Fa stood atop Divine Fire Mountain, looking up at the sky alongside Shi Nandang and the others.
Above their heads, five red dragons trod upon the air with four claws each, riding winds and clouds, their majestic divine might making everyone's hearts grow heavy.
These five red dragons all possessed Nascent Soul strength.
Yet bits and bridles were fastened around the dragons' mouths and noses, with golden reins tied behind them.
The five reins converged in the hands of a youth-like cultivator, who was also a Soul Formation Zhenren. He stood at the front of a four-wheeled carriage adorned with a canopy, resembling a coachman.
Beneath the canopy, Rogue Immortal Luo Sanxian sat in meditation with his five centers facing heaven, eyes closed, spirit wandering beyond.
When they last saw this Rogue Immortal Luo Sanxian, he hadn't made such a grand display.
For Rogue Immortal Luo Sanxian to enter Hundred Immortals Alliance territory with such fanfare meant only one thing—Haori Mountain had judged that the alliance pact of the six sects no longer needed to be observed.
The reason went without saying: the upheaval at Tianhe Sect had prompted Haori Mountain to prepare for Dao Fruit warfare.
As Mu Qingyan had said, the destruction of Tianhe Sect was likely the result of a brutal, large-scale battle.
Zheng Fa grew increasingly vigilant. Haori Mountain's swift reaction revealed they hadn't been resting easy but had instead been maintaining vigilance during times of peace.
"Welcome, Patriarch!"
Just as he was pondering future changes in the situation, he heard Shi Nandang shout loudly. Zheng Fa stood among the crowd, lowering his head along with others as the red dragons' massive claws landed before them, stirring up dust with the gusting winds.
After a long moment, Rogue Immortal Luo Sanxian's emotionless voice reached their ears: "No need for formalities."
Zheng Fa straightened up and looked toward Rogue Immortal Luo Sanxian, noticing his gaze fixed on the Trapping Immortal Sword within the mountain core, his eyes filled with delight.
"Well done." After a moment, he turned to Shi Nandang, nodding slightly in praise. "The sect entrusted the Zhongxuan Sect matter to you without misplaced trust. You've actually saved ten years' time."
Shi Nandang bowed his head again, speaking respectfully: "This achievement isn't mine alone. The sect provided much assistance."
Rogue Immortal Luo Sanxian's smile deepened considerably: "You've labored for ten years—that's hard work. Rest for two days."
The mountaintop suddenly fell silent.
Zheng Fa also sensed something amiss in this exchange and glanced toward Shi Nandang and the others.
Shi Nandang seemed to want to look up but forcefully restrained himself, keeping his eyes fixed on the ground as he said: "Then what about the Heaven and Earth Divine Fiend Array..." ṙ𝘈ꞐÖꞖĚş
Rogue Immortal Luo Sanxian pointed at the youth who had been driving the carriage, his face still smiling: "Let this incompetent one handle it."
The mountaintop grew even quieter.
Everyone secretly observed Shi Nandang and Rogue Immortal Luo Sanxian.
Rogue Immortal Luo Sanxian continued smiling, his gaze toward Shi Nandang kindly and benevolent.
Shi Nandang kept his head lowered, veins bulging on the fist hidden in his sleeve.
The carriage-driving youth also wore a slight smile as he gave a light cupped-hand salute toward Shi Nandang, carrying some arrogance.
Zheng Fa thought to himself that he was finally seeing a true case of nepotism—no wonder Shi Nandang had that expression when receiving the message talisman. Imagine working on an assembly line for ten years without rest or even daring to step out for fresh air, only to have your bonus taken by the manager's brother-in-law when you're about to be recognized as an advanced worker.
That Shi Nandang didn't explode showed remarkable self-control.
After glancing at the youth, Zheng Fa understood:
The three clans of Haori Mountain naturally presented a united front externally, but internally, disputes among the three clans were numerous.
The Lu, Yun, and Luo clans each had their own interests.
Shi Nandang belonged to the Lu Clan, while this person brought by Rogue Immortal Luo Sanxian was undoubtedly surnamed Luo.
In other matters, Rogue Immortal Luo Sanxian might not have gone this far.
But refining the Trapping Immortal Sword was Haori Mountain's wish for hundreds of thousands of years—truly a great merit. Given Haori Mountain's generosity, the rewards would certainly be substantial.
Rogue Immortal Luo Sanxian himself wouldn't care about such things.
But having a clansman he favored come forward to claim credit required just a word.
"Patriarch, I'm afraid this senior brother is new here and unfamiliar with the array. He might damage the sect's..."
Clearly, Shi Nandang wanted to struggle a bit more.
But Rogue Immortal Luo Sanxian seemed somewhat impatient, frowning as he said: "The sect has decided that henceforth, I will wield the Trapping Immortal Sword."
"...Yes!"
With these words, Shi Nandang had nothing more to say—if the sword belonged to Rogue Immortal Luo Sanxian, he could let whoever he wanted refine it.
Yet some resentment still lingered on his face.
Zheng Fa thought to himself that the other two patriarchs of Haori Mountain were quite generous, giving away the Trapping Immortal Sword so readily.
Rogue Immortal Luo Sanxian said coldly: "Don't think I'm taking advantage. After refining the Trapping Immortal Sword, I will go directly to Jiushan Sect to settle matters with that Zheng Fa."
Zheng Fa's eyes widened slightly.
Jiushan Sect was involved in this too?
Even Shi Nandang looked up abruptly, his expression puzzled.
Rogue Immortal Luo Sanxian glanced at him and shook his head: "With the changes at Tianhe, your Patriarch Yun has already gone to Tianhe Sect, but Jiushan Sect cannot be taken lightly."
"Patriarch, you mean to...?"
"Best to eliminate this potential threat once and for all."
"..."
Wait, what has our Jiushan Sect done to earn such hatred from Haori Mountain?
Zheng Fa hadn't expected that when trouble struck Heavenly River Sect, Haori Mountain's response would be to seize the opportunity to destroy Jiushan.
Moreover, Rogue Immortal Luo Sanxian only mentioned Patriarch Yun's whereabouts without revealing the movements of the Lu Clan's Holy Patriarch.
This particularly worried Zheng Fa.
"Patriarch, Jiushan Sect isn't an easy target either. That Great Freedom Demon Ancestor..."
Rogue Immortal Luo Sanxian spoke with confidence: "The Great Freedom Demon Ancestor had just been reborn then, failed to prove himself as Demon Emperor, and his Great Freedom Demonic Sect was nearly destroyed. His strength was far inferior to mine."
"Previously, we were cautious about Jiushan's Zheng Fa mainly because we couldn't understand how he managed to kill the Great Freedom Demon Ancestor."
"But with the Trapping Immortal Sword, I naturally have nothing to fear."
Shi Nandang also looked toward the Trapping Immortal Sword, asking curiously: "With just the Trapping Immortal Sword, can we overcome Jiushan Sect?"
"Zheng Fa killed a Demon Ancestor, but this Trapping Immortal Sword has slain a True Immortal."
Shi Nandang's expression toward the Trapping Immortal Sword suddenly gained several degrees of awe.
"Slain a True Immortal?"
Hearing this, Elder Jiu in the crowd couldn't help but glance at Zheng Fa, her eyes secretly worried.
Yet she saw Zheng Fa listening while nodding frequently, his expression toward the Trapping Immortal Sword full of appreciation without any trace of fear.
Elder Jiu paused slightly, then breathed a soft sigh of relief.
After speaking a few more words with Shi Nandang, Rogue Immortal Luo Sanxian had the carriage-driving youth enter the array to jointly refine the Trapping Immortal Sword.
Shi Nandang didn't dare say more, retreating to Zheng Fa's side, though his gaze toward the youth still carried some resentment.
Ultimately, his merit had truly been stolen.
But Rogue Immortal Luo Sanxian was powerful and held the sect's authority, leaving him powerless to resist—though how could he not feel resentful?
The carriage-driving youth seemed well-prepared, his techniques skilled as he operated the Heaven and Earth Divine Fiend Array without the slightest hitch.
Shi Nandang's expression grew increasingly unpleasant.
After three days, the refinement reached its final stage.
The seven stars shone brightly in the sky, their starlight stern and sharp like arrows shooting toward Huoshen Mountain.
Mountain fires surged like tides, heat rushing toward Zheng Fa and the others.
At some point, the mist on the mountaintop gradually dispersed.
Zheng Fa looked down the mountain and saw Zhongxuan Sect's Elder Ba standing on the mountainside, with hundreds of Zhongxuan Sect disciples sitting cross-legged on the ground as if diligently cultivating.
Yet their expressions were full of terror, despair, and even anger.
Zheng Fa could see Junior Sister Ye's body rigid, tear stains at the corners of her eyes, her pupils constantly shifting as she gazed intently toward the mountaintop.
She seemed to see Zheng Fa, her gaze dimming before turning to look at Elder Jiu.
Elder Jiu also seemed to notice her gaze. Seeing the despair in her eyes, she gave a faint glance as if unconcerned.
Junior Sister Ye's expression grew increasingly bleak as she slowly closed her eyes.
Countless other disciples displayed even more pitiful states than hers.
Zheng Fa was extremely familiar with the Heaven and Earth Divine Fiend Array—more so than anyone present.
The so-called Heaven and Earth Divine Fiend Array essentially borrowed the killing intent of heaven, earth, and man to gather tremendous power for refining the Trapping Immortal Sword.
Heaven's killing intent came from the stars.
Earth's killing intent came from the earth veins.
As for man's killing intent...
This felt quite familiar to Zheng Fa.
Haori Mountain and the Demon Ancestor indeed shared many similarities.
Though Haori Mountain maintained some righteous practices—if this were the Great Freedom Demonic Sect, several hundred people wouldn't be enough as medicinal ingredients. Though admittedly, their righteous practices were only barely present.
After another incense stick's time, the seven Nascent Souls controlling the Heaven and Earth Divine Fiend Array also ceased their movements.
"Holy Patriarch, the great array is complete."
The former carriage-driving youth reported to Rogue Immortal Luo Sanxian.
Rogue Immortal Luo Sanxian's face twitched, as if unable to suppress his inner excitement.
Just as he prepared to speak, the sky suddenly darkened. Everyone shuddered, feeling a chill flow from the back of their heads into their hearts.
"This is..."
Zheng Fa looked up, gazing toward Tianhe Sect's direction.
Tianhe Sect was extremely distant—normally nothing should be visible.
But now the heavens resembled a concave mirror reflecting everything happening at Tianhe Sect.
Whether this was Nine Nether Demon Ancestor's deliberate doing or because events there were so earth-shattering that even heaven and earth couldn't help but bear witness remained unknown.
A figure flew out from Tianhe Sect's main hall.
This person was dressed entirely in black, only his eyes shining like morning stars—this was Nine Nether Demon Ancestor.
His appearance caused the sky to darken, even the wind growing more stern.
Nine Nether Demon Ancestor looked at the sky as if meeting the world's gaze, seemingly observing all the frightened, angry, and fearful looks before smiling faintly.
Nine Nether Demon Ancestor looked at the sky as if meeting the world's gaze, seemingly observing all the frightened, angry, and fearful looks before smiling faintly.
Countless strange symbols flowed within the scroll, making Zheng Fa's heart pound even more fiercely. He had some guess about what this formation diagram might be.
"Slaying Immortal Formation Diagram!"
Rogue Immortal Luo Sanxian shouted, his voice trembling.
Zheng Fa thought "indeed" as he saw the mirror-image Nine Nether Demon Ancestor point at the Slaying Immortal Formation Diagram. The diagram brightened accordingly, shooting out a pillar of light that enveloped Tianhe Sect.
"Fiend!" A sharp rebuke sounded from Tianhe Sect's highest peak: "What have you done?"
Sect Master Yan stood within the light pillar, his face filled with determination.
He reached out and grabbed at the air, a struggling immortal sword appearing in his palm as he said with a laugh:
"I ask the Patriarch to assist my Dao attainment."
With these words, the light pillar behind him suddenly brightened.
The previously roaring voice turned into screams of agony.
Meanwhile, Sect Master Yan's body instantly grew to a hundred zhang tall, surrounded by terrifying aura. Even as just a mirror image, it inspired awe.
...
In Jiushan Realm.
With the great changes in Xuanwei Realm, Jiushan News launched special coverage.
Yan Wushuang turned back dazedly to look at Xie Qingxue, asking bewildered: "That's my father?"
"It's Master."
Xie Qingxue's voice also carried some surprise.
She had guessed what her master intended to do, but only now did she understand—not only did Master want to escape the Patriarch's control, he actually wanted to turn the tables and use the demon ancestor's formation diagram to control the Slaying Immortal Sword?
Nearby, Han Lao also sighed: "The Sect Leader truly has great ambitions."
Yan Wushuang's facial muscles twisted as he muttered: "If he really succeeds, I won't even dare talk back when he scolds me..."
Xie Qingxue felt speechless, turning to look at him.
She saw this junior brother staring intently at their master on the light screen, shoulders tense. Looking closer, his hands were clenched together, fingers twisted like hemp rope.
Xie Qingxue shook her head when she suddenly saw Jiushan Realm's gateway open wide, two figures flashing out.
She knew this meant Master Zhang and Jiushan Ancestor had set out.
This suggested the Heaven and Earth Divine Fiend Array at Zhongxuan Sect had also reached a critical juncture.
...
The Heaven and Earth Divine Fiend Array had long reached its final stage, but even Rogue Immortal Luo Sanxian couldn't focus on the Trapping Immortal Sword now, instead staring fixedly at Nine Nether Demon Ancestor in the sky, his face pale with anger.
Nine Nether Demon Ancestor pointed at the light pillar formed by the formation diagram. The pillar brightened accordingly, then began expanding violently, directly enveloping ten thousand li around Tianhe Sect.
Looking toward Tianhe Sect from afar now, even without the mirror image in the sky, Zheng Fa could see a jade pillar standing on the earth, alone supporting the heavens.
He felt puzzled.
He could see what Sect Master Yan intended to do.
But what about the Demon Ancestor?
Nine Nether Demon Ancestor suddenly raised his eyes, smiling toward the sky as he said softly:
"Today, one of the five sects falls. Four remain."
Zheng Fa calculated silently. According to Head Seat Mingde's information, Tianhe Sect hadn't actually been exterminated—disciples below Nascent Soul had been dispersed by Sect Master Yan.
This didn't mean Nine Nether Demon Ancestor was particularly benevolent.
Honestly, cultivators below Nascent Soul couldn't make much difference anyway.
The problem was, Tianhe Sect now appeared to have no one left besides Nine Nether Demon Ancestor and his companion... The fate of Tianhe Sect's Nascent Soul and above cultivators, aside from Xie Qingxue, could easily be imagined.
That Nine Nether Demon Ancestor had lurked at Tianhe Sect for so long, with Sect Master Yan's cooperation, made this achievement unsurprising.
On the other hand, Tianhe Sect's techniques carried the risk of being controlled by the Four Veins Patriarchs upon reaching Nascent Soul.
Becoming a Sword Master made this even more certain.
Nine Nether Demon Ancestor, and even Sect Master Yan, wouldn't spare these Nascent Souls.
But others didn't know about Nine Nether Demon Ancestor's traces, only knowing that Tianhe Sect had become a dead land within days—how could they not feel terrified?
But others didn't know about Nine Nether Demon Ancestor's traces, only knowing that Tianhe Sect had become a dead land within days—how could they not feel terrified?
Rogue Immortal Luo Sanxian still murmured softly.
Zheng Fa focused his gaze on the formation diagram.
Nine Nether Demon Ancestor's near-extermination of Tianhe Sect with such ease was primarily due to this diagram.
The Slaying Immortal Formation Diagram appeared to have extremely strong control over the Four Slaying Immortal Swords, almost rendering the Four Veins Patriarchs powerless.
And Tianhe Sect's legacy was fundamentally built upon the Four Slaying Immortal Swords plus the Qingping Sword—now this legacy was almost severed.
While Zheng Fa was busy analyzing, Shi Nandang beside him asked in a trembling voice:
"Patriarch, what is this Slaying Immortal Formation Diagram? What does Nine Nether Demon Ancestor mean by saying 'four remain'?"
Everyone looked at Rogue Immortal Luo Sanxian, their eyes flickering.
Tianhe Sect had dominated for an era, yet had been destroyed overnight.
Even with Sect Master Yan's betrayal, this was too shocking.
What concerned them more was—Nine Nether Demon Ancestor apparently didn't plan to stop but was turning his spear toward their four sects.
Just as Rogue Immortal Luo Sanxian prepared to speak, they saw Nine Nether Demon Ancestor gently stroke the Slaying Immortal Formation Diagram.
From Tianhe Sect's highest peak, three flying swords emerged from the mountain core, joining with the Slaying Immortal Sword in Sect Master Yan's hand to pierce the clouds.
A mournful cry suddenly came from the sky.
Zheng Fa looked up and saw Xuanwei's membrane revealed before everyone. The membrane trembled as if unable to bear the weight.
Zheng Fa looked up and saw Xuanwei's membrane revealed before everyone. The membrane trembled as if unable to bear the weight.
Rogue Immortal Luo Sanxian's voice grew more agitated, as if watching a madman.
"Everyone says Heavenly River is domineering, but I think they're merciful and soft-hearted." Nine Nether Demon Ancestor's voice was very low, even somewhat gentle, yet others felt inexplicably chilled hearing it. "But I am not."
"I come to this world to initiate a killing tribulation."
As he spoke, he flipped his palm, and four swords flew out, pointing toward the four sects.
"When my sword formation unites, it will be the day the four sects fall and immortals bow their heads."
Zheng Fa felt puzzled:
This Nine Nether Demon Ancestor seemed rather arrogant, not quite matching his usual behavior... Could this be some special ritual?
...
Nine Nether Demon Ancestor and Tianhe Sect disappeared from the sky.
Yet silence still prevailed on Divine Fire Mountain's summit.
Both the fall of Tianhe Sect.
And Nine Nether Demon Ancestor's declaration pressed heavily on everyone's hearts, making it hard to breathe.
Only Zheng Fa remained relatively calm:
It wasn't that he trusted Nine Nether Demon Ancestor, but he felt that this time, Nine Nether Demon Ancestor probably wasn't targeting him...
Put simply, when Zheng Fa saw the other bring out the Slaying Immortal Sword Formation, he felt relieved: Nine Nether Demon Ancestor likely understood Jiushan Sect's actual situation well—if he wanted to scheme against them, he wouldn't need to go to such effort.
But aside from Zheng Fa who had dealt with Nine Nether Demon Ancestor before.
Every single person here showed faces filled with anxiety and fear:
Haori Mountain's people naturally feared following Tianhe Sect's fate.
Even someone like Elder Jiu who felt little attachment to Haori Mountain would naturally be wary of Nine Nether Demon Ancestor based on the immortal-demon conflict.
"What kind of appearance is this!"
Rogue Immortal Luo Sanxian suddenly barked at everyone.
Everyone looked up at him.
"Nine Nether Demon Ancestor acts so arrogantly, yet last era our four sects hunted him until he had no path to heaven or earth!" Rogue Immortal Luo Sanxian seemed to have recovered from his initial shock.
"Nine Nether Demon Ancestor acts so arrogantly, yet last era our four sects hunted him until he had no path to heaven or earth!" Rogue Immortal Luo Sanxian seemed to have recovered from his initial shock.
"As disciples of Haori Mountain, you panic like this—shows your temperaments need refinement."
"As disciples of Haori Mountain, you panic like this—shows your temperaments need refinement."
Shi Nandang and the others still showed some shame on their faces.
"This disciple lost composure."
Rogue Immortal Luo Sanxian smiled slightly, suddenly pointing at Zheng Fa: "But you—unfazed by change, calm and composed—well done."
Hearing this, Shi Nandang looked toward Zheng Fa, his eyes also showing some approval.
Zheng Fa blinked, feeling puzzled:
Why should I, Zheng Fa of Jiushan Sect, care about Haori Mountain's panic?
"Reporting to Patriarch, he is Li Hao."
"Oh?" Rogue Immortal Luo Sanxian seemed to have heard this name before, narrowing his eyes and nodding slightly. "The Lu Clan has gained another talented individual."
Others looked at Zheng Fa with varied expressions, yet some envy in their eyes—clearly, this suddenly emerged Li Hao seemed to have caught the eye of Rogue Immortal Luo Sanxian, a Dao Fruit cultivator.
Rogue Immortal Luo Sanxian didn't pay much attention to Zheng Fa, a mere Nascent Soul, just saying one sentence before returning to the topic of the great array: "You only see the astonishing power of the Slaying Immortal Sword Formation, but don't realize their Trapping Immortal Sword is fake."
"Ours is the real one."
These words made everyone look toward the Trapping Immortal Sword in the mountain core.
"A fake Trapping Immortal Sword possesses such power—the real Trapping Immortal Sword is truly a supreme treasure!" Rogue Immortal Luo Sanxian's voice grew excited again. "Once I refine this sword, destroy Jiushan Sect, then go to Tianhe Sect, I'll compete against the Trapping Immortal Sword in that Slaying Immortal Formation Diagram to see which is superior."
