I Studied Abroad in the Modern Times-Chapter 383Book 2: : Retreat Without Battle, Equal Footing
Vol 2 Chapter 383: Retreat Without Battle, Equal Footing
Apart from Immortal Yun's distant, icy roar, only the mournful cries of five red dragons echoed through the heavens.
These five red dragons, which had been violently thrashing under Senior Sister Zhang's Tranquility Bamboo with unyielding arrogance, now froze as they stared at the dimmed battle chariot, their dragon eyes filled with sorrow and their cries heart-wrenching.
Their once-vibrant whiskers, scales, even their horns and claws were now peeling away, transforming into crimson and golden runes that resembled burning blood petals drifting down from the sky.
Yet none of the countless cultivators below paid attention to this spectacle, instead silently gazing up at Zheng Fa, who appeared utterly insignificant in the sky.
Everyone could see Zheng Fa was severely depleted:
The sword light that had illuminated the heavens moments ago now flickered weakly like fireflies.
His distant, tiny figure swayed precariously mid-air.
The stunningly beautiful female cultivator beside him, holding bamboo, swiftly flew forward to support him.
But no one would mock Zheng Fa's sorry state.
Looking back through an entire era spanning hundreds of thousands of years, he was the first cultivator to slay a Dao Fruit expert from the Five Sects.
Even after another hundred thousand years, this sword strike would likely still be celebrated by future generations.
Though Zheng Fa had also killed the Great Freedom Demon Ancestor, to most cultivators, the Five Sects of Xuanyi Realm and the Demon Ancestor were entirely different:
In this era, immortal sects flourished while demonic forces lurked in shadows. Though both were Dao Fruit experts, the Five Sects' lofty status was deeply ingrained in cultivators' minds.
A hundred thousand years was simply too long—long enough for generations of cultivators to regard the Five Sects as the very heavens of Xuanyi Realm.
And Zheng Fa's sword strike had pierced through those heavens.
Watching the five red dragons dissipate in the light screen, the six Nascent Soul experts at Taishang Dao's lakeside pavilion were overcome with emotion.
"Killed... just like that?"
Zhenren Chengkong abruptly stood up, his wooden chair shattering from the force.
The other five Nascent Souls paid no attention to his breach of decorum, remaining silent until the elder who had previously lectured Head Seat Mingde finally exhaled deeply: "This Alliance Leader Zheng... he... he..." Ｒ𝐀ΝՕᛒÈṡ
He stammered, seemingly unable to find words to describe Zheng Fa.
Eventually, he closed his mouth.
Head Seat Mingde understood—this reaction contained an element of awe toward Zheng Fa.
Earlier, this senior brother, merely a Nascent Soul cultivator, had dared to critique Zheng Fa, still clinging to some pride from his Taishang Dao background, his words laced with condescension.
Now that Zheng Fa had annihilated Rogue Immortal Luo with a single sword strike, even this distant senior brother felt fear, worried his words might bring calamity.
Zheng Fa defeating Rogue Immortal Luo was one matter.
Daring to kill a Five Sects' Dao Fruit expert was entirely another.
The impact on Five Sects cultivators was even greater than on the observing Xuanyi Realm cultivators!
After a while, the elder seemed embarrassed by his reaction and flushed slightly: "That sword strike showed courage, but how will he face Immortal Yun's wrath?"
Head Seat Mingde pursed his lips, his heart tightening again.
Among Haori Mountain's three Dao Fruits—Lu, Yun, and Luo—Rogue Immortal Luo was the weakest.
Immortal Yun was significantly stronger.
Now that Zheng Fa appeared spiritually depleted and faced Immortal Yun's retaliation, his situation seemed even more perilous.
But when Mingde looked at the screen, he saw Zheng Fa gazing skyward without fear, whispering and gesturing to Zhang Wuyi beside him as if discussing something.
......
Staring at the undisturbed sky, Zheng Fa said to Senior Sister Zhang: "Seems Rogue Immortal Luo didn't die completely."
This was easy to confirm by comparing with the Great Freedom Demon Ancestor:
When the Demon Ancestor died, extraordinary celestial phenomena had appeared as if the heavens were mourning him.
Now with Rogue Immortal Luo's demise, the sky remained unchanged.
Surely the Four Sects weren't so evil as to be discriminated against by heaven itself.
The most plausible explanation was that the Great Freedom Demon Ancestor had truly perished, while Rogue Immortal Luo could still be saved.
Senior Sister Zhang nodded repeatedly: "Which raises another question—why did the Great Freedom Demon Ancestor die?"
Behind them, Xie Qingxue, who had reappeared, listened to their conversation with both curiosity and disbelief:
What kind of question was that?
Were they holding a seminar now? 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂
Wasn't Immortal Yun the immediate problem?
Zheng Fa glanced at her, seemingly understanding her urgency, yet remained calm and even smiled slightly as he responded to Senior Sister Zhang while also explaining to Xie Qingxue:
"Rogue Immortal Luo's survival suggests two possibilities:"
"First, the Nine Nether Demon Ancestor is incredibly powerful—while we can't kill Dao Fruit cultivators, he can."
"Second, it's because of Haori Mountain's Luo clan disciples."
"I suspect both factors are at play."
Xie Qingxue blinked, processing his words: "So Rogue Immortal Luo can revive because of his Luo clan disciples at Haori Mountain?"
"And likely regain strength quickly."
Zheng Fa suddenly chuckled: "I've always thought the Great Freedom Demon Ancestor was rather unlucky."
"...Unlucky how?"
"That underground cavern explosion revealing the Great Freedom Secret Realm... seemed too coincidental."
Xie Qingxue gaped: "The Nine Nether Demon Ancestor?"
"Maybe, maybe not." Zheng Fa shook his head. "I just have this feeling the Great Freedom Demon Ancestor was pushed step by step into emerging prematurely."
Xie Qingxue nodded silently, finding Zheng Fa's reasoning sound. Currently, apart from the Nine Nether Demon Ancestor, other demon ancestors remained hidden, clearly observing the situation.
After pondering, she grew anxious again: "What's the point of this now? Is the Nine Nether Demon Ancestor going to leap over and help us fight Haori Mountain's Immortal Yun?"
Senior Sister Zhang also looked at Zheng Fa questioningly.
"It shows how crucial followers are for any Dao Fruit expert."
"So what?"
Zheng Fa gazed at the distant sea of clouds where an imposing figure like a divine mountain grew increasingly near.
"Senior Sister, calculate Haori Mountain's current situation."
"Calculate what?"
"I suspect there are no Dao Fruit cultivators at Haori Mountain right now."
"What?"
Xie Qingxue was shocked, and even Senior Sister Zhang looked dumbfounded—yet she immediately began divining with her Innate Eight Trigrams.
Moments later, Senior Sister Zhang stared at Zheng Fa in amazement:
"I can vaguely discern—Haori Mountain truly has no Dao Fruits!"
Xie Qingxue grew even more confused: "How did you know?"
"A guess—I wasn't entirely certain."
"You guessed this?"
"Simple—Immortal Yun came from Tianhe Sect." Zheng Fa shook his head. "Tianhe Sect is extremely far from Jiushan Sect. Even at full speed, Immortal Yun hasn't arrived yet."
"Haori Mountain is much closer. If the Lu clan's Sacred Ancestor were present, why summon Immortal Yun from afar?"
Xie Qingxue listened dumbly, marveling at Zheng Fa's quick thinking.
"So you're going to act?"
Zheng Fa nodded slightly.
Senior Sister Zhang's calculations suggested that even with the Trapping Immortal Sword, he couldn't defeat a true immortal—but with the Rainbow Transformation Method and Fusang Wood, his escape chances were decent.
Add Senior Sister Zhang's Tranquility Bamboo and Innate Eight Trigrams,
And if Xie Qingxue and the Qingping Sword joined the fight...
Victory? Well, still unlikely—but survival odds improved significantly.
But facing both Immortal Yun and Rogue Immortal Luo together? They'd have nowhere to run.
That's why when Immortal Yun ordered him to stop earlier, Zheng Fa didn't retreat—instead, he struck decisively to eliminate a major threat first.
Senior Sister Zhang understood: "Rogue Immortal Luo's revival must take time. If that Lu clan Sacred Ancestor is absent, then Haori Mountain currently..."
Xie Qingxue's eyes lit up: "Only has one true immortal left!"
Then she wondered: "Where did that Lu clan Sacred Ancestor go?"
"No idea." Zheng Fa admitted. "Maybe detained by Tianhe Sect's upheaval, or delayed by that so-called 'Heaven-Earth Membrane'... Regardless, this is our opportunity."
Xie Qingxue nodded repeatedly, gazing at Zheng Fa with unconscious admiration:
Not just for slaying Rogue Immortal Luo—that was ultimately the Trapping Immortal Sword's power, not Zheng Fa's.
But reacting so quickly to seize this fleeting chance was truly remarkable.
Immortal Yun's assault should have been Rogue Immortal Luo's trump card, placing immense pressure on Jiushan Sect.
Yet Zheng Fa had glimpsed Haori Mountain's vulnerability and acted decisively.
Now, this deadly game was finally turning in their favor.
Even the Jiushan Ancestor behind them had two words written across his face: Combat Power!
......
Immortal Yun's outline grew clearer in the sea of clouds, his Yang Spirit glowing cyan as he held an auspicious cloud ruyi scepter, cold light flashing in his eyes.
Noticing Zheng Fa's depleted state, his expression brightened as he accelerated.
Zheng Fa mentally noted his impressive speed.
The distance between Tianhe Sect and Jiushan Sect was vast—even for Zheng Fa, crossing it would take considerable time.
That Immortal Yun was nearly as fast spoke volumes—not just of his power, but his urgency.
"Ancestor!"
"Understood!" The Jiushan Ancestor sounded reluctant but didn't hesitate, transforming mid-air into the Mountain River True Form Rune.
Endurance had always been Zheng Fa's unspoken weakness.
From the Five Elements Divine Light to the Rainbow Transformation Method, Great Sun True Fire, even the Fusang Wood—all were excellent, yet each drained his spiritual energy voraciously.
After obtaining the Trapping Immortal Sword, his endurance anxiety worsened.
Fortunately, he'd brought the Jiushan Ancestor.
Each of Zheng Fa's three companions served distinct purposes:
Senior Sister Zhang's Tranquility Bamboo was formidable, and her Innate Eight Trigrams provided invaluable assistance.
Xie Qingxue primarily concealed the Trapping Immortal Sword, but in desperate battles, she could summon the true Qingping Sword for a decisive strike—their ultimate trump card.
As for the Jiushan Ancestor? His function was singular—a power bank!
Activating the Heaven-Earth Crucible, Zheng Fa absorbed the vast spiritual energy from the Mountain River True Form Rune.
His previously weakened aura surged, fully recovering in less than a breath.
Immortal Yun, who had been charging forward menacingly, suddenly slowed, his cold eyes betraying shock—clearly unprepared for this move.
Three breaths later, Zheng Fa's spiritual energy brimmed, and the "Qingping Sword" in his hand shone even brighter than before—this wasn't an act:
After striking Rogue Immortal Luo, Zheng Fa and the Trapping Immortal Sword Spirit had grown more harmonious, his control improving slightly.
In this sense, Rogue Immortal Luo's sacrifice wasn't entirely in vain...
As Zheng Fa fully recovered, Immortal Yun came to a complete stop, scrutinizing him with visible hesitation.
His gaze swept past Zheng Fa to the exhausted Jiushan Ancestor, filled with bewilderment:
This mid-air "refueling" technique was unprecedented in Xuanyi Realm, astonishing even this ancient true immortal.
Holding the "Qingping Sword," Zheng Fa actually felt more confident facing Immortal Yun now:
According to Senior Sister Zhang's divination, escaping was quite feasible.
Since the Trapping Immortal Sword appeared at Zhongxuan Sect, Jiushan Sect and Haori Mountain had never been so evenly matched!
Sensing Zheng Fa's fighting spirit, the "Qingping Sword" grew increasingly radiant and sharp, as if responding in kind.
The calmer Zheng Fa appeared, the more Immortal Yun frowned, hesitation evident as he eyed the immortal sword with clear wariness.
Zheng Fa found it strange—why were Haori Mountain's Dao Fruits so cautious?
Immortal Yun's expression shifted through countless thoughts before he suddenly turned toward Haori Mountain, anger flashing across his face. After one last glance at Zheng Fa, he abruptly retreated.
In the blink of an eye, the dark clouds dispersed, leaving clear skies.
"...He fled?" Xie Qingxue murmured.
Zheng Fa was also puzzled—Immortal Yun had arrived with such grandeur, yet left so abruptly?
Had slaying Rogue Immortal Luo intimidated him so much?
Though perplexed, exchanging glances with his three companions, Zheng Fa couldn't help but smile:
They'd won!
......
"This..."
In the lakeside pavilion, the elder gaped at the screen showing Zheng Fa and his companions sharing smiles, utterly speechless.
Head Seat Mingde wasn't in any mood to mock him—he too stared blankly at the screen, struggling to process events.
Everything had happened too quickly:
Zheng Fa had somehow replenished his energy, appearing even stronger than before.
Even more bizarrely, Haori Mountain's Immortal Yun had retreated without a fight—without a single word.
A complete loss of face.
This sudden turn left Mingde equally baffled.
Jiang Chengkong spoke: "Was Immortal Yun intimidated by Zheng Fa's sword strike?"
Head Seat Mingde nodded slightly, finding this plausible. The elder now looked both embarrassed and fearful—clearly regretting his earlier words.
As they debated fruitlessly in the pavilion, all recognized that Zheng Fa slaying Rogue Immortal Luo and repelling Immortal Yun were earth-shaking events.
Xuanyi Realm's future had grown far more complex.
Even as Nascent Souls who once stood above others, they now couldn't discern what lay ahead.
"That Yun fellow returned quite quickly."
A voice suddenly echoed through the pavilion.
All six stood and bowed: "Ancestor Li!"
A purple mist entered, revealing a middle-aged man—Taishang Dao's Immortal Li who had attended the Six-Sect Alliance meeting.
Zhenren Tongming had an epiphany: "Ancestor, when you mentioned 'Yun,' did you mean Haori Mountain's Immortal Yun?"
Immortal Li nodded.
"You were..."
"I paid Haori Mountain a visit."
The six Nascent Souls' eyes widened.
"Pity—Haori Mountain's formations are formidable, and Yun returned too swiftly."
Now they understood why Immortal Yun had retreated so abruptly.
"Ancestor, you intended to...?"
"Haori Mountain was rarely this vulnerable—Luo is dormant, and Lu is at Leiyin Temple." Immortal Li said matter-of-factly. "Had I destroyed Haori Mountain, Luo would need ages to reconstruct his immortal form, and Lu's Golden Immortal aspirations would be ruined..."
"A tremendous opportunity for our Taishang Dao."
The elder suddenly smiled: "So Immortal Yun retreated not because Zheng Fa was formidable, but due to your actions? Shouldn't Jiushan Sect be grateful to us?"
His confidence visibly returned, along with his Five Sects superiority complex.
"Grateful? For what?" Immortal Li looked puzzled. "I'm merely a rogue immortal—I couldn't have killed Luo anyway."
"......"
"When Yun returned, I fled immediately..."
"Who should be grateful to whom?"
The elder froze, realizing:
Apparently... Zheng Fa didn't seem particularly afraid of Immortal Yun.
If anything, he'd created an opportunity for Taishang Dao—though Ancestor Li's insufficient strength had prevented success.
"Another matter." Immortal Li hadn't come for this discussion. "Prepare gifts."
"Gifts?"
He produced a green scroll from his sleeve: "Ancestor Xuanding decreed I lead a delegation to visit Jiushan Sect."
"......"
"Visit? You personally?"
The elder asked incredulously, finding it excessive for someone of Immortal Li's status to pay a visit.
Misunderstanding his concern, Immortal Li frowned: "You wish to join?"
"Perhaps Mingde should go instead. You're unacquainted with Zheng Fa—your sudden appearance might seem presumptuous."
Head Seat Mingde noticed the elder's alternating pallor and flush, suppressing laughter. Ancestor Li meant no offense, but his words revealed a harsh truth:
Given Zheng Fa's accomplishments today, Jiushan Sect had truly secured its position as Xuanyi Realm's sixth major power—even Ancestors Xuanding and Li had abandoned their neutral stance, now seeking friendship.
And this senior Taishang Dao Nascent Soul... in Immortal Li's view, might not even be qualified to casually meet Zheng Fa.
