I Studied Abroad in the Modern Times-Chapter 384Book 2: : Jiushan’s Celebration, Nascent Soul Awaits
Vol 2 Chapter 384: Jiushan's Celebration, Nascent Soul Awaits
In Jiushan Realm's Letu Island, Elder Bi Xia of Zhongxuan Sect walked through the bustling crowds with several disciples in tow.
Festive cheer surrounded them on all sides.
Sect disciples, Letu Island residents, and even mortals who had entered vocational academies from the mortal world—regardless of background or cultivation level—all crowded into the island's largest square, laughing and celebrating without restraint.
All major shops in the market district had closed for the day.
But the shopkeepers hadn't taken the day off. Instead, they'd set up colorful stalls across the square, displaying dazzling arrays of goods while calling out lively promotions:
"Grilled spirit fish! Deep-sea spirit fish cultivated personally by Elder Jiao Wuji, developed with Fairy Yuan's expertise!"
"New flying sword test flights! Flying sword demos!"
Junior Sister Ye followed behind Elder Bi Xia, her eyes darting about, overwhelmed by the unfamiliar spectacle.
Noticing her reaction, Elder Bi Xia smiled inwardly before speaking: "Go enjoy yourself if you wish."
Junior Sister Ye's face flickered with longing before she pressed her lips together: "This disciple... lacks funds."
Elder Bi Xia found herself at a loss for words:
These disciples surviving was fortunate indeed, thanks to Zheng Fa's mercy.
The problem was, believing their days numbered, they'd spent spirit stones like water.
Now they lived—but their savings didn't.
At least Jiushan Sect provided meals during their confinement...
"No payment needed."
Elder Bi Xia shook her head with a smile.
"No payment?" Junior Sister Ye gaped. She gestured at the hundreds of stalls surrounding them, disbelief coloring her voice: "Free for all?"
"Zheng Fa told me—the sect covers all expenses during these ten days of celebration."
The Zhongxuan disciples behind her immediately began murmuring:
"Sect Leader Zheng is truly generous."
"I told you those adventure novels were accurate! If anything, they understated things."
"These Jiushan disciples get all the good fortune."
As Elder Bi Xia listened to their chatter, she noticed Junior Sister Ye's expression mingling envy with hesitation. "What troubles you?"
"I... I'm not a Jiushan Sect member."
"Why do you think I brought you here?"
"Ah?"
"Zheng Fa's instructions."
Junior Sister Ye's eyes brightened instantly, turning toward the square's eastern edge where Zheng Fa stood with Senior Sister Zhang and several Jiushan elders, smiling as they observed the festivities.
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As if hearing their conversation, Zheng Fa looked up and nodded toward them with a smile.
Junior Sister Ye's face lit up: "Master, I'm going!"
She hurried to a nearby stall where the vendor called out:
"Fair fairy, care to try our Fairy's Delight?"
"Fairy's Delight?" Junior Sister Ye asked curiously.
"The Agriculture Academy's newest creation—brewed from twelve special spirit fruits. Smooth texture, pleasant aroma, boosts cultivation, nourishes skin—perfect for fairies like yourself."
Tempted yet embarrassed, she confirmed: "Truly no cost?"
"None! The sect leader's treat today!"
Junior Sister Ye drained the cup in one go, then gazed about with dazed eyes and a tipsy smile.
Elder Bi Xia watched her, sighing inwardly: How could one cup intoxicate her disciple?
The true intoxication came from Letu Island's atmosphere—this hard-won peace and joy overwhelming someone who'd narrowly escaped death.
Her gaze drifted to Zheng Fa. As a former Zhongxuan elder, she recognized his strategy—this celebration, while costly, visibly strengthened the disciples' loyalty, their pride unmistakable.
Not just Jiushan disciples either—even her own followers laughed freely, some arm-in-arm with others as if they'd become Jiushan members themselves.
Who knew if they'd still heed her or prefer Zheng Fa's commands hereafter?
The blatant courting of favor couldn't be more obvious.
Surveying Letu Island—air fragrant with wine and elixirs, eyes reflecting magical lights, every face smiling—she eventually smiled too, heading toward a spirit treasure jewelry stall.
......
Zheng Fa remained unaware he'd "bought" Elder Bi Xia's allegiance.
He sat with Senior Sister Zhang's group as Senior Sister Yuan circulated among stalls, gathering delicacies for their table.
This arrangement spared the celebrating disciples and mortals discomfort—Xuanyi Realm's strict hierarchies made true egalitarian joy more form than substance, even in Jiushan Realm.
Uncle Pang observed the merrymaking disciples and chuckled: "The expense is worth it—our disciples needed this respite."
"Actually..." Zheng Fa glanced at Senior Sister Zhang, smiling, "the cost isn't significant."
"Oh?"
Zheng Fa gestured toward the stalls: "Limited spiritual energy means reasonable prices—otherwise mortals couldn't partake."
Uncle Pang nodded understanding.
Zheng Fa added: "Many items like Fairy's Delight and new flying swords are sect products needing promotion anyway."
In short, this festival doubled as a large-scale trial event.
Most agricultural, alchemical, and artifact-crafting innovations from recent years were showcased here for testing.
"..."
Uncle Pang studied his spirit wine cup, suddenly laughing: "We've walked into your trap."
"Hmm?"
"This wine's excellent—I'll likely purchase several jars."
Yan Wushuang bit into grilled fish, mumbling around his mouthful: "What trap? Other sects' leaders wouldn't bother with such considerations."
His comment drew attention to this son of Tianhe Sect's leader.
Now a Nascent Soul cultivator and comfortable among them, Yan Wushuang continued: "When do Xuanyi Realm sect leaders fight while disciples feast?"
"These disciples would beg you to attack Haori Mountain again."
The others blinked, surprised by his insight. After contemplation, Uncle Pang gave Zheng Fa a searching look:
"You're not actually considering that, are you?"
Zheng Fa smiled at Yan Wushuang, nodding then shaking his head:
"Brother Yan is half-right."
"Half?"
"The Haori Mountain victory belongs to me, Senior Sister Zhang, our founder, and Fairy Xie. But truthfully—Uncle Pang, all disciples and mortals contributed too."
Uncle Pang stroked his chin: "True enough—without these disciples, we'd lack essential spirit materials."
"Exactly. Our rapid progress—even obtaining the Trapping Immortal Sword—relied on their efforts. This celebration is minor compensation."
Zheng Fa's point was simple:
Disciples generated most spirit materials and maintained Jiushan Realm's spiritual energy flow—contributions he wouldn't forget.
Especially since the festival cost little.
Xiao Yuying's eyes shone with sudden understanding:
"This perspective never occurred to me... It applies to all cultivators' achievements throughout history."
While others seemed confused, Zheng Fa approved of her historian's insight.
Broadly speaking, this shifted perspective from "great man" theory toward collective contribution—though Xuanyi Realm's context prevented direct application.
But Xiao Yuying recognized that no cultivator's success existed in isolation—all relied on their environment and era.
More immediately—had Zheng Fa lost, most Jiushan disciples would've perished.
To Zheng Fa, these disciples shared both contributions and risks.
Why should they suffer defeat but not enjoy victory?
Xiao Yuying produced a jade slip, seemingly recording thoughts.
"Fairy Xiao, you're...?"
She smiled at Zheng Fa: "Since the Demon Ancestor wrote Tianhe Chronicles, I thought to compose Zheng Fa Chronicles."
"Zheng Fa Chronicles?" He winced. "That seems... excessive."
"Excessive?" She looked puzzled, seeking others' opinions.
From Xie Qingxue to Uncle Huang, all wore surprised expressions yet shook their heads—as if the idea was unexpected yet reasonable upon reflection.
When Zheng Fa tried protesting further, Xiao Yuying explained: "Your unique perspectives deserve recording."
She glanced at the celebrating disciples, trailing off.
After a heavy silence, Zheng Fa stopped objecting. The group's mood turned solemn.
"This celebration serves another purpose," Zheng Fa told Yan Wushuang frankly. "Killing Luo Sanxian and defeating Haori Mountain bought us only breathing room."
"With the Demon Ancestor's threat and Luo Sanxian's death deterring enemies, Jiushan Sect enjoys temporary safety."
"But... tensions will inevitably escalate."
Everyone nodded grimly.
"Jiushan remains vulnerable. Our disciples must prepare for war."
Ultimately, this celebration wasn't mere idealism—it functioned like a victory parade:
Letting disciples taste victory's rewards bolstered their courage.
Proving that Jiushan's triumphs improved their lives.
Uncle Pang sighed: "Conflict never truly ends for cultivators."
"Zheng Fa, you're preparing for Nascent Soul advancement?" Xie Qingxue suddenly asked.
"Yes. With sufficient accumulation and Haori Mountain's Immortal Yun isolated, we've bought time. But peace won't last—the sooner I advance, the better."
Mid-sentence, Zheng Fa paused, retrieving his Creation Jade Slip with a frown.
"What is it?" Senior Sister Zhang inquired.
"Head Seat Mingde reports—Taishang Dao's Immortal Li wishes to visit."
They exchanged surprised glances. Senior Sister Zhang asked, "Your thoughts?"
After brief consideration, Zheng Fa sent a spirit message reply before smiling: "On my terms, naturally."
......
At Taishang Dao's Heavenly Lake Pavilion, Head Seat Mingde finished reading Zheng Fa's reply via Tongjian, his expression twisting oddly.
Noticing this, Immortal Li asked, "His response?"
"Zheng Fa welcomes your visit... but may lack time for receptions."
An elderly man present immediately reddened with anger: "Does killing Luo Sanxian make him slight Taishang Dao? Such disrespect!"
Immortal Li frowned slightly, clearly displeased.
"Not disrespect..." Head Seat Mingde handed over the Tongjian, explaining, "Zheng Fa claims he must prepare for Nascent Soul advancement—no time for socializing."
Silence filled the pavilion. The old man gaped, speechless.
Finally, Immortal Li laughed ruefully:
"Nascent Soul?" His tone mixed amusement and bitterness. "Now he pursues Nascent Soul?"
"..."
"Should I go into Golden Core formation then?"
......
Elder Bi Xia also contemplated Zheng Fa's impending advancement as she returned to her temporary residence, smiling.
Unlike Immortal Li's complex emotions, her thoughts were simple:
Sect Leader Zheng advancing? Excellent!
May he reach Nascent Soul in a day, immortality in weeks, and conquer Xuanyi within a year!
Only then would she feel secure.
When Shi Nandang asked if she regretted her choice, she'd claimed no—but anxiety lingered.
Her fate was now irrevocably tied to Zheng Fa's.
Jiushan's victory eased some worries, making her crave his further empowerment.
Entering the courtyard, she froze upon seeing the Zhongxuan Sect Leader waiting there. "Senior Brother? Why are you here?"
He smiled ingratiatingly: "Is Letu Island lively?" 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂
She nodded.
Currently, she and her disciples enjoyed relative freedom—having sided with the victors.
Thus they participated freely in Jiushan's celebrations.
But the sect leader and Shi Nandang were true prisoners—their awkward status kept them confined.
Yet here the sect leader stood in her courtyard.
"Lively... good. I've heard Sect Leader Zheng treasures his disciples—now I see it's true. Unlike Haori Mountain..."
Recognizing his implication, Elder Bi Xia studied him with knowing amusement.
Flustered, he stammered: "I... I noticed Qingmu Sect disciples thriving under Jiushan..."
"..."
"Frankly, I deeply regret my misjudgment..."
Clearly seeking to switch allegiances.
"Then why approach me?"
He smiled obsequiously: "You recognized Zheng Fa's worth early—I thought... perhaps Zhongxuan Sect might prosper under your leadership..."
"You overestimate me." She shook her head.
His face fell—until she continued: "As sect leader, you should present your proposal directly. I'll convey it."
"Wonderful!"
"One warning though."
"Please!"
"Zhongxuan betrayed the Hundred Immortals Alliance."
He nodded eagerly.
"Expecting Qingmu Sect's treatment is unrealistic. With Madam Xuanhua's artificer skills and Zheng Fa's trust, we can't replace her position."
"Of course!" he assured hastily. "We're atoning for crimes—how could we presume equality?"
"Jiushan's merit system seems fair. Without oppression, our skills should ensure decent living... I dare not compare with Qingmu Sect."
"Your understanding pleases me. Zheng Fa won't begrudge your submission." She reassured him: "Simply put, we pose little threat now."
The sect leader sighed: "Well said."
After a pause, he asked awkwardly: "Do you scorn my opportunism?"
"Not at all. You had no real choice—I understand."
Gratitude flashed across his face: "Your understanding comforts me. Could Zhongxuan resist either Haori Mountain or Jiushan?"
"Shi Nandang came—I obeyed. Sect Leader Zheng won—I must submit."
Elder Bi Xia nodded sympathetically: "Don't fear. Zheng Fa's boundaries are clear—those who harmed no Jiushan disciples may live. Consider Elder Jiao Wuji."
"..." The sect leader's expression darkened further. "Are you saying our incompetence saved us?"
"..."
Even Elder Bi Xia couldn't spin that positively—their failure to harm Jiushan stemmed from inability, not restraint...
Recovering first, the sect leader asked: "Shi Nandang..."
"Hmm?"
"...Is he like me?"
Understanding his meaning, Elder Bi Xia shook her head.
The sect leader looked ashamed, muttering:
"Naturally. Prideful Haori Mountain disciple that he is."
"He likely remains confident in Haori Mountain's strength—one immortal's death won't shake his faith."
"No doubt he'll remain steadfast unto death."
Finding the topic uncomfortable, he bowed: "With your assurance, I'll await Sect Leader Zheng's decision."
She nodded.
As he opened the gate to leave, he started violently: "Shi Nandang?"
Shi Nandang stood rigidly outside, seemingly caught off guard.
"You..." The sect leader studied Shi Nandang's stiff expression, then glanced back at Elder Bi Xia. "Seeking Elder Bi?"
Shi Nandang glared intensely before finally growling: "Merely passing by during a stroll."
Without awaiting response, he stalked toward a side courtyard.
Watching him disappear, the sect leader transmitted nervously: "He heard us."
"Oh?"
"His glare promised violence. Anger at my defection—restrained only by our location."
Recalling Shi Nandang's reaction, Elder Bi Xia smiled: "His anger had different cause."
"Then what?"
"Your praise of his 'unyielding loyalty.'"
