I Studied Abroad in the Modern Times-Chapter 385Book 2: : Taishang’s Intent, Nascent Soul Experiment
Vol 2 Chapter 385: Taishang's Intent, Nascent Soul Experiment
"Ancestor, what exactly is our urgent purpose in going to Jiushan Sect?"
A streak of purple light traversed the sky from Taishang Dao. At the forefront was Immortal Li, followed by Head Seat Mingde and others, totaling seven people. Surprisingly, even the elderly Nascent Soul cultivator had come along.
"You don't know?"
Immortal Li appeared more surprised than they were.
The six including Head Seat Mingde shook their heads in unison.
Immortal Li patted his forehead and spoke with practiced ease: "Forgot to tell you again."
...As expected, he'd forgotten.
Head Seat Mingde glanced at the elderly Nascent Soul cultivator and thought to himself: "No wonder Ancestor Xuanding insisted on sending so many people to accompany Ancestor Li..."
This Ancestor Li had been with their sect for over a decade now, and everyone had pretty much figured out his temperament:
To put it nicely, he was free from worldly thoughts.
To put it bluntly, he was forgetful.
When it came to major matters, Ancestor wouldn't neglect them, but he often overlooked minor details.
Because of this, Ancestor Li originally didn't want to bring so many Nascent Soul cultivators - he even intended to bring only Head Seat Mingde. But Ancestor Xuanding seemed uneasy and assigned him six Nascent Soul assistants, saying they would help Ancestor Li negotiate with Zheng Fa.
Mainly to remind him if he forgot anything.
Yet here they were, almost at the Hundred Immortals Alliance, still unaware of what they were supposed to negotiate, let alone remind him.
At first they didn't dare ask, but as Jiushan Realm came into view, Head Seat Mingde could no longer contain his curiosity and spoke up.
After some thought, Immortal Li explained: "Our goal is to form an alliance with Zheng Fa, or at least reach an unspoken understanding, to jointly deal with Haori Mountain."
Head Seat Mingde was stunned. This idea represented another shift in Taishang Dao's attitude toward Jiushan Sect.
Previously, Taishang Dao had been favorably inclined toward Zheng Fa, but truthfully, they saw themselves as mere observers.
Especially after Jiushan Sect and Haori Mountain started fighting. Though Head Seat Mingde had secretly provided some intelligence, judging by Ancestor's attitude, he seemed to wish the two would fight even more fiercely, with Taishang Dao simply maintaining its own purity.
They would never have considered actively seeking an alliance.
After a long pause, he guessed: "Is it because of Haori Mountain?"
Immortal Li nodded slightly, frowning: "Because of Haori Mountain's Lu True Immortal."
"Because he's about to achieve Golden Immortal status?"
"Not just that - because he's doing it at Leiyin Temple." Immortal Li shook his head. "Taishang Dao and Leiyin Temple have been rivals for several eras, yet now we've been outmaneuvered at the last moment." ŕἈꞐꝋᛒËṤ
"Lu True Immortal of Haori Mountain..."
He seemed to hesitate halfway, then changed tack: "This matter concerns the outcome of the current conflict between Buddhism and Daoism. Compared to this, the Nine Nether Demon Ancestor of Tianhe Sect is a minor issue."
Hearing this, Head Seat Mingde and the others looked shocked, clearly unaware of these hidden circumstances.
"Could Lu True Immortal alone really determine the outcome between our Taishang Dao and Leiyin Temple?"
Immortal Li glanced toward Haori Mountain's direction and shook his head: "This is a decree Ancestor Xuanding received from the Dao Venerable. There can be no mistake."
"Moreover... Lu True Immortal is no ordinary person."
"Hmm?"
After some thought, Immortal Li said to the other six:
"In the past two eras, the most talented was undoubtedly Tianhe Venerable."
"But when it comes to great perseverance... it would probably be this founding ancestor of Haori Mountain. In fact, his talent might not be inferior to Tianhe Venerable's."
Hearing this evaluation, Head Seat Mingde felt an involuntary weight in his heart.
The Nine Nether Demon Ancestor's deployment of the Four Slaying Immortal Swords had already kept Ancestor Xuanding fully occupied.
Yet according to Immortal Li, this Lu True Immortal of Haori Mountain was the real looming threat.
So much so that Taishang Dao had to swallow its pride and actively seek an alliance with Zheng Fa.
The situation in Xuanyi Realm was becoming increasingly complex.
Thinking of this, Head Seat Mingde recalled another matter: "But what does this have to do with Zheng Fa?"
Immortal Li looked at him, seemingly sensing his concern for Zheng Fa, and said frankly:
"Currently, the Heaven-Earth Membrane remains intact, preventing Golden Immortals from entering Xuanyi. Regardless of method, Zheng Fa managed to kill Rogue Immortal Luo. In terms of strength, he's currently among the top in this realm."
Head Seat Mingde nodded slightly.
Achievements speak louder than words.
At this special juncture, Zheng Fa indeed had the qualifications to stand equal with the four great sects.
For Taishang Dao to seek an alliance with him wouldn't be beneath their dignity.
"But... can he really resolve the Lu True Immortal situation?"
"Whether he can or not, I don't know. But Taishang Dao hasn't produced any exceptional talents these past two eras."
Hearing this, the elderly man laughed: "Ancestor, you're too modest. Not to mention Ancestor Xuanding and others who achieved Dao in the previous era, didn't you yourself achieve Dao in this era, with talent surpassing all in Xuanyi? It's just not widely known."
Immortal Li glanced at him and said coldly: "The fact that someone like me can be held up as something to boast about proves how lacking Taishang Dao is."
"Taishang Dao and Leiyin Temple were evenly matched. Now Leiyin Temple has gained Lu True Immortal, while we have no such figure. How can we hope to prevail in the future?"
"..."
This sounded like self-deprecation, and no one dared respond.
Seeing their silence, Immortal Li shook his head and continued: "Most importantly, Zheng Fa might genuinely be able to prevent Lu True Immortal from achieving Dao."
"How so?"
"At first we didn't know this either. We were just puzzled why Haori Mountain was targeting Jiushan Sect so persistently."
"Isn't it for the Fusang Wood?"
"It is for the Fusang Wood, but not solely. There seems to be another purpose." Immortal Li sighed softly. "This Lu True Immortal has grand ambitions. Especially now, at this critical juncture of his Dao attainment, given his temperament, he shouldn't be acting so hastily that we noticed something amiss. Haori Mountain's actions must have deeper reasons."
His explanation was somewhat unclear, leaving Head Seat Mingde increasingly confused yet grasping one point:
The sect wanted to befriend Zheng Fa, essentially to have Jiushan Sect deal with Haori Mountain - more precisely, to have Zheng Fa deal with that Lu True Immortal.
But this Lu True Immortal of Haori Mountain, who even Taishang Dao found intimidating... would naturally be even more dangerous for Zheng Fa.
A trace of worry appeared between his brows, which Immortal Li seemed to notice, smiling: "The reason I want to observe Zheng Fa's Nascent Soul breakthrough is to see if he has what it takes."
Head Seat Mingde understood.
During tribulation, cultivators find it difficult to conceal their true strength. Ancestor Li wanted to observe because he wasn't sure if Zheng Fa could help them deal with Lu True Immortal and wanted to verify.
If Ancestor Li believed Zheng Fa could truly help, then Taishang Dao would spare no effort in courting Jiushan Sect, even offering support.
But if he thought Zheng Fa's future achievements would be limited... well, that would be another matter.
...
Their conversation lasted barely half an incense stick's time before they reached Jiushan Realm.
Elder Yu waited on a mountain peak with Uncle Pang and Uncle Huang.
As the purple light descended, the Jiushan Sect members bowed respectfully:
"Greetings, Immortal of Taishang Dao."
Immortal Li's attitude was quite mild, not putting on airs of his Dao Fruit status: "Greetings, True Master."
Elder Yu explained: "My disciple is currently in seclusion and truly has no time to receive you, Immortal. I hope you'll forgive this discourtesy."
"I'm the one who came unannounced."
Uncle Pang and Uncle Huang exchanged glances - so you do know you came uninvited?
They were indeed somewhat puzzled and wary. Why did Immortal Li insist on coming to Jiushan Realm despite knowing Zheng Fa was unavailable?
After discussion, they ultimately agreed:
Jiushan Sect's strength was limited. Having offended Haori Mountain, they couldn't afford to offend Taishang Dao as well.
In fact, they had practical needs to befriend Taishang Dao. With repeated requests from the other side, it would be inappropriate to refuse them.
Head Seat Mingde's goodwill toward Jiushan Sect was also a factor.
Of course, the main reason was Jiushan Sect's current confidence:
Immortal Li's Rogue Immortal cultivation couldn't cause much trouble in Jiushan Realm at present.
Thus for this reception, Jiushan Ancestor, Senior Sister Zhang, and Xie Qingxue didn't appear, leaving Elder Yu in charge.
First, as former sect leader and Zheng Fa's master, his status showed sufficient sincerity.
Second, the absence of the Rogue Immortal-slaying team served as a warning to Immortal Li against any rash actions.
Combined with Jiushan Realm being Zheng Fa's territory, which suppressed other Rogue Immortals, there was little need for excessive concern.
Elder Yu welcomed them to Ten Thousand Immortal Island, then excused himself to leave hurriedly.
Currently, Zhang Wuyi and the others were guarding Zheng Fa's breakthrough, leaving Elder Yu with many responsibilities and little free time.
Uncle Huang arranged accommodations and meals.
Only Uncle Pang and others remained to converse with the Taishang Dao visitors.
Uncle Pang was naturally sociable, and Immortal Li seemed easy to get along with, maintaining polite smiles throughout, creating a lively atmosphere.
Uncle Pang marveled inwardly at how agreeable this Taishang Dao Rogue Immortal was.
After some pleasantries, Immortal Li suddenly asked:
"True Master Huang, how long has Zheng Fa been in seclusion?"
The room fell silent.
"...Immortal, Zheng Fa has been in seclusion for three days." Uncle Pang answered stiffly.
Who the hell is surnamed Huang?
Under normal circumstances, Uncle Pang would have protested, but facing a Rogue Immortal, he felt somewhat intimidated.
Head Seat Mingde coughed lightly: "Ancestor, this True Master's surname is Pang."
Then he explained apologetically to Uncle Pang: "Ancestor Li's memory isn't the best."
"..." Seeing Immortal Li's unfazed expression, Uncle Pang felt puzzled but could only say, "Important people tend to forget. This humble one understands."
Immortal Li continued: "What technique is Zheng Fa... cultivating?"
Uncle Pang was taken aback - this was too forward, asking about someone else's cultivation technique upon first meeting?
Head Seat Mingde opened his mouth slightly, looking at Ancestor Li with bewilderment: So this is how you planned to assess Zheng Fa's strength?
No wonder Ancestor Xuanding insisted we come!
After much deliberation, Uncle Pang answered frankly: "For his Nascent Soul breakthrough, Zheng Fa is cultivating the 'Yellow Court Scripture.'"
"'Yellow Court Scripture'?" Immortal Li looked puzzled. "Forgive my ignorance, but which sect's heritage is this?"
Uncle Pang replied respectfully: "It's an original creation of our Jiushan Sect. It's natural you haven't heard of it."
To his surprise, Immortal Li seemed stunned: "Original creation?"
Studying Uncle Pang's sincere expression and apparently concluding he wasn't lying, Immortal Li murmured: "I thought Zheng Fa had inherited some ancient legacy."
Uncle Pang smiled wryly: "Before Zheng Fa came, our sect had never produced any Nascent Soul True Masters. What legacy could we have?"
Immortal Li looked questioningly at Zhenren Tongming standing nearby.
As founder of the Hundred Immortals Alliance, Zhenren Tongming naturally knew about Jiushan Sect's past situation. He nodded slightly, confirming Uncle Pang's account.
Immortal Li's expression grew even more astonished. Seeing this, Uncle Pang further explained: "Later we did obtain some Nascent Soul legacies, but Zheng Fa is quite ambitious..."
Hearing this, Immortal Li seemed to truly understand, murmuring: "Yes, who would be content otherwise?"
After some thought, he sighed: "Quite remarkable. You say the 'Yellow Court Scripture' was created by Jiushan Sect - shouldn't it be Zheng Fa's creation?"
"To be honest, Immortal, in my opinion, most of it was created by him."
Immortal Li pressed: "Most?"
Uncle Pang smiled sheepishly: "Zheng Fa always says the 'Yellow Court Scripture' was perfected jointly by the sect's Nascent Souls and Golden Cores."
This statement shocked everyone present. Even Head Seat Mingde couldn't help asking: "Nascent Souls are one thing, but Golden Cores?"
Uncle Pang's smile turned more bashful: "This humble one did contribute to a chapter or two - nothing significant."
Though he said this, the pride on his face was unmistakable.
Immortal Li's expression grew more neutral, no longer pressing the matter, as if losing interest in the "Yellow Court Scripture."
Head Seat Mingde and the others exchanged glances, privately finding Uncle Pang's pride shallow and pitiable:
Needing so many people, even Golden Cores, to help perfect a Nascent Soul technique?
What quality could a technique perfected by Golden Cores possibly have?
They changed the subject. As they spoke, a surge of spiritual energy emanated from deep within Ten Thousand Immortal Island.
Immortal Li's eyebrows twitched as he narrowed his eyes:
"He's beginning his Nascent Soul breakthrough?"
Uncle Pang stood up, gazing toward Zheng Fa's courtyard with concern.
Immortal Li actually comforted him: "Zheng Fa's strength is extraordinary. He wouldn't fail at the Nascent Soul tribulation. There's no need for excessive wor—"
Mid-sentence, his voice cut off abruptly as he suddenly looked up toward Zheng Fa's courtyard: "Failed?"
Not just him - even Head Seat Mingde and the others stood up in shock:
As Nascent Souls who had undergone the tribulation themselves, they could all sense that the breakthrough aura had abruptly dissipated.
Even Immortal Li was dumbfounded:
He never imagined Zheng Fa would encounter problems with the Nascent Soul tribulation.
But when he looked at Uncle Pang beside him, he saw the man's expression had actually calmed as he returned to his seat, seemingly unworried.
Noticing Immortal Li's strange look, Uncle Pang smiled: "Didn't I mention earlier that Zheng Fa is cultivating a newly created technique? This 'Yellow Court Scripture' isn't fully completed yet. Zheng Fa's current seclusion is actually conducting Nascent Soul experiments. My apologies for the spectacle."
The "Yellow Court Scripture" was based on concepts proposed by Zheng Fa, perfected by Jiushan Realm's various Nascent Souls and Golden Cores, then revised by modern scholars.
Theoretically, there were no issues.
Only one problem remained: cultivation techniques vary greatly between individuals. Turning theory into practice required human experimentation.
The reason Zheng Fa had no time to meet Immortal Li was precisely because he couldn't predict how many experiments would be needed or how long they'd take, hence his reluctance to delay.
After hearing Uncle Pang's explanation, Immortal Li gazed deeply toward Zheng Fa's location, saying:
"Nascent Soul experiments? I've truly never seen such a thing."
Despite his words, his expression grew noticeably cooler.
Head Seat Mingde observed his expression and the whispered exchanges among his fellow Nascent Souls, sighing inwardly:
Though they'd never heard of "Nascent Soul experiments," Zheng Fa's creation of the "Yellow Court Scripture" was indeed impressive.
Yet this also revealed Jiushan Sect's greatest weakness - their foundation was too shallow.
Not to boast, but in Taishang Dao, achieving Nascent Soul would never be so troublesome.
Now even Ancestor probably looked down slightly on Zheng Fa and Jiushan Sect.
...
Spiritual energy fluctuations emanated from Zheng Fa's courtyard every three to five days.
Most lasted only an incense stick's time before subsiding.
After nearly three months in Jiushan Realm, the Taishang Dao group had gradually grown accustomed to, even numb toward these fluctuations.
"Ancestor, are we still waiting here?"
The elderly Nascent Soul cultivator seemed impatient as he dared to ask.
Immortal Li leisurely sipped Fairy's Drunk wine: "What's wrong with here? I find it quite pleasant."
"But..." The elderly Nascent Soul lowered his voice. "Ancestor, though Zheng Fa is strong now, if even a Nascent Soul technique is such a struggle, how could he possibly deal with that Lu True Immortal..."
Immortal Li narrowed his eyes: "This is Ancestor Xuanding's decree."
"Yes!"
Head Seat Mingde remained silent.
Ancestor Li's lack of rebuttal suggested he didn't value Zheng Fa highly either, but simply didn't want to abandon the effort halfway.
Footsteps approached from outside the courtyard, followed by a light knock - Uncle Pang had arrived.
"I bring news: Zheng Fa will formally attempt Nascent Soul breakthrough today."
His announcement was momentous.
Head Seat Mingde understood his purpose - cultivators undergoing tribulation mustn't be disturbed by others.
Though interfering with another's tribulation would incur heavenly retribution (most cultivators wouldn't risk mutual destruction), they were outsiders.
Moreover, after Zheng Fa's numerous experiments, they couldn't be certain if this was a genuine breakthrough attempt. Any accidental disturbance would be disastrous.
Hence Uncle Pang's deliberate notification.
Head Seat Mingde was certain their group was already being closely monitored by Jiushan Sect's experts like True Master Zhang.
Immortal Li, however, grew interested. Wine cup in hand, he walked to the courtyard, gazing toward Zheng Fa's residence.
The others followed, awaiting Zheng Fa's tribulation.
Where they looked, winds gathered spiritual energy while clouds carried radiant light - unmistakable signs of a cultivator's breakthrough.
Immortal Li sipped his wine and commented leisurely: "Zheng Fa's spiritual energy accumulation is indeed profound."
No sooner had he spoken than spiritual energy erupted from the courtyard, a unique Nascent Soul aura enveloping all of Ten Thousand Immortal Island.
Immortal Li stiffened, sensing something unusual about this Nascent Soul aura.
"Who is that?!"
The elderly Nascent Soul couldn't help exclaiming.
In the sky, a familiar purple radiance appeared.
A young Daoist figure emerged slowly from the purple light, walking toward Zheng Fa's courtyard.
Though his features were indistinct, the Taiji diagram above his head was unmistakable.
No wonder the elderly Nascent Soul lost composure. Immortal Li's wine cup fell to the ground, spilling on his robes unnoticed as he murmured:
"Dao Venerable!"
The Taishang Dao members had their suspicions, but hearing these words confirmed their thoughts.
"Ancestor, why would Dao Venerable..."
Immortal Li seemed to be explaining to them, or perhaps reminiscing:
"Records state that when a new Dao path emerges, Dao Venerable appears... The last appearance was when... Tianhe Venerable achieved Nascent Soul."
No one knew how to respond. Instead, Immortal Li suddenly asked Uncle Pang: "You said you helped perfect this 'Yellow Court Scripture'?"
Uncle Pang was still staring dumbfounded at the Daoist in the sky: "Ah."
Immortal Li took a deep breath, then suddenly bowed: "May I ask... your honorable name?"
Uncle Pang turned back to Immortal Li, mentally collapsing - I've been hosting you for nearly three months, and you still don't know who I am?
Immortal Li's bow conveyed one clear message:
I genuinely didn't remember before.
Now I truly want to remember.
