I Studied Abroad in the Modern Times-Chapter 391Book 2: : Cleaning Up the Hundred Immortals, Xuanyi New System
Vol 2 Chapter 391 Cleaning Up the Hundred Immortals, Xuanyi New System
Zheng Fa stood on the mountaintop with Senior Sister Zhang and the others, watching the distant glow of Immortal Li and his group fade away, reluctant to part.
If it weren’t against ancient etiquette, he would have waved to show his unwillingness to say goodbye.
After the purple glow disappeared beyond the horizon, Zheng Fa exchanged a glance with Senior Sister Zhang, and both couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
A huge order!
To Jiushan Sect, Taishang Dao was absolutely a colossal force.
Across Eastern Continent, Taishang Dao’s influence was the broadest, its territory more than twice that of Haori Mountain, not to mention compared with the Hundred Immortals Alliance.
Moreover, in terms of cultivators’ cultivation levels, the Hundred Immortals Alliance now had only about twenty cultivators above the Nascent Soul stage, while Taishang Dao was vast and consumed far more resources.
To be bluntly honest, even if Taishang Dao let some resources slip through its fingers, it would be enough to fill Jiushan Sect to the brim.
Many times, people cannot imagine things they have never seen—for example, Ancestor Xuanding only thought he was stingy enough, but that was because he never saw how poor the Hundred Immortals Alliance truly was.
Most importantly, he never imagined how shockingly low the cost would be from Jiushan Sect’s emerging terrifying production capacity.
The prices on that product list gave Jiushan Sect quite a profit!
“I just did some rough calculations. According to this agreement, our average profit should be around fifty percent,” Senior Sister Zhang said with an uncontrollable smile and a joyful tone. “That’s not even accounting for some pills from Taishang Dao that have a price but no market.”
Uncle Pang blinked and said dumbly, “So, does that mean for every magical tool we produce, we earn one more?”
“At least one more,” Zheng Fa replied.
Upon hearing this, the mountaintop fell silent for a moment, with only a few heavy breaths remaining.
Although cultivators were not merchants, everyone understood the importance of profit.
Profit meant spirit materials, pills, and magical tools.
It meant a stronger Jiushan Sect and a smoother path ahead.
“Doesn’t this mean getting rich?”
Senior Sister Zhang shook her head. “We can definitely earn a sum in the short term, but in the long run, Taishang Dao will probably catch on.”
Uncle Pang looked somewhat disappointed, clearly understanding the implication behind Senior Sister Zhang’s words.
Spiritual talismans were consumables, but magical tools were different—they were relatively durable, and the market could easily become saturated.
“What a pity…”
Zheng Fa spoke up, “Actually, it’s not without a solution.”
“Hm?”
Everyone turned to look at him, then heard Zheng Fa say, “The best way to solve this predicament is innovation.”
“Innovation?”
Uncle Pang pondered thoughtfully, then heard Zheng Fa continue, “For example, our generation’s flying sword magical tools can only increase your strength by thirty percent, then the next generation can increase it by forty percent…”
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“Oh! That’s a way!”
Everyone immediately understood from this example;not buying was impossible—if your magical tool was outdated, in a duel when both sides drew their immortal swords and the opponent’s was longer and harder, wouldn’t you be dumbfounded?
A strange smile appeared on Zheng Fa’s face. “We could even avoid releasing the sword that increases strength by forty percent and instead first release one with thirty-five percent.”
“…”
Uncle Pang’s expression twisted as he looked at Senior Sister Zhang, his eyes full of reproach—why did she choose such a shady partner?
But he had to admit that putting conscience aside, it really could earn more.
Senior Sister Zhang shook her head. “That’s very difficult;it requires great creativity from the Tiangong Pavilion.”
“So it all depends on education. We need more disciples with rich knowledge and excellent skills.”
Everyone nodded;by now, everyone could see the importance of education.
Jiushan Sect’s relatively strong industrial capacity wasn’t just thanks to Zheng Fa and the high-level officials.
Many times, those people only solved principles and plans.
Countless details and even minor innovations were perfected by the disciples in Tiangong Pavilion and the academies.
Zheng Fa’s years of persistence were beginning to bear some fruit.
“Moreover, this also benefits the Tongtian Method.”
Hearing this, Uncle Pang and the others were somewhat surprised.
“The foundation of incense fire power, after all, is people.”
Senior Sister Zhang immediately understood and said, “In other words, the more people in Jiushan Realm, the better?”
“More people, or higher average cultivation among people, either works.”
Zheng Fa had only skimmed the exchanged Tongtian Method and now explained from memory, “Incense fire power, simply put, is believers sharing their divine consciousness with the deities.”
“There are three influencing factors: the loyalty of faith, the number of believers, and the average divine consciousness per believer. Simply put, the total incense fire power is the product of these three.”
This explanation was very concise and clear, and Uncle Pang and the others nodded repeatedly.
“Exchanging pills from Taishang Dao to supply disciples for cultivation, enhancing incense fire power, upgrading the Sun and Moon Bell…” Senior Sister Zhang said, “Indeed, the benefits are huge.”
“In that case, why not open Jiushan Realm and let people from the Hundred Immortals Alliance come in?”
“That brings us back to faith loyalty,” Zheng Fa explained. “Uncle Pang, do you know who is most loyal to me?”
“Who?”
“Ordinary people of Jiushan Realm. Actually, Jiushan Sect disciples aren’t that devout.”
“Really? Those disciples…”
Uncle Pang frowned, his expression containing anger.
“No, it’s not that they have ill intentions, but the disciples educated by Jiushan University might be loyal but not blindly devoted.”
When said, Uncle Pang and the others were stunned but upon reflection found it true.
As a research-focused university, blind faith wasn’t a good thing;this actually indicated the success of Jiushan University’s education.
“On the other hand, ordinary people in Jiushan Realm lived very hard lives before. My arrival has brought great changes to them.”
What life ordinary people had before and after—no one could doubt Zheng Fa’s position in their hearts.
“This Divine Path Method has so many flaws.”
Zheng Fa shook his head involuntarily. The essential problem with the Divine Path Method was the low quality of its audience.
Incense fire power was tempting, but desire harmed even more.
The benefits incense fire power brought to Divine Path cultivators could not offset the harm desire caused;moreover, the Divine Path had to respond to believers or lose their faith…
Costs exceeded benefits, leading to the decline of this method.
“Immortal Li said there weren’t many ordinary people in their Tongtian, probably because they chose disciples who were relatively calm-minded and suitable for cultivation,” Senior Sister Zhang suddenly said.
Zheng Fa had similar suspicions:
Besides the Heavenly River Method, the Yang Spirit Method and Dharmakaya Method also faced audience selection issues even without relying on the Divine Path.
It seemed the Dharmakaya Method, passed down by bloodline, had guaranteed loyalty and offspring talent, so its audience quality was naturally much higher than the original Divine Path Method.
Taishang Dao appeared to follow another path but still chose disciples with better talent and purer minds.
While speaking, Zheng Fa reached out to the void, and the Jiushan Realm’s portal opened. The group returned to Heavenly Palace Island.
He took out the Creation Jade Slip, sent a few messages, then turned to the uncles and said:
“Those people from the Hundred Immortals Alliance won’t be so devout;they will probably be filled with desire and disrupt Jiushan Realm’s atmosphere.” Zheng Fa explained, “In the short term, I don’t want a large-scale migration of them here.”
Senior Sister Zhang nodded. “That means we must quickly earn the resources to upgrade the Sun and Moon Bell from Taishang Dao.”
“Moreover, although large-scale trade might provoke Taishang Dao’s dissatisfaction, the situation in Xuanyi is unpredictable.”
Upon hearing this, everyone’s faces darkened;no one could deny that even if Zheng Fa wanted a steady flow, the outside world probably wouldn’t allow it.
The Heavenly River chaos was unresolved.
Haori Mountain and Leiyin Temple watched closely.
Taishang Dao probably wasn’t unaware of Jiushan Sect either.
“Produce quickly, earn quickly.” Uncle Pang slowly nodded and whispered, “It’s just hard on the disciples.”
Even Senior Sister Zhang’s face showed some pity.
No matter how much Jiushan Realm’s spirit tool production reformed, it still depended on cultivators. Currently, what limited Jiushan Realm’s product output was the number of usable disciples:
Though Jiushan Sect now had thousands of disciples, it was hardly enough compared to the workers each factory needed.
In recent years, many disciples’ working hours exceeded six hours a day;adding cultivation time, their daily meals and sleep time were tight.
Now with this huge order from Taishang Dao, Jiushan Sect had to go all out…
“No, I’m preparing to make others suffer.”
“Who?”
Zheng Fa looked toward Rainbow Bridge;everyone followed his gaze to see Zhongxuan Sect Leader hurrying over with Elder Bi Xia.
For a moment, all eyes showed some pity.
Zhongxuan Sect Leader touched the back of his head, feeling a chill down his spine.
…
After following Zheng Fa and the others into the Heavenly Palace Island’s main hall, Zhongxuan Sect Leader still looked confused. He secretly glanced at Elder Bi Xia, who also looked perplexed, making him even more uneasy.
He had rushed here upon receiving Zheng Fa’s message, already flustered;the group’s staring just now frightened him into overthinking.
“Please have a seat.”
Zheng Fa gestured toward wooden chairs in the hall. Zhongxuan Sect Leader sat down cautiously, sitting upright without leaning against the chair back.
“To let you both know, my Jiushan Sect is short of people, especially talent in artifact forging.”
Zhongxuan Sect Leader’s eyes lit up as he hurriedly said, “Though my Zhongxuan Sect’s disciples are not outstanding, they have some experience in artifact forging and can be assigned by the sect leader.”
Lack of people was good!
They only had value when needed.
Zheng Fa nodded. “I like to speak frankly. Among Zhongxuan Sect disciples, many are hostile to Jiushan Sect. Even those who aren’t hostile receive lower treatment than Jiushan Sect’s disciples or Qingmu Sect’s, meaning fewer merit points and heavier work.”
“Alliance Leader,” Zhongxuan Sect Leader stood and cupped his hands. “We have already prepared for this.”
He smiled bitterly, “To them, the alliance leader is a lifesaver. How could they be greedy?”
Seeing his understanding, Zheng Fa showed some satisfaction. He thought for a moment, then suddenly took out a pile of message talismans from his sleeve.
Like everyone in the hall, Zhongxuan Sect Leader looked confused, not knowing their meaning.
“When I acted as proxy for Zhongxuan Sect leader…” Zheng Fa slowly said, “Many sects within the Hundred Immortals Alliance secretly sent messages wanting to ally with me.”
Zhongxuan Sect Leader was stunned, then looked at Zheng Fa with a shiver.
Zhongxuan Sect had exploded, but these letters were carefully preserved by Alliance Leader Zheng. What did that mean? Everyone understood.
“I have also given many opportunities to these sects,” Zheng Fa said sternly, making him even more nervous.
“These sects are stubborn troublemakers.”
“I intend to clean up the Hundred Immortals.”
“All those rebellious sects and cultivators from Haori Mountain must be eliminated one by one.”
Zhongxuan Sect Leader swallowed nervously, knowing this day had finally come:
Alliance Leader Zheng had slain an immortal with one sword. Naturally, Haori Mountain dared not provoke the Hundred Immortals Alliance anymore. Even if they wanted to, the destroyed spirit veins cut off connections between the two sects, limiting reach.
Within the Hundred Immortals Alliance, there was no power to resist.
This was the best time to get involved in the Hundred Immortals Alliance.
Looking at Alliance Leader Zheng now, he felt a murderous aura that chilled the heart.
But Uncle Pang’s expression suddenly turned strange when hearing this. He interrupted, “How do you plan to deal with these sects’ cultivators?”
Zhongxuan Sect Leader was stunned. What else could be done?
“Catch them for work.” Zheng Fa slammed the table decisively. “We’ve barely received the order from Taishang Dao;we have to hurry.”
“Jiushan disciples can’t be too tired. Zhongxuan disciples…” Zheng Fa glanced at Zhongxuan Sect Leader. “They have some skills, so don’t treat them too harshly.”
“But those sects have no skills and are hostile, perfect for doing some simple work for the disciples,” Zheng Fa said as if he had planned it long ago. “Though small, those sects have about two thousand disciples. Add the Nascent Soul cultivators from Haori Mountain, and the numbers are considerable.”
The hall fell silent.
Uncle Pang looked up at the sky and muttered, “This sounds familiar.”
Senior Sister Zhang said bluntly, “Lin Bufan.”
“Oh, right! Free labor!”
After a long time listening, Zhongxuan Sect Leader finally understood that this Hundred Immortals Alliance leader probably had little interest in suppressing rebellions…
But was very interested in free workers.
Not only was he interested, but Uncle Pang’s eyes also lit up suddenly: “Leave this to me! I have investigated the Hundred Immortals Alliance! I know many old acquaintances in those sects!”
Zheng Fa laughed and raised the message talismans, saying, “These sects are naturally disloyal to our Hundred Immortals Alliance.”
“But for some sects, we don’t understand their internal situations well.”
He paused, then added, “Elder Han recently sent a message saying that after my battle with Rogue Immortal Luo Sanxian, many sects in the Hundred Immortals Alliance have been secretly fleeing.”
Uncle Pang said angrily, “They do know when to act.”
“These sects have scattered. Elder Han doesn’t have enough manpower to track many people’s whereabouts.” Zheng Fa looked at Zhongxuan Sect Leader gently. “If we can’t find them all, we won’t be able to complete the task.”
Zhongxuan Sect Leader’s heart skipped a beat, finally understanding why Zheng Fa deliberately summoned them.
Besides arranging Zhongxuan disciples, it was probably for this!
Sure enough, Zheng Fa said again, “These sects are probably those on good terms with Zhongxuan Sect…”
Zhongxuan Sect Leader hesitated. Naturally, he feared Zheng Fa, but was it that simple to betray those sects Zhongxuan Sect had maintained for generations? Especially since some cultivators there had tens of thousands of years of friendship with him…
He hesitated, wondering how much he should say.
“Oh, right.” Zheng Fa added, “There are many letters here, probably about learning that I gained Shi Nandang’s favor…”
“Hm?”
“And some people even call me Sect Leader Li.”
Zhongxuan Sect Leader stood and cupped his hands, his face furious. “I despise traitors most in my life!”
Zheng Fa glanced at him and smiled lightly, knowing the other would cooperate eventually;he was only giving him a way out.
“I’ll entrust this matter to Uncle Pang. Elder Han will provide you with intelligence.” He nodded toward Uncle Pang and added, “If there’s resistance, Fairy Xie, I’ll need your help.”
Xie Qingxue nodded.
Then Zheng Fa said, “Senior Sister Zhang, select a group of disciples on Letu Island to take over the lands of those sects.”
Senior Sister Zhang looked surprised and asked, “It’s decided?”
“This is the best opportunity.”
Zheng Fa’s expression was serious;the others in the hall grew even more puzzled.
Zheng Fa glanced at them and explained, “After this cleanup, my Jiushan Sect will control more than eighty percent of the Hundred Immortals Alliance’s land.”
At first, when Tongming Mountain left, their territory was occupied by Jiushan Sect, nearly two states’ worth of land.
Later, many sects expanded into the sea, but many lands they occupied were exchanged for Jiushan Sect’s pills and magical tools.
Plus, with sects like Qingmu joining the alliance, some spirit mineral shares belonged to Jiushan Sect.
If they confiscate the last part of these sects’ lands,
Jiushan Sect will indeed be the largest landowner in the Hundred Immortals Alliance.
“So Zheng Fa, you want to… distribute the land?”
Uncle Pang understood and had done surveys on the Hundred Immortals Alliance, so he naturally knew who originally held those lands.
“Yes, distribute the land.” Zheng Fa paused, then suddenly said, “I plan to prohibit contracts of servitude, distribute land evenly, and even tax land according to acreage. The more land, the higher the tax.”
“Ah?”
Uncle Pang was puzzled, not understanding why Zheng Fa would do this.
Others also looked surprised.
Land distribution was not uncommon in Xuanyi history;whenever a new sect rose, such scenes inevitably appeared. 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎
But Zheng Fa’s approach was rare.
Because the purpose was clear: suppress families.
For Xuanyi cultivators, this was unheard of.
Zheng Fa’s expression showed hesitation as he said, “Actually, I also want to ban land trading, but Senior Sister Zhang advised me to slow down.”
Uncle Pang rarely showed disagreement: “Why go so far? This might cause many cultivators to hate the Hundred Immortals Alliance.”
Zheng Fa knew this was true. Elder Bi Xia in the hall looked unpleasant because many large families stood behind her.
This would certainly anger the masses—families formed in Xuanyi were cultivators or related to cultivators.
“I’ve thought about this for a long time.” Zheng Fa scanned everyone’s faces, seeing confusion or opposition, knowing if he couldn’t convince them, this idea would definitely not advance.
“First, I want to limit income from land and even suppress land prices.”
“Hm?”
“Our Agriculture Academy’s results have greatly increased grain yield,” Zheng Fa explained, “In the future, farmland income will definitely be higher, but if too much wealth flows into farmland, the Hundred Immortals Alliance’s industry will inevitably be restricted.”
This was reasonable;Uncle Pang and others understood but thought Zheng Fa was making a fuss.
“On the other hand, Jiushan Sect doesn’t need small sects and families to help us rule the Hundred Immortals Alliance.” Zheng Fa said, “I’m not against families, but it seems family cultivators will always put their own interests first.”
“Even within Jiushan Realm, there are family forces.”
“I can tolerate it now, but if this continues, I fear disciples will forget their original intentions and want to change the Nine Chapters Calculation Spirit’s algorithm… I must nip this in the bud. This might just be the first step in restricting family forces.”
He looked at Elder Bi Xia.
To be honest, this little scheme by his master had brought him much convenience but also raised concerns.
Not to mention Haori Mountain’s situation.
Hearing this, Uncle Pang sighed, knowing Zheng Fa’s mind was set.
“Other immortal sects rely on families to govern because their sects are small and talent is insufficient, but Jiushan Sect has the Nine Chapters Calculation Spirit and academy students, so direct governance is possible.”
“Jiushan Sect doesn’t need these families and sects;first, collect a tax.”
Uncle Pang still frowned, “I understand your concerns, but this move will inevitably anger cultivators and might cause unrest.”
“That’s why I’ve been cautious.” Zheng Fa nodded, “As I said, now is the best time.”
With Haori Mountain dormant, Zheng Fa naturally wanted to use the Hundred Immortals Alliance cleanup to establish systems to prevent future complications.
Seeing hesitation on everyone’s faces, he explained again, “What made me decide was the Tongtian Method.”
“What does Tongtian Method have to do with this?”
“I want to build grassroots schools in the Hundred Immortals Alliance,” Zheng Fa said decisively. “Only top performers can enter Jiushan Realm. From this perspective, those family private schools and sects compete with us for talent. Not to mention, land distribution affects loyalty and farmers’ enthusiasm.”
He understood this well, coming from a tenant farmer background;the Zhao family wasn’t harsh.
But life was still hard on the estate;even worse, those not affiliated with major families were more miserable because quality resources were all in the hands of big families.
Back in the Zhao family, he realized:
Those close to the landlord got attention and resources;over time, people naturally favored their families.
He benefited from this but didn’t want the Hundred Immortals Alliance’s people to be like this.
Otherwise, even if productivity improved, wealth would only stay in small factions’ hands.
In Tongtian Method cultivation, Taishang Dao might choose cultivation geniuses, Demon Ancestor chose bloodline relatives.
Zheng Fa wanted to use school education to spread Jiushan ideology, select talent, cultivate true companions, strengthen Jiushan Realm, and provide incense fire power.
In this dimension, these small sects and families were his competitors.
Essentially, for whom Jiushan Sect relied on in the future, Zheng Fa had two choices:
Traditional Xuanyi cultivators or ordinary people.
He chose ordinary people.
This could be said to be his final step in reforming the Hundred Immortals Alliance.
This was also why Uncle Pang and others were uneasy and even wanted to persuade him.
Listening, Zhongxuan Sect Leader felt horrified. Alliance Leader Zheng had never shouted for war against Hundred Immortals Alliance sects, but he had long known Zheng Fa was not as tolerant and gentle as he seemed.
But he never expected Zheng Fa wanted more than anyone else and had greater ambition—Jiushan Sect in Zheng Fa’s mind was a sect Xuanyi had never seen from any angle.
