I Studied Abroad in the Modern Times-Chapter 394Book 2: : Industrial Reform, On-Site Guidance
Vol 2 Chapter 394: Industrial Reform, On-Site Guidance
Zheng Fa put down the documents in his hand, thought for a moment, then slowly nodded: "This is workable."
He looked at Teacher Tian sitting beside him: "Then the matter of going to the major spirit veins to open medicinal herb fields will be entrusted to you."
"I've already prepared," Teacher Tian replied. "Xiao Lingwu and the others have designed those small devices, and quite a few have been produced." Then she added, "But... we still lack personnel."
Indeed, there was a shortage of people.
The nursing home had less than twelve hundred people in total, most of whom were top domestic or even global scholars. Asking them to go farm everywhere would be a waste of talent.
To be honest, the federation didn't matter much to Zheng Fa, but the nursing home's model definitely needed some reform.
"Team Leader Yang," he said to her, "I want to split and expand the nursing home."
"Director, please speak."
"First is the agricultural group, including even the pharmacology group," Zheng Fa organized his thoughts while speaking. "Nowadays, the cultivation of spiritual medicines is the nursing home's primary task, so the agricultural group must expand."
Team Leader Yang understood immediately: "Graduate entrance exams?"
"Yes, the nursing home's first graduate student recruitment can begin preparations."
Yang pondered briefly, then cautiously said, "Only domestically?"
Zheng Fa glanced at her, also seeing her cautious intention. Team Leader Yang was clearly not an internationalist of cultivation;she wanted to secure benefits for the country when she saw the opportunity.
There was nothing wrong with that.
"Let's trial it domestically first."
After all, it was the first graduate exam. Zheng Fa thought it best to test the effect, mainly how to select talents suitable for the nursing home. There was probably still much to explore—after all, cultivation and academia had some differences.
Team Leader Yang stood up, her expression like she was finally relieved: "This way, I can explain things to others."
It was clear she bore a lot of pressure regarding federation matters.
Old Man Bai, however, was very concerned about another issue: "Split? Does that mean the agricultural group will have to go elsewhere? What about Teacher Tian?"
Teacher Tian was embarrassed upon hearing this and quickly reached out to gently pat Old Man Bai, but the smile at the corner of her mouth was impossible to hide.
Zheng Fa glanced at the elderly couple, understanding that the old man worried about living apart, so he explained:
"Many spiritual medicines might require different environments to grow. For example, spirit orchids that thrive in Rainbow Mountain might not grow elsewhere."
"I’m thinking of splitting some research departments. The agricultural group will be restructured into an agricultural institute. Wherever spiritual medicines can grow, a project team will be established there."
Teacher Tian suppressed her smile and seriously agreed: "That's indeed necessary. Back then, I spent twenty years working away from home."
"We weren't married back then."
"Grandpa Bai, I’ll take you there in the future!" Tang Lingwu quickly persuaded. "I fly fast."
"Teacher Tian doesn’t necessarily have to go elsewhere," Zheng Fa suddenly said.
Old Man Bai was stunned, looking at Zheng Fa, then heard him continue: "I want to establish branches adapted to local conditions across various spirit veins, but Rainbow Mountain will remain the research institute's headquarters."
Zheng Fa’s idea was simple.
Establish branches at various spirit veins.
In mountain spirit veins, they can try cultivating spiritual medicines.
In water spirit veins, try aquatic farming.
If spirit material mines exist, then simultaneously smelt and research locally.
But Rainbow Mountain was where he had been operating the longest;it was naturally impossible to give it up.
Team Leader Yang clapped her hands and laughed: "I’ve thought about this too. Rainbow Mountain can simply become the federation’s research headquarters."
"Rainbow Mountain will be the research headquarters, education headquarters, and commercial center," Zheng Fa explained to the group. "Since we’re recruiting, and Rainbow Mountain is this big, it definitely won’t be enough in the future. Splitting is inevitable."
Everyone agreed that made sense.
"Then... what about Teacher Tian?"
"Teacher Tian, as head of the agricultural institute, may be busy recently, but most of the time in the future, she should still be at Rainbow Mountain, overseeing the institute's affairs."
This was something Zheng Fa had planned long ago. The identities of Teacher Tian and her team would likely lean toward management in the future.
Old Man Bai nodded as if convinced.
Zheng Fa smiled and said, "Besides, Teacher Bai, if you reach Golden Core, traveling back and forth won’t be a problem, right?"
Old Man Bai's face darkened. Looking at Zheng Fa, he muttered quietly, "I’m not Golden Core, not because I don’t want to be."
"So, Teacher Tian going to other places to cultivate spiritual medicines is because of you?"
Old Man Bai’s eyes showed some anticipation mixed with nervousness.
Now, Zheng Fa could almost be said to have activated spirit veins worldwide.
If they still couldn’t cultivate spiritual medicines useful for spiritual root modification, it would mean the modern world no longer had that environment.
...
Zheng Fa was preparing to recruit people in the modern world, and in the Jiushan Realm, others were also helping with "recruitment."
In the side courtyard where Shi Nandang lived, the Zhongxuan Sect leader arrived uninvited. The two sat in the study, holding clear tea in their hands, silent for a long while.
After a long time, the Zhongxuan Sect leader softly said: "Immortal Ascendant, this spirit tea is also one of Jiushan’s finest. The alliance leader isn’t treating us badly."
Shi Nandang looked down at the tea leaves floating in the cup, not refuting. After a while, he calmly spoke:
"This alliance leader of yours has a smooth tongue. And yet, he calls me an Immortal Ascendant when I’m just a prisoner."
"You are a Nascent Soul," the Zhongxuan Sect leader hurriedly said. "Besides, I don’t think you fail to see the alliance leader’s intentions."
Of course, he could see it.
Zheng Fa placed him here partly to avoid contact with Haori Mountain, preventing the Jiushan Realm's secrets from being exposed.
On the other hand, it was probably also to tame him for his own use.
Everyone from Zhongxuan Sect understood this well.
"Immortal Ascendant," the Zhongxuan Sect leader persuaded, "I see the alliance leader is eager for talent. He’s willing to employ even our Qi Refining disciples from Zhongxuan Sect, let alone you..."
Shi Nandang suddenly looked up, interrupting: "I am a Nascent Soul of Haori Mountain. One step away from the core lineage of the Lu family. Doesn’t that make me more useful?"
The Zhongxuan Sect leader nodded: "Exactly. I’m afraid in alliance leader Zheng Fa’s heart, ten Zhongxuan Sect disciples combined don’t equal you alone."
Shi Nandang felt a bit proud inside. He didn’t think the Zhongxuan Sect leader was flattering him.
Not to mention cultivation, he now knew that although the Jiushan Sect didn’t have many Nascent Souls, it wasn’t lacking.
But he was more than just cultivation. Haori Mountain was the top sect in Xuanyi Realm for artifact forging, with countless secret magical artifacts.
Like the Zhongxuan Sect leader said, in terms of forging experience, ten Zhongxuan Sects combined might not compare to him.
He was moved and suddenly asked: "Did Zheng Fa tell you to say that?"
The Zhongxuan Sect leader opened his mouth but showed embarrassment.
... Thinking too much.
Shi Nandang’s face reddened slightly, snorted softly: "I didn’t know you had such loyalty to Jiushan."
The Zhongxuan Sect leader sighed and sincerely said: "Immortal Ascendant, I feel empathy. As fellow prisoners, if we don’t unite and help each other, how can we survive?"
"Immortal Ascendant, forgive my frankness, but the cultivation speed of Jiushan Sect disciples far exceeds our expectations. Your Nascent Soul cultivation can still rank in Jiushan Realm now, but if later..."
Shi Nandang listened quietly, pursing his lips, not knowing what to say.
Seeing his silence, the Zhongxuan Sect leader seemed anxious: "Last time, I clearly saw that you..."
Shi Nandang’s expression darkened slightly, glancing at him and shaking his head slowly: "As a disciple of Haori Mountain, I’m different from you."
"How different?"
"I cultivate Haori Mountain’s fundamental great method, the Vermilion Heaven Jade Manual..."
The Zhongxuan Sect leader was stunned, not expecting Shi Nandang to worry about this: "Immortal Ascendant, didn’t the alliance leader also practice the Vermilion Heaven Jade Manual?"
"…"
Shi Nandang’s expression changed, then heard the Zhongxuan Sect leader say: "I heard Madam Xuanhua mention that the alliance leader has the ability to alter someone’s foundation."
Hearing this, Shi Nandang’s eyes widened, staring at the Zhongxuan Sect leader.
The Zhongxuan Sect leader nodded deeply and hurriedly persuaded: "Immortal Ascendant, think about it. Now the alliance leader has slain Luo Sanxian, and Haori Mountain dares not retaliate."
"Even Taishang Dao has actively sought an alliance."
"If you want to leave the Jiushan Realm in the future... that’s probably a long way off."
Shi Nandang’s expression grew more moved.
"And the alliance leader obviously still has use for you. In the future, we in Jiushan Realm might still have some achievements."
It was obvious the Zhongxuan Sect leader really wanted to convince Shi Nandang.
Shi Nandang knew this was partly the Zhongxuan Sect leader trying to earn merit by persuading him.
Also, as he said, their relationship wasn’t ordinary, and in Jiushan Sect, they could still help each other.
His expression was hesitant, finally voicing his biggest concern: "What you say makes sense, but Zheng Fa using me isn’t just for forging techniques. It’s probably because of my identity in Haori Mountain..."
The Zhongxuan Sect leader was stunned, seeming to realize and suddenly said: "A spy?"
Shi Nandang silently nodded.
Now the Zhongxuan Sect leader felt the situation was tricky: "This matter is indeed dangerous..."
Shi Nandang’s expression was bitter.
He had hesitated whether to join Zheng Fa but after going back and forth, he had come to this conclusion.
Zheng Fa took the Trapping Immortal Sword with this skill. If he came again, what could he take from Haori Mountain... Shi Nandang didn’t dare to imagine.
Now that Haori Mountain and Jiushan Sect were enemies, if he were Zheng Fa, he would have the same thought.
As it stands, if he didn’t surrender, there was no day to leave Jiushan Realm.
But if Zheng Fa sent him back to Haori Mountain as a spy... that would be a death sentence. How could Shi Nandang not hesitate?
Better to live quietly in Jiushan Realm, waiting until Zheng Fa really wanted to kill him.
The Zhongxuan Sect leader knew this was hard to decide, so he stood up and said: "Immortal Ascendant, there’s something I must say."
"Hmm?"
"You think you are a Lu family member..." The Zhongxuan Sect leader paused, his tone full of meaning. "But your surname is Shi."
Before he could answer, the Zhongxuan Sect leader bowed and took his leave, leaving Shi Nandang sitting alone, silent for a long time.
...
Two days later, the Zhongxuan Sect leader hurried back.
"Immortal Ascendant, the alliance leader wants to upgrade and reform the major factories in Jiushan Realm," he said urgently to Shi Nandang. "Tiangong Pavilion is working on a technical breakthrough these days."
"They say a breakthrough will bring merit points, and even Zhongxuan Sect disciples can participate."
"Those who achieve merit can even be promoted."
Shi Nandang was interested.
He was from Haori Mountain, and his forging skills surpassed many Nascent Souls in the Hundred Immortals Alliance;otherwise, he wouldn’t have been sent by Haori Mountain to oversee the Heaven and Earth Divine Fiend Array.
"Technical breakthrough?"
"Oh, it means everyone jointly improving a forging technique, each contributing their strengths," the Zhongxuan Sect leader explained. "I see the alliance leader is a lover of talent. If you achieve great merit, the alliance leader will treasure your skills. Think about it, the two Nascent Souls from the Great Freedom Demonic Sect in Jiushan Realm are living quite well."
Shi Nandang stood up, his expression filled with excitement.
Right!
If he became the forging master of Jiushan Realm, Zheng Fa might not let him return to Haori Mountain to risk his life.
Who would want to sell their life when they could sell their skills?
Shi Nandang paced back and forth, growing more excited.
"Why don’t you go to the alliance leader..."
"No..." Shi Nandang suddenly stopped, a small smug smile at the corner of his mouth. "Wait a bit."
"Wait?"
"The path of forging is vast and profound," Shi Nandang whispered. "Better to let Jiushan Sect explore first. If they encounter difficulties, then I’ll seek out Zheng Fa. That way, my value will be more evident!"
...
Shi Nandang held back for two months, but the Zhongxuan Sect leader didn’t come again.
He asked the Zhongxuan disciples in the courtyard and learned Tiangong Pavilion was busy, and everyone was too occupied to see him.
Shi Nandang guessed the technical reform wasn’t going smoothly, so he waited two more months, then tidied his clothes and headed straight to Zheng Fa’s residence.
Zheng Fa was in the yard talking with Senior Sister Zhang. Seeing him arrive, he looked at him curiously.
"Alliance Leader Zheng, I heard Tiangong Pavilion needs forging cultivators," Shi Nandang greeted with a bow. "I have studied forging at Haori Mountain for tens of thousands of years, gained some insights, and wish to assist you."
He slightly emphasized the words "Haori Mountain."
Zheng Fa looked at him for a long time, exchanged a glance with Senior Sister Zhang, then stood and said: "Haori Mountain’s forging methods are world-renowned. Your willingness to help is excellent."
Shi Nandang’s heart was increasingly joyful. Clearly, Zheng Fa valued Haori Mountain’s forging methods.
He also had expectations for the techniques in the hands of this Nascent Soul.
Zheng Fa seemed to have thought of something.
"Coincidentally, Madam Xuanhua just sent a message. The flying sword factory has been remodeled. How about I take you to see it?"
Shi Nandang agreed.
Zheng Fa and Senior Sister Zhang led, Shi Nandang followed half a step behind, heading toward Gongkai Island.
Along the way, Zheng Fa introduced: "This flying sword factory produces the first-generation standard flying sword of Jiushan—Lingxiao Sword."
"Standard flying sword?" Shi Nandang was unfamiliar with the term and asked, "What does that mean?"
Zheng Fa explained: "Mainly because Jiushan Sect’s forging techniques are unique, more suited to mass-produce standardized flying swords."
Shi Nandang listened, understanding less and less, and his confidence quietly diminished.
"This Lingxiao Sword excels in swift flight. Qi Refining cultivators in early Foundation Establishment stage can fly at late Foundation Establishment speed. In desperate moments, its speed can rival weaker Golden Core cultivators."
Shi Nandang was shocked. This flight speed was already a top-tier flying magical device.
Zheng Fa continued: "In terms of attack power, it’s slightly lacking. It can only allow early Foundation Establishment cultivators to reach mid Foundation Establishment combat strength."
"That’s still impressive..." Shi Nandang felt uneasy inside, thinking this Lingxiao Sword was at least a high-quality magical device.
Haori Mountain’s Golden Core disciples probably only forged flying swords at this level.
But he comforted himself:
After all, Xie Qingxue was still in Jiushan Realm.
It was well known that Tianhe Sect’s flying sword forging techniques were slightly better than Haori Mountain’s.
This outstanding Lingxiao Sword probably used Tianhe Sect’s secret methods...
...
No matter how hard you tried to convince Shi Nandang, he simply didn’t believe Tianhe Sect had such forging secrets!
Inside the flying sword factory was a row of machine tools.
Next to the machine tools, spaced apart, were operation consoles.
Each console had a cultivator beside it.
The Zhongxuan Sect leader was among them. Seeing Shi Nandang, he looked surprised.
Shi Nandang’s gaze was fixed on the machine tools, confused inside.
"Sect leader."
Madam Xuanhua was also in the factory. Seeing Zheng Fa arrive, she said, "The Lingxiao Sword production line has been debugged."
Shi Nandang looked at Madam Xuanhua, knowing she was the Tiangong Pavilion’s leader and Zheng Fa’s most trusted forging master.
But in his view, Madam Xuanhua was a self-taught outsider who probably couldn’t compare to even several Nascent Souls of Zhongxuan Sect, let alone himself.
Shi Nandang turned back to the machine tools, focusing more intently, thinking this was his chance to show off.
Even if he lost face with Madam Xuanhua, he wanted to point out some faults to demonstrate his forging skills.
Zheng Fa nodded at Madam Xuanhua.
She understood and waved to the cultivators on the production line.
A Golden Core disciple pressed on a container shaped like an iron pot, suddenly spraying blue spiritual flames.
Then that disciple pressed another spot, causing several spirit minerals to float up and slowly fall into the pot.
Shi Nandang frowned, puzzled.
He could vaguely sense that each press caused fluctuations of spiritual energy in the void, as if someone was casting spells.
What he didn’t understand was... why did the spells seem to spontaneously come from this strange iron pot?
For a moment, he forgot his plan to show off.
He stared hard at the production line, watching the ores turn into molten liquid inside the pot, flowing to the next cultivator.
Another cultivator pressed a console, and another incantation appeared inexplicably.
In less than two hours, the molten metal solidified, forming a sword embryo. Then, after hammering and quenching, a brand-new magical flying sword appeared at the production line’s end.
Madam Xuanhua extended her hand, took the Lingxiao Sword into her palm, and handed it to Zheng Fa: "Sect Leader."
Zheng Fa carefully examined the Lingxiao Sword and asked, "How many cultivators does this production line require? What cultivation levels?"
"It’s currently a trial run, so I brought some high-level cultivators to avoid accidents," Madam Xuanhua explained. "If formal production starts, only three Foundation Establishment disciples and fourteen Qi Refining disciples are needed."
Shi Nandang’s eyes suddenly fixed on the Lingxiao Sword, then turned to the production line, finally understanding—it was all forging magical devices!
Forging like this?
His mind stirred. Zheng Fa asked again:
"What about output?"
"Previous estimates are roughly accurate," Madam Xuanhua said. "With enough spirit materials and nonstop production, about fifteen Lingxiao Swords can be made per day."
Shi Nandang felt completely overwhelmed.
He wasn’t bragging;he had considerable forging skill, even in Haori Mountain, he was considered highly skilled.
Only then did he fully grasp what Madam Xuanhua’s words meant:
Three Foundation Establishment disciples and a dozen Qi Refining disciples could produce fifteen top-tier magical flying swords in one day...
In Haori Mountain, Golden Core disciples might forge one or two flying swords of this level per day.
Foundation Establishment disciples probably couldn’t make even one per month.
At least when he was Foundation Establishment stage, he didn’t have this ability...
"Master Shi? Master Shi?"
Shi Nandang’s heart surged like a storm. In a daze, he heard someone calling him.
Coming to his senses, he saw Zheng Fa looking at him with a questioning expression: "Do you have any advice?"
Shi Nandang looked deeply at Zheng Fa, then turned to Madam Xuanhua.
For his life, he wracked his brain but had to admit: even if he studied tens of thousands of years more in Haori Mountain, learning all their secret forging methods perfectly, becoming Haori Mountain’s top forger...
At this moment, he couldn’t offer a single piece of advice.
