I Studied Abroad in the Modern Times-Chapter 395Book 2: : Zheng Fa’s Request, Xiaoqing’s Question
Vol 2 Chapter 395: Zheng Fa's Request, Xiaoqing's Question
In the main hall of Tiangong Island, Shi Nandang sat on a chair, feeling uneasy as he wondered what Zheng Fa wanted from him. However, Zheng Fa seemed busy at the moment, discussing matters with Senior Sister Zhang and Madam Xuanhua, leaving no time to attend to him.
Shi Nandang listened intently to Zheng Fa's words while letting his thoughts wander:
"The flying sword factory transformation has progressed most smoothly, while other factories still require improvement."
Madam Xuanhua nodded lightly and added, "This is also thanks to Fairy Xie."
Zheng Fa glanced at Xie Qingxue with some gratitude in his heart. The success of the Lingxiao Sword stemmed not only from modern technology but also from contributions by Xie Qingxue and others. The Tianhe Sect possessed profound accumulated knowledge in flying sword forging, and when Xie Qingxue and Yan Wushuang brought these techniques to Jiushan Realm, they achieved results so brilliant they left even Shi Nandang speechless.
Remembering Shi Nandang, Zheng Fa stole a glance at him, noticing his nervous expression while considering his own thoughts. Zheng Fa had kept Shi Nandang here for several purposes:
First, of course, was for intelligence about Haori Mountain - Shi Nandang's status there was genuinely high. Second, just as Shi Nandang suspected, Zheng Fa highly valued Haori Mountain's accumulated artifact-forging techniques. Though Shi Nandang might feel inferior after seeing the flying sword production line, Zheng Fa wouldn't underestimate him. Like Xie Qingxue, Shi Nandang possessed Haori Mountain's secret techniques that could bring significant progress to Jiushan Sect's forging industry.
At the very least, the same modern concepts produced vastly different results in the hands of a forging master versus a forging novice. Especially now, after signing the trade agreement with Taishang Dao, artifact production capacity had become increasingly important - both for Jiushan Realm and for Zheng Fa personally.
"The first batch of goods has already been delivered." Senior Sister Zhang seemed to read his thoughts, handing him a list. "Based on Jiushan Sect disciples' needs, this transaction mainly consists of various cultivation-enhancing pills."
"Taishang Dao's Jade Liquid Pills are most suitable for Golden Core stage cultivators, while Tai Xuan Pills provide excellent support for Foundation Establishment cultivators."
"There are several other unique spiritual pills exclusive to Taishang Dao."
Zheng Fa listened while examining the list Senior Sister Zhang handed him, filled with types and quantities of traded items. As spirit stones became increasingly scarce in Xuanyi Realm, Taishang Dao and Jiushan Sect primarily bartered, determining exchange ratios based on market prices.
The greatest challenge was calculation and coordination. While Zheng Fa didn't know how Taishang Dao managed it, Jiushan Realm had Senior Sister Zhang and the Nine Chapters Calculation Array, so it wasn't a major problem.
"These were all agreed upon with Immortal Li and others," Senior Sister Zhang said. "The prices are fair, and the greatest benefit is that many of these pills were previously unavailable to us, or we couldn't obtain them in such quantities."
Indeed, Taishang Dao's pill-refining capabilities surpassed even Haori Mountain's advantages in artifact forging, especially their exclusive spiritual pills unavailable from other sects. Since beginning pharmaceutical research, Zheng Fa had come to understand that pill refinement was even more challenging than artifact forging... Jiushan Sect's chances of catching up to Taishang Dao seemed remote.
Though Jiushan Sect didn't gain significant price advantages in transactions with Taishang Dao, simply being able to purchase - and purchase in large quantities - was already an unimaginable boon for Jiushan Sect. Frankly, given the Hundred Immortals Alliance's current pill-refining technology, buying was indeed better than making...
Shi Nandang listened with a mix of shock and curiosity. Many of Taishang Dao's pills weren't normally sold externally, difficult for even the other four great sects to obtain. That they were now available to Jiushan Sect indeed marked a significant departure from past practices.
"Taishang Dao also intends to help me cultivate the Tongtian Method..."
Zheng Fa quickly understood - pills like Jade Liquid Pills and Tai Xuan Pills, ideal for boosting cultivation, were being sold precisely because Taishang Dao thoroughly understood the Tongtian Method:
In Tongtian Method cultivation, the cultivation levels of practitioners within the pocket dimension significantly affected the dimension master's power. Take Jiushan Realm for example - though Jiushan University had few fanatical believers, the incense fire power provided was substantial. In terms of divine consciousness, a Golden Core cultivator equaled tens of thousands of ordinary people, with exceptionally talented individuals potentially ten times stronger.
Thus, Tongtian Method cultivation had three approaches:
Brainwashing masses
Increasing population
Cultivating more high-level practitioners
Currently, Zheng Fa's Dharmakaya was too strong for immediate further cultivation. The incomplete Heavenly River Method offered no solutions either. The most improvable aspect was actually the Yang Spirit - the Yang Spirit body. Rapid advancement of the Yang Spirit body through the Tongtian Method naturally relied on these three options.
Brainwashing didn't align with Zheng Fa's philosophy, while population growth required time. The third option - cultivating Jiushan disciples - was most feasible. Since Taishang Dao wanted Zheng Fa to oppose Haori Mountain, they naturally considered the Tongtian Method when selling these pills to Jiushan Sect - not without their own calculations.
Returning the list to Senior Sister Zhang, Zheng Fa said a few more words to everyone before dismissing them. Soon, only Zheng Fa and Shi Nandang remained in the main hall.
Zheng Fa looked at Shi Nandang, seemingly considering how to begin. Shi Nandang fidgeted uncomfortably in his chair, shifting between tension and relaxation. 𝙧å𐌽𝐎ꞖЕṤ
"Honored Shi." Zheng Fa's address remained polite - though Shi Nandang had ill intentions, his actions proved beneficial, so Zheng Fa bore him no particular grudge. "I observe you seem inclined to renounce darkness for light."
Shi Nandang's lips twisted awkwardly, at a loss for words. He did intend to ally with Zheng Fa - but only to sell techniques and preserve his life. The problem was... with Jiushan Sect's absurd forging capabilities, were his techniques still valuable? Should he return to Haori Mountain to seek his fortune? This thought naturally made declarations of allegiance stick in his throat.
Seeing his hesitation, Zheng Fa seemed to understand and shook his head with a smile: "I understand your concerns, Honored Shi. Asking you to risk life and limb in Haori Mountain would indeed be unreasonable."
Shi Nandang looked up in surprise. Zheng Fa nodded to confirm he wasn't speaking sarcastically. Initially, Zheng Fa considered having Shi Nandang gather intelligence, especially about Haori Mountain and Tianhe Sect. But Shi Nandang prioritized self-preservation and would likely refuse;coercion might prompt him to sabotage things. Moreover, Zheng Fa remained somewhat wary - despite the formidable Heavenly and Earthly Fiend Transformations, he couldn't guarantee Dao Fruit cultivators wouldn't detect flaws. When meeting Rogue Immortal Luo Sanxian previously, Zheng Fa's divine consciousness still contained the Nine Nether Talisman Edict. If Haori Mountain discovered Shi Nandang's deception, his death would be insignificant compared to exposing Jiushan Sect's secrets.
Now with Taishang Dao cooperation, Jiushan Sect gained additional intelligence channels, reducing reliance on Shi Nandang alone. Conversely, the trade agreement with Taishang Dao increased Zheng Fa's need for forging talent. Combining Haori Mountain's forging techniques with modern concepts promised visible benefits.
"Honored Shi." Observing Shi Nandang's mix of surprise and delight, Zheng Fa continued, "Would you consider joining my Tiangong Pavilion? To guide Jiushan Sect's industrial transformation?"
"Me?" Shi Nandang appeared self-doubting. "What... what could I guide?"
Zheng Fa smiled: "I've studied some of Haori Mountain's secret forging methods - their excellence could greatly benefit Jiushan Sect." Previously at Zhongxuan Sect, Zheng Fa learned many useful Haori Mountain techniques. Currently, even machine tools remained in early stages. While the flying sword production line succeeded, further progress wouldn't come easily.
Shi Nandang remained stunned. "Does the Honored One refuse?"
"No! Of course not!" Shi Nandang sprang up, feeling as if he'd narrowly escaped death to find new hope, declaring loudly.
Seeing this, Zheng Fa gestured for him to sit, adding: "There's another matter I must trouble you with, Honored Shi."
"Trouble?" Having resolved to submit, Shi Nandang became increasingly deferential. "Alliance Leader, how could you say such a thing? Whatever I can do, I'll certainly agree!"
"I want you to return to Haori Mountain."
"..."
Shi Nandang gaped, apparently wishing to retract his bold promise. Zheng Fa looked at him and suddenly laughed: "I can see the Honored One retains some loyalty to Haori Mountain."
Shi Nandang's expression grew increasingly bitter, unable to refute this. After tens of thousands of years at Haori Mountain, how could he feel nothing? His reluctance to become Zheng Fa's spy wasn't solely fear of danger.
Zheng Fa shook his head: "Not to their headquarters - to the Hundred Immortals Alliance border."
Shi Nandang's expression brightened slightly but grew more puzzled: "There? Weren't those spirit veins destroyed?"
"Honored Shi, I wish to borrow your Haori Mountain Nascent Soul reputation." Zheng Fa explained, "Many Hundred Immortals Alliance cultivators have been fleeing to Haori Mountain recently - especially those former Haori Mountain Nascent Souls who escaped quickly."
"They're numerous and highly cultivated, making interception difficult for Jiushan Sect."
Hearing this, Shi Nandang began to understand. "I want you at the border..." Zheng Fa said slowly, "...to receive them."
"...Receive them?"
Shi Nandang repeated blankly, his expression growing stranger. These cultivators painstakingly escaped Jiushan Sect's pursuit only to fall into his hands... The thought almost evoked pity.
"Yes. The Hundred Immortals Alliance isn't somewhere one can come and go as they please." Zheng Fa's expression darkened with anger. Initially, he wanted to capture them mainly for labor. Now that artifacts could be exchanged for pills to aid his Yang Spirit cultivation, he couldn't let labor shortages jeopardize major plans. 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦
But recent investigations by Elder Han and others revealed these fleeing cultivators had plundered the Hundred Immortals Alliance extensively before leaving:
Likely believing they'd never return and fearing inability to establish themselves elsewhere, they took everything portable or not - leaving spirit mines and fields devastated. Some even robbed commoners of meager savings, destroying homes before hastily departing.
Precisely when Zheng Fa needed people and resources for Tongtian Method cultivation, these individuals absconded with Hundred Immortals Alliance cultivators and assets - fleeing across borders with ill-gotten wealth!
Unacceptable!
...
Transformed into a young cultivator, Shi Nandang stood aboard a Divine Sky Flying Boat, gazing at the vast skies and seas. Having remained in Jiushan Realm to alter his foundation, undergo Great Sun True Fire tempering, and practice Heavenly and Earthly Fiend Transformations while assisting Jiushan Sect's industrial automation, he'd only recently departed after mastering sufficient transformation techniques to avoid detection, heading to Haori Mountain territory to await his targets.
Leaving Jiushan Realm filled him with unprecedented ease - more pleasant even than his time at Haori Mountain. While practicing the Vermilion Heaven Jade Manual, he'd constantly feared losing autonomy. Now, with Zheng Fa's Great Sun True Fire, such worries diminished, bringing true liberation.
He even felt some regret - had he known such happiness awaited, he would have surrendered sooner!
"Honored Shi?"
A young woman's voice interrupted his thoughts. Turning, he saw Xiaoqing, a Jiushan Sect female disciple aboard the same vessel. This trip included several Jiushan disciples, with Shi Nandang providing some protection.
In good spirits and aware of Xiaoqing's rumored special connection to Zheng Fa, he didn't put on airs befitting a Nascent Soul expert. Though around thirty, Xiaoqing retained a slender, youthful appearance with innocent expressions, just slightly more confident than before, possessing mid-Foundation Establishment cultivation.
"Honored Shi." As the disciples' leader and one of few aware of Shi Nandang's identity, Xiaoqing remained respectful. "I heard you came from outside the Hundred Immortals Alliance?"
"Hmm."
Frowning, unsure of her intentions and suspecting she hinted at his defector status, Shi Nandang felt displeased. Noticing this, Xiaoqing quickly explained: "I...I've never left Jiushan Realm and was curious."
Seeing her anxious expression and sincere eyes, Shi Nandang realized he'd misjudged and softened: "You've never left Jiushan Realm?"
"Never." Standing at the bow, Xiaoqing surveyed their surroundings. "This is my first time seeing Xuanyi Realm's skies."
"Weren't there missions allowing Jiushan Realm departures?" During his stay, Shi Nandang had learned much about Jiushan Sect's systems.
"There were. I didn't apply."
"Why?"
"Honored One might have heard - I was Lord Thunder God's...no, the sect leader's temple attendant..."
Shi Nandang vaguely recalled this, partially explaining his courtesy toward a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator.
"After the sect leader toppled the idols, I wanted to learn flying boat construction from him and joined Jiushan Sect."
Xiaoqing's smile carried slight bitterness.
"But I'm slow-witted with poor academic performance. My teacher said I started mathematics too late - some concepts are hard to change...Becoming the sect leader's disciple seems impossible."
"I thought extra effort might help me catch up, so I rarely took missions outside Jiushan Realm."
"But...I truly couldn't learn."
Shi Nandang understood - Jiushan Sect currently emphasized mathematics heavily. Even he was cramming now - otherwise concepts like machine tools and industrial transformation remained obscure. Her plight evoked sympathy.
"So you gave up?"
Xiaoqing nodded dejectedly, then added: "This trip is to explain Jiushan Sect's policies to these Hundred Immortals Alliance members."
"The sect leader said former temple attendants like us are best suited for this."
"So I volunteered."
Shi Nandang realized Zheng Fa indeed found uses for everyone... Noticing Xiaoqing's despondency, he felt some compassion: "You needn't feel this way."
"Hmm?"
After consideration, he explained: "I observe Sect Leader Zheng actually left two paths for disciples like you."
"Two paths?"
"First, as you initially hoped - demonstrating exceptional talent in mathematics or other subjects to become a master's disciple."
Xiaoqing hung her head, murmuring: "But I'm too stupid."
"The second involves merit points." Having compared Haori Mountain and Jiushan Sect's systems, Shi Nandang discerned some patterns. "Merit points seem designed for disciples whose talents lie outside academics."
Xiaoqing blinked, apparently never considering this.
"In Jiushan Sect, prominence requires either intelligence or perseverance - either suffices."
Hearing this, Xiaoqing nodded repeatedly, her gloom vanishing. "Thank you for your guidance, Honored Shi!"
Shi Nandang chuckled softly - having never left Jiushan Realm, Xiaoqing didn't grasp this system's uniqueness. As an outsider, he appreciated it more clearly. Zheng Fa...left Jiushan disciples far more paths than other sects - almost suggesting that any strength could secure one's place in Jiushan Sect.
...
"Honored Shi." Growing more comfortable, Xiaoqing asked cheerfully, "I heard you're a Soul Formation Zhenren?"
Shi Nandang nodded.
"Then your natural talents must far surpass others!" Xiaoqing said enviously.
Shi Nandang smiled faintly and shook his head: "Talent helps, but Soul Formation requires more than that."
"Eh?"
Meeting her gaze, he explained: "Character matters more than talent."
Xiaoqing looked puzzled but listened attentively. Encouraged, Shi Nandang felt some pedagogical urge:
"I've cultivated for over thirty thousand years."
"Thirty thousand?"
Xiaoqing gasped softly.
"My origins were humble. Only my single spiritual root and some forging talent granted me entry...to my sect." He nearly said "Haori Mountain" but caught himself.
Xiaoqing listened earnestly, missing his hesitation.
"Early on, I suffered greatly." Lost in memory, Shi Nandang continued, "The sect revered three clans. As an outsider without backing, I consistently lost out to others."
"Eh? But Honored One had excellent aptitude?"
Shi Nandang shook his head at her naivety.
"Later, I befriended Lu Clan juniors, attaching myself to them. I worked diligently to earn spirit stones for them, seeking patronage."
"Meanwhile, I cultivated arduously and studied forging."
"After centuries at Golden Core stage, my master finally noticed and accepted me as disciple, making subsequent cultivation smoother."
Pride tinged Shi Nandang's voice. Xiaoqing patted her chest as if relieved for him.
Amused by her reaction, Shi Nandang's gaze softened further: "As my master was a Lu Clan direct descendant, my status improved. With modest talent, the Lu Clan valued me."
"Were it not for..." He paused. "I might have become a three-clan direct descendant myself."
Regret colored his words. Xiaoqing nodded along but seemed confused.
"What?"
"Honored One is truly remarkable - talented and hardworking." Xiaoqing spoke slowly, her brow furrowing. "But...why the Lu Clan?"
Shi Nandang froze.
"Like you said, with such gifts, you'd have flourished in Jiushan Realm regardless." Xiaoqing spoke bluntly. "Why rely on some Lu Clan?"
"Why serve them?"
"...What gave them that right?"
Shi Nandang stood dumbfounded. Of course he had reasons - like Haori Mountain's founder being surnamed Lu, or it being Haori Mountain's tradition for eras. But looking at Xiaoqing's face, he suddenly saw his younger self - that newcomer who'd lain awake nights asking himself: Why?
But eventually...he'd stopped asking.
Xiaoqing lowered her voice, glancing at other disciples: "Now I understand why the sect leader suppresses clans."
Shi Nandang felt increasingly uncomfortable. He'd thought Xiaoqing naive for failing to see Jiushan Sect clearly, but realized he too was blinkered - willfully so. He'd grown accustomed to certain realities, nearly merging with them, even taking pride in them.
While Zheng Fa and Jiushan Sect kept asking...
Why?
