I Studied Abroad in the Modern Times-Chapter 398Book 2: : Jiushan Production, Overtime Pay

Vol 2 Chapter 398 Jiushan Production, Overtime Pay 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

When Old Man Li was escorted back to the Jiushan Realm, Zheng Fa was inspecting Gongkai Island.

Beside him were Senior Sister Zhang, Uncle Pang, and Madam Xuanhua.

What caught his eye was an industrial park with a mixed style:

On the left were square factory buildings, with the roaring sounds of machine tools in operation.

On the right stood an ancient-style spiritual cauldron, silently burning a spiritual flame inside.

In the distance rose a row of towering chimneys, atop which coiled misty dragons.

Madam Xuanhua introduced beside him, "Thanks to the Haori Mountain artifact forging secret technique provided by Master Shi, we have already automated the production process for eighty-four common types of magical tools."

"Now, the average manufacturing cost of these magical tools can be reduced to seventy percent of the original, and production speed has more than doubled." Seeing Zheng Fa listening intently, Madam Xuanhua continued, "If we factor in research and factory machinery expenses, given the current transaction volume, the cost can be recovered in about a year."

Before Zheng Fa could respond, Uncle Pang gave a soft exclamation: "Eighty-four types?"

Madam Xuanhua smiled and nodded, confirming, "Haori Mountain has survived three eras, accumulating profound knowledge in artifact forging. Many magical tools were actually invented by Haori Mountain disciples."

"For example, the Black Tortoise Shield, Divine Flame Shield, Fallen Bell... if not for Master Shi's information, we wouldn't have known they were all creations of Haori Mountain disciples."

"During those three eras, they thoroughly researched these tools, and some can even be produced directly by machine tools."

Uncle Pang laughed upon hearing this: "So we owe Haori Mountain our thanks after all?"

He then realized another issue and asked Madam Xuanhua, "Are all the magical tools we can produce with machine tools from Haori Mountain?"

"About seventy percent."

Uncle Pang twitched the corner of his mouth, looking at Zheng Fa, muttering, "Well, then we and Haori Mountain are sworn enemies."

This statement made sense;learning Haori Mountain's secret techniques and producing their magical tools, it would be strange if Haori Mountain didn't retaliate.

Senior Sister Zhang said coldly, "We have always been sworn enemies."

Uncle Pang was stunned and turned to Zheng Fa, asking, "Did you... do this on purpose?"

Zheng Fa shook his head and smiled:

"It's just a coincidence."

"Haori Mountain's artifact forging methods are the best;naturally, we want to learn them, especially with Shi Nandang's assistance."

Uncle Pang and Madam Xuanhua exchanged a glance, their faces saying:

You tell me, does Haori Mountain believe this is just a coincidence?

...

Not to mention Haori Mountain, even the Taishang Dao doesn't believe it.

"This Alliance Leader Zheng is ruthless but astonishing!"

Li Immortal sat inside a Taoist temple.

This temple stood atop the Dao Inquiry Peak of Taishang Dao, perched on a massive stone.

The temple was only about three meters long and wide, with a portrait of Dao Venerable hanging on the inner wall;in front of it were two meditation cushions and nothing else.

s̈

Sitting inside, a glance revealed a towering cliff with a bottomless abyss.

Opposite Li Immortal sat a middle-aged Taoist with closed eyes.

After hearing Li Immortal's words, the middle-aged Taoist did not even raise his eyelids, showing no reaction.

Li Immortal seemed accustomed to Ancestor Xuanding's demeanor and continued, "Every item on his list is a magical tool Haori Mountain excels at, yet they’re even cheaper than Haori Mountain’s own!"

Only then did the middle-aged Taoist speak: "Good?"

Li Immortal knew that Ancestor Xuanding’s Dao path was unique—stingy to the extreme—and that if something could be expressed with one word, he would never waste words with two.

"Very good," Li Immortal nodded. "I've asked disciples from the sect;they say these Jiushan Sect magical tools, while not top-tier quality, are all excellent. Although we bought them at market price, similar quality tools should cost twenty percent more in the market."

Ancestor Xuanding slightly opened his eyes, thought for a moment, and said, "Loss?"

"They shouldn't be losing money," Li Immortal replied. "Instead, the business grows each time. Now, sixty percent of the magical tools in our markets come from the Hundred Immortals Alliance."

Ancestor Xuanding pondered before slowly nodding.

Li Immortal understood this meant business with the Hundred Immortals Alliance could continue.

Buying the same magical tools at lower prices... this deal perfectly suited Ancestor Xuanding’s tastes.

But he had another matter to raise:

"Haori Mountain is not happy about this."

Ancestor Xuanding opened his eyes, staring at him.

Li Immortal took out a communication talisman from his sleeve and shook his head, "Immortal Yun is anxious."

He handed the talisman to Ancestor Xuanding and explained:

"The Hundred Immortals Alliance sells many cheap magical tools. Some of us bought their tools and resold them at Haori Mountain..."

"At first, because of the good quality, Haori Mountain didn't notice."

Li Immortal couldn’t help but chuckle:

"But after a few months, they found their own tools weren't selling, yet the market was flooded with them."

"They thought one of their disciples was breaking the rules, but after investigation, they traced it back to us!"

Li Immortal swore that upon hearing this, Ancestor Xuanding's eyes showed a strange smile.

He found it absurd too.

Who would have thought the breakthrough in the Hundred Immortals Alliance and Haori Mountain rivalry would be over magical tools!

Haori Mountain, with its artifact forging techniques, ranks among the top sects of the Xuanyi Realm.

Even Taishang Dao admits that in artifact forging, they can't beat Haori Mountain.

But on the other hand, Haori Mountain is also extremely reliant on artifact forging;otherwise, how could a True Immortal-level person send a letter with just some magical tools?

"Zheng Fa... this is digging at Haori Mountain's roots," Li Immortal sighed. "Right now it's just magical tools, but if it becomes artifacts or even life treasures..."

Those who cultivated to Dao Fruit level naturally understood the significance of mastering various immortal arts to their sects.

"If this continues, when Immortal Lu achieves Golden Immortal, Haori Mountain might decline."

Ancestor Xuanding shook his head and said, "Difficult."

"Difficult, yes, but Haori Mountain can't sit still either," Li Immortal pointed to the communication talisman and smiled. "They are clearly a bit panicked."

Honestly, he had wracked his brain and never expected Zheng Fa to have such a move!

If a sect stronger than Taishang Dao in pill arts appeared on the market...

Just thinking about it made Li Immortal’s heart clench;he knew how much the sect earned from their unique pill formulas!

The four major sects of Xuanyi Realm are all wealthy families;losing this income would drive Taishang Dao crazy.

Only Zheng Fa dared to confront Haori Mountain right now;otherwise, Immortal Yun might have already struck Jiushan Sect.

"Ancestor, how should we reply?" Li Immortal asked. "They want us to restrain our disciples from selling these magical tools."

At this, Li Immortal couldn’t help but complain: "Actually, it’s not our people selling at Haori Mountain, but them coming to Taishang Dao to buy."

"They even can’t tell the real from the fake."

"How can that be our fault?"

Ancestor Xuanding smiled as the communication talisman ignited without fire, turning to ashes that drifted into the abyss.

"Exactly! Why bother?"

Li Immortal laughed loudly, bowed to Ancestor Xuanding, and left.

He flew to Tianchi Peak and took out the Tongjian.

"Li Immortal?"

Zheng Fa's face appeared on the light screen, surprised, clearly not expecting Li Immortal to contact him suddenly.

"Do you know we helped you earn spiritual stones from Haori Mountain?"

Zheng Fa was stunned and then listened as Li Immortal explained the situation.

Haori Mountain and the Hundred Immortals Alliance are now hostile;with the border spirit veins destroyed, there’s little trade.

Zheng Fa had never considered the Haori Mountain market.

Who would have thought there was transshipment trade?

Moreover, from Immortal Yun’s reaction, this matter shook Haori Mountain greatly.

Hearing that Li Immortal ignored Haori Mountain’s demands, Zheng Fa understood that firstly, it was a minor matter;honestly, the value of magical tools was not high for Li Immortal and Taishang Dao, so no need to intervene.

Secondly... the more the Hundred Immortals Alliance suppressed Haori Mountain, the happier Taishang Dao was.

Li Immortal added, "Rest assured, Haori Mountain won’t dare to touch you. Even Leiyin Temple wants to send people to Dongzhou. If they dare to act against you, Taishang Dao will not stand by."

Zheng Fa frowned, "Leiyin Temple coming to Dongzhou?"

"Not only Leiyin Temple, but Yaochi True Immortal is also coming, for the Tianhe Sect matter."

Zheng Fa understood;they were preparing to encircle the Nine Nether Demon Ancestor.

Li Immortal then patted his forehead, as if suddenly remembering: "I almost forgot, I’m contacting you for this!"

"Huh?"

"Lady Nishang of Yaochi Sect wants to visit Jiushan Sect and asked me to give you a heads-up."

This caught Zheng Fa off guard, asking, "Lady Nishang? She’s coming to Jiushan?"

"Not a special visit, just passing by," Li Immortal explained. "She’s the True Immortal who presides over the main formation in Yaochi and is also going to the Tianhe Sect."

"True Immortal..."

Zheng Fa frowned lightly, feeling some apprehension.

"Don’t worry," Li Immortal smiled. "It’s not a bad thing."

"Hmm?"

"Yaochi and Leiyin Temple are bitter rivals. With Immortal Lu’s ascension, they won’t just sit back."

Zheng Fa nodded, believing the words.

He had long noticed the close ties between Yaochi and Taishang Dao, but no True Immortal had yet come to Jiushan Realm.

Besides, with the Trapping Immortal Sword and now his Yang Spirit body fused with the Sun and Moon Bell, his strength was about thirty percent stronger than before.

In Jiushan Realm, he indeed had less to fear.

Especially since Lady Nishang had Taishang Dao’s backing, she was probably not an unwelcome guest.

Before ending the Spirit Message, Li Immortal mentioned an old matter again: "I have to say, copying Haori Mountain’s magical tools was brilliant! If Haori Mountain can be defeated without a fight, Immortal Lu might never achieve Golden Immortal..."

Zheng Fa shook his head slightly and spoke his mind, "Li Immortal, whether you believe it or not, I didn’t do this intentionally."

Li Immortal frowned, seeming to doubt Zheng Fa’s sincerity.

"My original intention was only to produce more and better magical tools;the rise or fall of Haori Mountain is unrelated."

After ending the Spirit Message, Li Immortal was lost in thought for a long time before chuckling:

"Unrelated... this Alliance Leader Zheng has quite the audacity."

...

Honestly, Zheng Fa wasn’t as excited as Li Immortal.

To him, this was just the inevitable development of Jiushan Sect, and Haori Mountain happened to be in the way.

On the other hand, he understood that the main wealth in the Xuanyi Realm artifact forging market was actually earned through artifacts and even life treasures.

The wealth in Xuanyi Realm was extremely concentrated;cultivators below Golden Core stage didn’t even hold ten percent of the resources.

Only cultivators above Nascent Soul were the real wealthy elites.

And for Nascent Soul cultivators, magical tools were already useless;artifacts were their preferred weapons.

Therefore, although Li Immortal was excited, Zheng Fa estimated the impact on Haori Mountain’s artifact forging income was less than ten percent.

Immortal Yun’s reaction was simply because... the knockoffs had beaten the original, and Jiushan Sect forged better versions of Haori Mountain’s magical tools, which was humiliating.

On the other hand, it also showed unease about Jiushan Sect’s forging ability.

In short, the harm was minor, but the insult was severe.

But truth be told, relying on trade alone could never kill Haori Mountain.

Zheng Fa looked toward the sky.

At the Jiushan market docks, over seven hundred Divine Sky Flying Boats rose and fell, transporting various magical tools produced by Jiushan Realm to the Hundred Immortals Alliance and to the Taishang Dao border.

They also brought spirit materials from all over the Hundred Immortals Alliance and spiritual pills from Taishang Dao to Jiushan Sect.

These spiritual pills were then distributed among Jiushan Sect’s factories, Jiushan University, and Jiushan Military Academy, transforming into cultivation resources for Jiushan disciples.

He then looked at the medicine garden next to the Sun and Moon Bell. The incense fire power grew denser every day, visible to the naked eye as it increased.

Zheng Fa knew this was because the mortal population in Jiushan Realm was thriving.

Even more, Jiushan Sect’s disciples were rapidly improving their strength.

This was the true force capable of crushing Haori Mountain.

"Unfortunately, still about thirty percent short."

Zheng Fa sighed inwardly but suppressed his impatience.

After all, from Yang Spirit to Corpse Liberation, even with the Tongtian Method, cultivation often required thousands or tens of thousands of years. His Yang Spirit body had only recently formed, yet the incense fire power had already reached half the amount needed for Corpse Liberation.

If he rushed, others might not survive.

If not for his mastery of the One Qi Transforming Three Pure Ones technique, which severed desires for incense fire, he wouldn’t dare to use this power so recklessly.

If not for his modern knowledge of sect development and methods for earning spiritual stones, the incense fire power wouldn’t be so abundant.

His cultivation speed in the Tongtian Method was likely the fastest in the history of Xuanyi Realm.

If not for the threat of Haori Mountain’s Immortal Lu, he wouldn’t be so anxious.

Thinking of this, Zheng Fa glanced once more at Gongkai Island, slowly closed his eyes, calmed his mind, and began revising the Yellow Court Scripture through the insights of his Yang Spirit body.

He knew most of the incense fire power came from Jiushan disciples stationed in the Hundred Immortals Alliance, countless mortals, and Gongkai Island workers.

They had contributed so much that Zheng Fa didn’t dare be impatient.

...

On Gongkai Island, Old Man Li stared blankly at the machine tools before him.

He had been captured and sent to Jiushan Realm’s Law Enforcement Hall.

Over a hundred people were sentenced to forced labor.

Disciples below foundation establishment stage were sent to various factories and sentenced to fifty years, a hundred years, or even lifelong labor depending on the severity of their crimes.

Law Enforcement Hall disciples made it clear that if no murder was involved, accumulated merit points could reduce sentences.

Those with blood debts faced much harsher conditions and had to make significant contributions to gain leniency.

But the problem was... this only applied to foundation establishment disciples.

For someone like him, it was completely different.

Old Man Li possessed countless lost souls and was a Nascent Soul cultivator. Upon arrival in Jiushan Realm, he was forced to surrender his soul mark, losing control over his life and death.

He understood that if the Jiushan Sect did not value his insight and cultivation, they would have killed him outright.

But now, his situation was grim:

On one hand, he had to report all his cultivation methods and knowledge to Jiushan Sect.

On the other, he and several other captured Nascent Soul cultivators were placed in a research group to study artifact manufacturing.

Escape was impossible;at best, like the Ancestor of the Blood River, their soul marks would be held by Jiushan Sect for life—and they would need to make great contributions.

During his time on Gongkai Island, Old Man Li had come to understand the reality of the place.

He never imagined magical tools could be manufactured like this!

But on the other hand, he also saw that Jiushan Sect’s manufacturing method was only effective at the magical tool stage and had many problems when producing artifacts.

In Xuanyi Realm, forging artifacts was the exclusive domain of Nascent Soul cultivators—the only exception being the innate treasure of Golden Core cultivators.

Thus, the Lifebound Treasure Method spread widely, practiced by all.

To some extent, this gave Golden Core cultivators some Nascent Soul abilities.

Tasks that Golden Core cultivators couldn’t accomplish required machine-like tools, which had many difficulties:

First, researchers mainly had to be Nascent Soul cultivators.

Second, the machine tools themselves likely had to be artifacts, or even artifacts wouldn’t be enough!

Old Man Li secretly thought Jiushan Sect was indulging in fantasy.

Yet Jiushan Sect cultivators did not share this view.

His research group consisted of three Jiushan Sect Nascent Soul cultivators, four captured Nascent Soul cultivators, and more than twenty Golden Core disciples.

The work attitude of these Jiushan Sect disciples...

He glanced at a Jiushan Golden Core disciple nearby and was puzzled:

How do these people never rest?

These Jiushan Sect cultivators left the factory only once every three days on average, sometimes returning after just one day off!

Their diligence made Old Man Li and the others dare not slack off or leave, forced to work day and night, resting only once every few days.

After a long time, it was utterly disheartening.

Yet, these Jiushan Sect cultivators looked radiant.

Honestly, Old Man Li was truly baffled—he had lived for thousands of years but never seen disciples so devoted to their sect.

He even felt a genuine shock from the bottom of his heart.

Perhaps his confusion was too obvious because the Golden Core disciple looked over with little hostility but much curiosity.

After all, though strangers at first, they had worked together long enough to be acquaintances.

"I want to ask..."

Old Man Li didn’t want to hide it anymore;after all, he saw no chance of leaving Jiushan Realm and no longer cared.

But before he could finish, a young girl’s voice sounded beside them.

The Jiushan disciple waved his hand, signaling him to hold his tongue.

Old Man Li knew this was the Nascent Soul cultivator who hosted Jiushan News, but this was not the news broadcast time...

"All Jiushan disciples, all Jiushan disciples, breaking news!"

The factory fell silent for a moment.

"Just now, Jiushan Military Academy disciple Huang Yun successfully ascended to Nascent Soul!"

"This is the fiftieth disciple to achieve Nascent Soul since the 'First Fifty Years' plan was announced!"

"Although the goal of five hundred Nascent Souls is still far off, Jiushan Sect has confidence and determination to complete it!"

"The Sect Leader has decided to suspend all work and study sect-wide for ten days!"

Hearing this news, Old Man Li couldn’t help but smile, feeling ashamed that a Nascent Soul cultivator like him would feel like crying over a ten-day holiday.

But he was also shocked. According to the news, these fifty Nascent Souls had only appeared since the launch of the "First Fifty Years" plan.

He had been in Jiushan Realm for some time, knew the plan, and understood it had been implemented for just over ten years.

That meant Jiushan Sect had produced fifty Nascent Souls in just over ten years!

What a speed!

Yet, looking at the Golden Core disciple beside him, the expression was somewhat gloomy.

"You..."

The Golden Core disciple sighed, "Resting for ten days means losing a lot of merit points and pills."

Old Man Li felt something was wrong;trembling, he asked, "You don’t rest to earn merit points and pills?"

"Yes," the Golden Core disciple didn’t hide it, "The Sect Leader stipulates that working over five hours a day earns double merit points, and if research progresses, various pill subsidies are given."

Old Man Li trembled, "So you only go home every three days..."

"Oh, we’ve calculated it. Working three days straight then resting one day does not harm the body or cultivation. Converted into pills, it actually speeds cultivation up twice as fast as not working overtime!"

"Plus, with various pills to restore spiritual power and soul, cultivation is much faster than before."

"Many of the Nascent Souls achieved in recent years accumulated merit points and pills while working in factories."

"I calculated;if I push for another eight or nine years, I might have a chance at Nascent Soul too."

Old Man Li understood.

They worked hard because they received various cultivation resources, and it was much faster than blindly cultivating alone!

"By the way, what did you want to ask just now?"

Old Man Li was silent for a moment, thinking there was no point asking anymore.

More work meant more rewards;fighting for ten years might even gather the resources needed for Nascent Soul. Nascent Soul meant longevity...

If it were him, he would gladly come every day!

Thinking this, he turned to look to the other side.

Standing beside him was his old enemy, the middle-aged Nascent Soul cultivator who had been captured with him. This man used to be an elder in the Hundred Immortals Alliance.

If it were Haori Mountain, he wouldn’t be in the Hundred Immortals Alliance but would stay comfortably in Haori Mountain.

Now, he didn’t want to ask the Jiushan disciple anything.

He only wanted to ask this middle-aged Nascent Soul cultivator, as a Hundred Immortals Alliance elder, why he had run away.

The middle-aged Nascent Soul looked at him, spiritual power fluctuating around him. Old Man Li felt this expression was familiar...

Like he was about to self-destruct again.