I Studied Abroad in the Modern Times-Chapter 338Book 2: : Proposal for Alliance, United Front Value
Vol 2 Chapter 338: Proposal for Alliance, United Front Value
"Spirit stones are the foundation of formations?" In the grand hall of Jiushan Realm's Celestial Palace Island, Senior Sister Zhang's expression shifted between realization and doubt.
Not just her—even Xie Qingxue beside her wore a look of utter confusion.
The hall wasn't crowded, containing only Senior Sister Zhang and Xie Qingxue.
Haori Mountain's bounty had indeed impacted Jiushan Sect. Uncle Huang and even Xiao Yuying were currently outside protecting Jiushan disciples, guarding against potential ambushes from Haori Mountain's rogue Nascent Soul cultivators.
"Fairy Xie didn't know about this?"
Seeing Xie Qingxue's expression, Zheng Fa couldn't help feeling surprised.
A trace of bitterness flashed in Xie Qingxue's eyes: "I've never heard of it."
Zheng Fa nodded slightly, pondering for a moment before making up his mind. He turned to Xie Qingxue: "From what we see now, Tianhe Sect's heritage seems to have been restricted."
Although the relationship between formations and spirit stones was secretive, it shouldn't be unknown to a major sect like the Five Sects.
Xie Qingxue was Tianhe Sect's top true disciple—her complete ignorance about this was truly strange.
That Shi Nandang was merely a Haori Mountain true disciple at the Nascent Soul stage, far inferior in strength to Xie Qingxue who wielded the Qingping Sword.
Yet he had comprehensive knowledge of the Heaven and Earth Divine Fiend Array.
Even Zheng Fa, a mere Golden Core cultivator, had obtained partial inheritance, proving the formation's threshold wasn't so high that Xie Qingxue couldn't learn it.
A thought struck Zheng Fa, and he pressed further: "How are Tianhe Sect's achievements in artifact forging and pill refining?"
"Pill refining can't compare to Taishang Dao, and artifact forging falls short of Haori Mountain." Xie Qingxue paused, seemingly puzzled by Zheng Fa's question, but answered nonetheless.
"So... among the Five Sects, you're not lacking?"
Xie Qingxue nodded confidently: "I won't boast about pill refining, but in artifact forging, apart from Haori Mountain, Tianhe Sect fears no other sect."
Hearing this, Zheng Fa became even more convinced of his speculation. He continued: "Fairy Xie, do you remember when I told you that if you faced mortal danger, you could send word to me?"
Xie Qingxue nodded silently.
That was after Xie Qingxue helped Zheng Fa kill the Great Freedom Demon Ancestor. When she was leaving, Zheng Fa had made this promise.
"I couldn't say much then, but now you've probably guessed some things..."
Zheng Fa had kept silent then to protect Mu Qingyan.
Moreover, it would have been hard to convince anyone—who would believe that Tianhe Sect, one of the Five Sects, could simply vanish? Even with Xie Qingxue's trust in him, she'd have had doubts.
Now that Sect Master Yan's actions had become overly obvious, and Xie Qingxue and Elder Han were working tirelessly for the Hundred Immortals Alliance, Zheng Fa felt it was time to speak frankly.
"Tianhe Sect might face annihilation."
Xie Qingxue's face paled, but her eyes showed no surprise.
Zheng Fa continued: "Previously, I was only sixty percent certain, but judging from Sect Master Yan's actions, it's now eighty to ninety percent likely."
Instead of refuting, Xie Qingxue's voice carried bitterness:
"Eighty to ninety percent might be underestimating it."
At this point, she stared intently at Zheng Fa, her gaze resolute: "Zheng Fa, today I'll swallow my pride—can I ask you to change your promise?"
Zheng Fa looked at her, already guessing her thoughts.
"Please take care of my junior brother in the future."
Xie Qingxue's words didn't surprise Zheng Fa. He simply asked:
"Fairy Xie, you..."
"Besides my master and junior brother, I have no other close ones in the sect..." Xie Qingxue chuckled lightly, "But as the wielder of Qingping Sword, if someone can destroy Tianhe Sect, they certainly won't let me live."
"If I stay at Jiushan Sect, I might bring disaster upon you all."
"My junior brother's cultivation is low—he might have a sliver of hope to survive."
Senior Sister Zhang looked at Xie Qingxue, her eyes inevitably showing pity.
"Fairy Xie doubts my ability to protect you?"
"You're after all Jiushan Sect's sect master."
"..."
Zheng Fa fell silent at this.
Xie Qingxue's words were blunt—even if Zheng Fa wanted to help her, making an enemy that could annihilate Tianhe Sect for Jiushan Sect's sake... would be extremely unwise.
Any force capable of destroying Tianhe Sect would be difficult for Jiushan Realm to resist.
"Moreover..." Xie Qingxue sat straight as a sword, with an indomitable pride, "I refuse to hide."
Seeing Zheng Fa about to speak, she waved her hand: "No need to persuade me further."
"..."
"We sword cultivators would rather break than bend. Life and death have long been trivial matters!"
"..."
Zheng Fa was stunned for a long moment before showing sincere admiration, nodding in praise: "I underestimated you, Fairy. Indeed, my idea might not necessarily save Tianhe Sect either."
"?"
Zheng Fa cupped his hands toward her:
"Farewell, Fairy Xie! I'll take good care of Brother Yan for you—"
"Wait!" Xie Qingxue hastily waved her hands, "You said save Tianhe Sect?"
"To sword cultivators, that's unimportant!"
Xie Qingxue fell silent briefly before throwing the Qingping Sword at Zheng Fa from her waist: "Anyway, this damn sword listens to you, not me."
Zheng Fa and Senior Sister Zhang watched speechlessly as the Qingping Sword embedded itself into the floor, vibrating with countless question marks practically written across its blade.
Xie Qingxue patted her now-empty waist, looking utterly innocent:
"Who's a sword cultivator?"
"..."
Zheng Fa's mouth twitched, but he admitted honestly: "Truthfully, my idea doesn't have high chances of success."
Xie Qingxue urged impatiently:
"Just say it already!"
"Earlier when I asked about Tianhe Sect's formation heritage, it was because of a speculation..."
"What speculation?"
"Tianhe Sect's formations aren't too weak—they're too strong!"
Xie Qingxue and Senior Sister Zhang's expressions changed dramatically upon hearing this, exclaiming simultaneously: "Like the Nine-turn Golden Pill method?"
"Exactly. Otherwise, it's hard to explain why Tianhe Sect doesn't even know the relationship between spirit stones and formations..."
Xie Qingxue looked bewildered: "But Tianhe Sect has always focused solely on the sword, forsaking all else."
"What about pill refining and artifact forging then?"
"..."
"I suspect Tianhe Sect was the losing side in the previous era. Only because your five lineage founders had agreements with the other four sects, and the Four Slaying Immortal Swords' terrifying power forced compromise."
Senior Sister Zhang's eyes flashed with understanding: "You mean Tianhe Sect, after Tianhe Venerable's death, was restricted by the four sects from researching formations?"
"Exactly my thoughts." Zheng Fa speculated, "In Xuanyi Realm, only the four sects could completely deprive Tianhe Sect of formation heritage, even deliberately avoiding formation research."
Xie Qingxue frowned, still unconvinced: "That's possible, but there's no evidence."
"There is evidence! The Heaven and Earth Divine Fiend Array contains Tianhe Sect's sword forging techniques!"
Zheng Fa's words struck Xie Qingxue like thunder.
"Of course, my knowledge of Tianhe Sect's sword techniques is limited—I can only recognize traces of it in the array."
"The Heaven and Earth Divine Fiend Array?"
"Senior Sister, having dabbled in various cultivation arts now, I can discern some patterns." Zheng Fa changed topics: "Among them, talisman arts are most fundamental—the foundation of all cultivation arts, no, the foundation of cultivation itself."
"Talismans are spells, spells are talismans."
Senior Sister Zhang nodded: "Indeed. Whether refining artifacts or pills, they're essentially restructuring matter through spells."
"Formations are actually higher-level techniques built upon artifact forging—I suspect they're simplified versions of techniques used by Nascent Soul or even Dao Fruit cultivators."
"Spirit stones... can stably contain spells and influence each other."
To Zheng Fa's current understanding, the immortal path's technical system was becoming clearer. Using modern knowledge as analogy: 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢
Talisman arts were like mathematics—any technique could be explained through them, forming cultivation's foundation.
Artifact and pill refining were interdisciplinary fields mixing physics, chemistry, material science, and pharmacology.
Formations were practically equivalent to computing.
But to Xuanyi cultivators, it was actually... bionics.
"You're saying formations are parts of techniques that Nascent Soul+ cultivators carve into spirit stones?"
"Yes. Dao Fruit cultivators embody complete fundamental techniques. Judging from the Great Freedom's legacy, from Nascent Soul to Dao Fruit, it's all about constructing a Dao body through cultivation methods."
"And from what I've learned of the Heaven and Earth Divine Fiend Array, its essence follows the same principle."
Zheng Fa's understanding of formations was simple:
All cultivation techniques were, to him, programming the physical world.
Internally, techniques constructed more powerful Dharma bodies.
Externally, spells controlled heaven and earth's might.
"The unique property of spirit stones lies in their ability to stably contain and activate various spells."
Zheng Fa held a spirit stone, channeling spiritual energy from his dantian into it.
The stone immediately glowed, its aura gradually synchronizing with Zheng Fa's energy.
Senior Sister Zhang sighed while observing: "The answer was right before our eyes, yet we were blind to it."
Spirit stones' special property had always been obvious yet overlooked—they could perfectly replenish spiritual energy!
A cultivator's spiritual energy varied drastically based on techniques and soul characteristics.
Many pills could restore spiritual energy, but effects differed individually.
But spirit stones were different.
Xie Qingxue also took out a spirit stone, infusing it with her energy. The stone's aura became nearly identical to hers.
"Spirit stones replenish energy... because they not only contain complete five elements but can simulate soul fluctuations." Zheng Fa marveled at the stone in his palm, "When a cultivator's energy is infused, it produces energy of identical origin."
"Thus anyone using it gets full restoration effects, as if another cultivator were transferring energy directly."
"This material is far more remarkable than others. Even Madam Xuanhua has encountered difficulties trying to replicate it recently."
"Therefore, with special refining methods, spell formulas can be carved into them to create formations."
To Zheng Fa, formations were essentially Nascent Soul+ cultivators separating parts of their techniques and engraving them into spirit stones.
Modern computing started from pure mathematical logic, gradually evolving toward neural networks and brain simulation.
Xuanyi's formations, however, began by simulating cultivators—hence Zheng Fa considered it bionics.
"Compared to Nascent Soul artifacts or Dao Fruit treasures, spirit stone formations offer... lower thresholds and flexibility. Golden Core cultivators can carve spells into them, and altering formations only requires changing stones and spells."
Senior Sister Zhang nodded in agreement:
"Although I can improve Jiushan's grand array with my Primordial Spirit body, it's not sustainable..."
"Jiushan's immortal formation method is essentially similar to spirit stone formations, just consuming cultivators' energy instead."
"Spirit stones are much more stable."
Zheng Fa shook his head with a smile: "Immortal formations have their merits—spirit stone formations are limited by resources and locations... Immortal formations excel in combat."
This made Senior Sister Zhang smile—the greatest advantage of immortal formations was their mobility!
Xie Qingxue grew impatient: "What does this have to do with Tianhe Sect?"
"Fairy Xie, consider—what could your master do to cause Tianhe Sect's destruction? And who could annihilate Tianhe Sect?"
Xie Qingxue looked blank, but Senior Sister Zhang interjected:
"The four sects, or... Tianhe Sect's four founders."
Xie Qingxue hesitated, seemingly wanting to object but unable—clearly accepting this analysis.
"Sect Master Yan's current arrangements suggest he anticipates future difficulties... Wouldn't he prepare accordingly?"
This Sect Master Yan had assigned Elder Han and Xie Qingxue to protect his son Yan Wushuang.
Now... both Xie Qingxue and Elder Han's choices ultimately benefited Yan Wushuang.
This proved Sect Master Yan was no reckless man.
"Preparation?"
"What could give Sect Master Yan confidence against the four sects or Tianhe's founders?" Zheng Fa murmured, "Or perhaps, his preparations are precisely what will doom Tianhe Sect?"
"...Formations?"
Xie Qingxue finally understood Zheng Fa's lengthy detour.
"Exactly. Although the Nine-turn Golden Pill method is miraculous, we've both practiced it—it can't oppose Dao Fruit cultivators, let alone four sects." Zheng Fa nodded, "If my speculation is correct, Tianhe Sect's formations were once extraordinarily powerful."
"And if Sect Master Yan knows this."
"He'd inevitably capitalize on it."
Xie Qingxue pondered, gradually comprehending Zheng Fa's meaning: "Perhaps my master sought to perfect formations, hence provoking the four sects or even our founders."
"Of course, this is mere speculation. But..." Zheng Fa smiled, "Even if Sect Master Yan's goals lie elsewhere, wouldn't formations increase his chances?"
Xie Qingxue's spirits lifted as she grasped Zheng Fa's implication: "You want to trade Haori Mountain's formations with my master?"
"Precisely! Judging from the Heaven and Earth Divine Fiend Array, Haori Mountain must have utilized Tianhe Sect's original formations to refine the Trapping Immortal Sword."
Truthfully, Zheng Fa had far more confidence in Tianhe Sect's formations than Xie Qingxue realized.
The Slaying Immortal Sword Array... its reputation was thunderous!
For refining a treasure like the Trapping Immortal Sword, Haori Mountain couldn't abandon Tianhe Sect's approach.
Previously, Zheng Fa's Flying Cloud Sword had stirred the Trapping Immortal Sword—proving Haori Mountain hadn't fundamentally altered it.
"If Tianhe Sect lacks this formation heritage, might Sect Master Yan be interested?" Zheng Fa whispered, "Of course, the Heaven and Earth Divine Fiend Array likely only contains fragments of Tianhe's original formations."
"What do you want in return?"
After much deliberation, Xie Qingxue asked.
"I want the Trapping Immortal Sword's forging method! Or rather, Tianhe Sect's Trapping Immortal lineage techniques!"
Xie Qingxue's eyes widened gradually. Glancing at the Qingping Sword in the hall, recalling the past, she immediately understood: "You want to refine the Trapping Immortal Sword?"
"Not feasible yet. At Golden Core stage in Zhongxuan Sect, I can only study the Heaven and Earth Divine Fiend Array, carving spells into spirit stones for now."
Currently, Zheng Fa was only doing peripheral work at Zhongxuan Sect:
Slowly engraving spirit stones to assist Shi Nandang and others in setting up the Heaven and Earth Divine Fiend Array.
To participate in refining the Trapping Immortal Sword, his status and cultivation were insufficient—he could only assist the Nascent Soul experts.
To approach the sword, he needed to advance further.
He couldn't even stop the refining process—the Heaven and Earth Divine Fiend Array was already partially established, just not yet connected to Hundred Immortals Alliance's ley lines. Dismantling this bomb wouldn't be easy.
Zheng Fa's ambitions went beyond neutralizing the Trapping Immortal Sword's threat—he wanted to lure it to Jiushan Sect.
...Who told Haori Mountain to leave it lying around?
Judging from Qingping Sword's behavior, corresponding techniques greatly influenced artifacts. Despite Haori Mountain suppressing the Trapping Immortal Sword for an era, it remained Tianhe-forged.
Obtaining the Trapping Immortal lineage techniques to attract the sword would be like its long-lost love returning after millennia—easy to rekindle old flames.
Plus Zheng Fa now possessed Haori Mountain's true inheritance.
Even if the Trapping Immortal Sword had nearly taken Haori Mountain's shape, Zheng Fa could say:
I embody everything you love.
The only question was whether these terms could move Sect Master Yan.
Recalling the Slaying Immortal Sword Array's might, Zheng Fa had fifty percent confidence—knowing of this array, Sect Master Yan couldn't remain unmoved. The only possible refusal would be if Tianhe Sect already possessed it.
Zheng Fa doubted this—the four sects weren't fools. If the array was truly formidable, they wouldn't have left it with Tianhe Sect.
After much deliberation, Xie Qingxue nodded slowly: "My master's thoughts are inscrutable. I'll need to investigate... Rest assured, given opportunity, I'll try persuading him."
Zheng Fa could tell Xie Qingxue didn't fully believe in the formation's power either. Currently, she seemed to be grasping at Tianhe Sect's last hope while perhaps also wanting to help Jiushan Sect resolve the Trapping Immortal crisis.
Without delay, Xie Qingxue departed Jiushan Realm after their discussion.
Seeing her off, Zheng Fa told Senior Sister Zhang: "I'll need to remain at Zhongxuan Sect these days."
Although Shi Nandang's favor was beneficial, it brought inconveniences compared to before—fortunately, "plundering" the Hundred Immortals Alliance provided opportunities to return.
"Understandable... After selling Haori Mountain's formation secrets to Tianhe Sect, you'd need to finish learning them."
Senior Sister Zhang remarked pointedly.
Xie Qingxue had missed the transaction's implications, but Senior Sister Zhang saw clearly.
This junior brother was profiting as middleman, trading Haori Mountain's secrets to Tianhe Sect!
...
While Zheng Fa was "procuring goods" at Haori Mountain, a message arrived through the Creation Jade Slip.
"Zhenren Tongming has secretly brought disciples to the Hundred Immortals Alliance?"
He began pondering deeply.
Zhenren Tongming's arrival at this timing was highly suggestive.
After the six sects' assembly, Zheng Fa had gradually unraveled Xuanyi Realm's complex inter-sect relations.
Externally, the five sects presented unity.
Internally, their relationships were intricate.
But Zheng Fa saw three main factions:
Leiyin Temple and Haori Mountain seemed close.
Yaochi appeared deeply influenced by Taishang Dao.
While Tianhe Sect remained neutral.
This neutrality likely stemmed from Tianhe's awkward position.
Probably also Tianhe's self-preservation strategy.
Given this, Taishang Dao had several options regarding Haori Mountain's pressure on Hundred Immortals Alliance:
First, upholding five-sect unity by jointly suppressing or ignoring Hundred Immortals Alliance—
Taishang Dao's initial response.
Zhenren Tongming's arrival indicated shifting attitudes.
Zheng Fa hadn't expected that while he schemed with Tianhe Sect, Taishang Dao would interfere... Recalling recent developments, he smiled inwardly:
Had Jiushan Sect demonstrated sufficient united front value?
...
Likely to avoid Haori Mountain, Zhenren Tongming's group arrived hastily and covertly, escaping both Haori Mountain's notice and Jiushan Sect's preparations.
With Xie Qingxue returned to Tianhe Sect and Zheng Fa studying at Zhongxuan Sect, Jiushan Realm's Nascent Soul+ cultivators were stretched thinner.
When Zhenren Tongming arrived, even Senior Sister Zhang was absent.
Zheng Fa didn't permit their entry into Jiushan Realm, settling them at a Hundred Immortals Alliance villa instead, dispatching only a few disciples to receive them while awaiting Senior Sister Zhang's return.
"Zheng Fa shows great disrespect toward our Taishang Dao."
A disciple beside Zhenren Tongming muttered.
Others also showed displeasure.
Zhenren Tongming's group numbered ten, seven being former Mount Tongming disciples now under Taishang Dao.
Though not wearing Taishang Dao robes to avoid attention, they retained Taishang Dao's pride.
Returning to familiar grounds, they felt particularly triumphant.
Zhenren Tongming coldly rebuked: "Hold your tongues! Zheng Fa isn't someone you can casually criticize!"
The disciples fell silent but remained unconvinced.
"Zheng Fa messaged explaining Hundred Immortals Alliance's manpower shortages—this isn't deliberate slight."
Another disciple muttered:
"Given how Haori Mountain pressures them, shouldn't they curry our favor?"
"Good thing we left Hundred Immortals Alliance."
Zhenren Tongming glared:
"Why do you think we're helping Zheng Fa?"
The disciples shook their heads.
"If Zheng Fa joined Taishang Dao, I'd have to address him as 'Venerable' in future!"
His disciples paled, knowing this was no exaggeration.
Zhenren Tongming sighed—these disciples had grown arrogant after entering Taishang Dao.
His visit followed Taishang Dao's orders to secretly assist Jiushan Sect, partly to spite Haori Mountain but mostly coveting Zheng Fa.
Should Zheng Fa defect to Taishang Dao, he'd immediately become a heavyweight—how could Zhenren Tongming afford offense?
Objectively though, he considered this timely aid.
Subconsciously, he felt somewhat superior—Jiushan Sect needed his help.
Seeing Jiushan Realm lacking proper hosts deepened his pity for Hundred Immortals Alliance:
Taishang Dao viewed Hundred Immortals Alliance as doomed.
Their true aim was using Jiushan Sect to weaken Haori Mountain.
Jiushan Realm's inability to field Nascent Soul hosts reinforced his belief in their dire straits.
As Hundred Immortals Alliance's former leader, his feelings were complex.
As he mused, several Jiushan Sect disciples approached from afar, bowing respectfully: "Greetings, Venerable!"
The leader was a Golden Core cultivator Zhenren Tongming found familiar—after a moment's recall, he recognized him: "You're... Sun Daoyu?"
Sun Daoyu started, quickly responding: "The Venerable remembers this junior!"
"You hosted me during my last Hundred Immortals Alliance visit." Zhenren Tongming's attitude was relatively cordial, though he frowned upon sensing Sun Daoyu's cultivation: "You've reached mid-Golden Core?"
Sun Daoyu replied modestly: "This junior has made slight progress."
Zhenren Tongming fell silent.
He remembered Sun Daoyu not just from last time—during the Hundred Techniques Assembly, Sun Daoyu and over a dozen Jiushan disciples had formed Golden Cores simultaneously, leaving deep impression...
How long had it been?
He turned to his own disciples, sinking into silence.
Despite Taishang Dao's superior resources, his disciples hadn't progressed as rapidly.
For Sun Daoyu to advance so swiftly amid Hundred Immortals Alliance's hardships—was he a peerless genius?
Deep in thought, Zhenren Tongming studied Sun Daoyu carefully before scanning other Jiushan disciples. None were familiar except a clever-looking Foundation Establishment female disciple who kept glancing at him more boldly than others.
Her face seemed vaguely recognizable.
"And this is?"
"Our sect master's younger sister." Sun Daoyu quickly introduced, "The sect master said Venerable is an old friend of Jiushan Sect. Being currently occupied, he sent Junior Sister Zheng to fulfill hosting duties."
Zhenren Tongming smiled, beckoning Zheng Shan closer:
"You're Zheng Fa's sister?"
Zheng Shan nodded obediently before greeting properly: "Respects to the Venerable."
Zhenren Tongming led Zheng Shan inside while making conversation:
"How long have you cultivated?"
Without concealment, Zheng Shan answered brightly: "Four years!"
Zhenren Tongming halted abruptly, staring at her pure spiritual energy aura with deepening frown.
"Four years?"
Four years of cultivation reaching late-Foundation Establishment... Another peerless genius?
Hearing his doubtful tone, Zheng Shan meekly corrected:
"...Three years, eight months, and five days."
