The morning sun rises from the east of Rainbow Mountain, and the dewdrops on the grass blades reflect the sunlight, creating shimmering patterns.
Zheng Fa's voice was neither hurried nor slow, and it resonated in the Sermon Hall like a morning breeze.
The audience in the hall was completely silent.
Birds from the woods hovered under the eaves, surprisingly quiet and seemingly listening attentively.
This sermon has lasted for almost half a year in total.
Zheng Fa started by explaining that set of teaching materials, covering everything from talismans, pills, arrays, and artifacts to the various arts of cultivating immortality.
In terms of Cultivation Method, he also selected five complete Five Elements Cultivation Method, explaining everything from the Qi Refinement Realm to the Golden Core in great detail.
Because Zheng Fa had given extra help to Team Leader Yang and others who were originally lagging behind, most people, if not completely absorbed, now understood the concepts implicitly.
Even Team Leader Yang had time to drift off; she raised her head, secretly glanced at Zheng Fa, and looked towards the window beside her.
The sun was shining brightly outside the window, and a beam of light shone through the glass onto the floor of the Sermon Hall.
Um?
Why is this beam of light flickering, like it's flashing?
These subtle changes might be invisible to ordinary people, but Team Leader Yang, whose cultivation has now reached the second level of the Qi Refinement Realm, has exceptional eyesight.
She stared intently for a while, then suddenly saw Zheng Fa turn his head and glance at her as if on purpose. She quickly sat up straight and listened attentively.
Zheng Fa chuckled inwardly; this Team Leader Yang was quite thoughtful.
If she were standing outside the window, she would notice that this change in light and shadow comes from the Fusang Wood in the sunlight.
This Spirit Root was sometimes expanding and sometimes shrinking, like it was breathing.
As the Fusang Wood changed, Zheng Fa also felt a slight warm current flowing through his body, accompanied by a slight itch.
His physical body, amidst this indescribable sensation, grew stronger every second.
He only discovered this in the last two days:
After six months of preaching, the Fusang Wood has become much more active than before.
Perhaps because the number of listeners was too small, or because these people were too weak, the changes were particularly subtle.
Even as the host of the Fusang Wood, Zheng Fa took several months to notice something amiss.
If we were to quantify this change, Zheng Fa estimates that the Fusang Wood appears to have grown by less than one-thousandth in the past six months.
His physical body, however, has only become about 10% stronger.
At first, he had some doubts, but later he came to a general guess:
With his understanding of the three Dao Fruit enlightenment, Zheng Fa also gained a deeper understanding of the Fusang Wood.
The Fusang Wood Dao Fruit is probably more inclined towards the path of the Demonic Sect Dharma Body.
This idea is not without basis. The Demon Race race relies on bloodline inheritance, which leads to the same goal as the Demonic Sect Method.
The Great Freedom Demon Emperor's < Myriad Demon True Exposition > also follows the path of the Dharma Body.
The former Demon Emperor corresponding to the Fusang Wood was probably very close to the lineage of the Demonic Sect Dharma Body.
Therefore, the growth of the Fusang Wood brings feedback, or rather, evolution, to Zheng Fa's physical body.
Zheng Fa should now be considered a special kind of Dharma Body cultivator.
With the imminent danger at Vast Sun Mountain, Zheng Fa took stock for a long time and concluded that in the current Nine Mountains Realm, there were only three things that could actually deal with Dao Fruit cultivators:
Green Duckweed Sword, Fusang Wood, Pure Tranquility Bamboo.
With these three combined, he was somewhat confident he could deal with that Loose Immortal surnamed Yang from Vast Sun Mountain.
But Zheng Fa wasn't really sure if he could withstand a True Immortal.
Not to mention that Vast Sun Mountain has three Dao Fruit.
Even if his cultivation advances to the Nascent Spirit Transformation stage, it won't actually be of much use.
We still need to explore the potential of these three Dao Fruit -level treasures.
Of the three treasures, the Fusang Wood and the Pure Tranquility Bamboo are both new plants, merely seedlings, far from being fully grown.
Therefore, the strongest weapon is actually the Green Duckweed Sword, but this weapon has the least room for improvement.
The Pure Tranquility Bamboo was already the weakest, and now it is only growing slowly along with the Nine Mountains Realm.
Moreover, it would actually be difficult for Senior Sister Zhang to command the Pure Bamboo.
The only hope lies with the Fusang Wood.
Zheng Fa spent half a year preaching, not only to improve the teaching materials, but also to find ways to further develop the Fusang Wood.
The good news is that he seems to have found the right approach.
The bad news is that this progress is far from enough.
Zheng Fa had a roughly accurate assessment of his own strength and that of Fusang Wood:
Without the Green Duckweed Sword, relying solely on the Fusang Wood, he is currently probably below the Dao Fruit but above the Corpse Liberation level.
Simply put, he can defeat any cultivator who is not a Dao Fruit cultivator by virtue of the absolute suppression of his Dao Fruit cultivation.
But when faced with true Dao Fruit, they are left only to be beaten.
The Fusang Wood is strong, but Zheng Fa are weak.
Neither Law Power, physical body, nor Divine Soul can unleash the true power of this thing.
More importantly, this thing is only just being developed... This demonstrates high emotional intelligence, and its future looks promising.
This progress is far from enough for him to surpass this limit.
Of course, Zheng Fa wouldn't risk his life on a seedling.
The saying goes, "It's better to buy than to make, and better to steal than to make."
His Fusang Wood is no good, but that doesn't mean his Immortal-Trapping Sword is no good.
According to his estimation, the Great Freedom Devil Ancestor was at most True Immortal, yet he had been causing trouble for many years.
After a day of preaching, Zheng Fa sat on a prayer mat, watching his thousands of disciples bow respectfully as they walked out of the Sermon Hall one by one, their eyes filled with anticipation.
The progress of Dao Fruit is related to the quantity of its audience, but even more so to the quality of its audience.
A thousand disciples are not enough.
What about one hundred million?
What about a billion?
A thousand Qi Refining Realm aren't enough, how about a thousand Golden Core Stage?
Even now, the Spiritual Qi of Rainbow Mountain may not be able to support so many Golden Core cultivators.
But Zheng Fa's cultivation level will always improve.
Today, the Immortal-Trapping Sword may be more powerful, but this power comes from Venerable Tianhe.
But it was the growth potential of the Fusang Wood that Zheng Fa valued more.
Moreover, it's his own real strength.
"The calculation array is almost complete!"
As soon as Tang Lingwu returned to the Nursing Home from the Sermon Hall, she rushed out of her room and announced the good news to Zheng Fa.
"Real?"
Zheng Fa was overjoyed to hear this.
Perfecting the Nine-Chapter Calculation Formation was no easy feat.
At first, Zheng Fa thought everything was ready except for a programmer.
Later, he discovered that the structure of the " Scarlet Firmament Jade Register " was similar to that of the nervous system, and was very different from the structure of modern computers.
It would be best to abandon the current computer architecture and redesign a hardware system.
Finally, they consulted with biologists in the biological sciences, especially neuroscience...
The project grew larger and larger, and it could even be said that it underwent two complete overhauls.
From hardware to language, it's all a completely new approach.
Tang Lingwu hasn't had time to listen to his sermons in the past two months; she's spent most of her time on the forum.
Such a massive project was completed in just six months, thanks to four words: the power of the entire nation.
The three Old Man Bai, also came over and, together with Zheng Fa, rushed into Tang Lingwu's room.
Tang Lingwu's computer was still on; the forum interface was displayed on the screen.
Upon closer inspection, Zheng Fa discovered that Tang Lingwu was browsing a post titled " Nine-Chapter Operator Language Design Specification ".
"We redesigned the arithmetic array language, called Nine-Chapter Operators, mainly by designing the basic data structures and statement types. In addition, there are some commonly used libraries and modules."
"The most important and also the most difficult part is this: designing a powerful artificial intelligence algorithm based on the ideas in the < Scarlet Firmament Jade Register >."
Tang Lingwu paused, a hint of pride in her voice:
"Or rather, this might be the first truly intelligent life form we've ever designed."
Indeed, the intelligence of the Nine-Chapter Calculation Formation has now surpassed any modern artificial intelligence algorithm. Or rather, the creators of the Scarlet Firmament Jade Register may not have known what artificial intelligence was, but their Method Formula of designing a neural system is the most direct replication of human intelligence.
Thanks to the cultivators' powerful observational skills, the Xuanwei Realm is ahead of modern times in this respect.
"You've designed a virtual human?"
Old Man Bai concluded.
"You could say that," Tang Lingwu nodded, then added, "According to your idea, Zheng Fa, we only designed the most basic data storage and calculation functions."
Zheng Fa nodded slightly. "That's the safest way."
He slowly read the post, saying, "At least initially, the Nine-Chapter Calculation Formation's function is limited to calculation."
On the one hand, he was still somewhat wary of the < Scarlet Firmament Jade Register >.
Even though the Nine-Chapter Calculation Formation only used its underlying principles and did not copy the Cultivation Method Formula, Zheng Fa was still afraid of being tricked.
On the other hand, it's also because Zheng Fa has some reservations about true artificial intelligence.
At least initially, he would only use the Nine-Chapter Calculation Formation as an aid in governing the Nine Mountains Realm, without granting it too many permissions or even installing functions such as attack Method Formula.
Of course, it's also because those functions consume too many Spirit Stone...
The Nine Mountains Sect cannot afford to support them.
Even according to Zheng Fa's estimate, the current, perfected Nine-Chapter Calculation Formation consumes five or six times the Spirit Stone as before.
Tang Lingwu nodded gently, then said with some regret, "It's a pity I won't be able to see this divination array complete."
Old Man Bai also looked somewhat disappointed.
In the Modern World, spiritual materials are limited, and there are no Spirit Stone, so setting up the Nine-Chapter Calculation Formation is naturally out of the question.
Tang Lingwu had been busy for more than half a year, but all her designs remained just wishful thinking. It was simply impossible for her to see the real Nine-Chapter Calculation Formation.
"I can't show you the complete Nine-Chapter Calculation Formation." Zheng Fa smiled, and a flash of light appeared in his hand, revealing the Creation Jade Disc. "But there are some algorithms I can try."
" The Creation Jade Disc?"
Tang Lingwu stared at the Creation Jade Disc, a hint of curiosity in her eyes.
With a thought, Zheng Fa's Talisman Diagram Creation Jade Disc flowed rapidly, and some Nine-Chapter Operators appeared on it.
"When I first designed the Creation Jade Disc, I intended it to be a server... but unfortunately, the algorithm wasn't perfect, so it could only be a forum with limited functionality."
Zheng Fa had extremely high expectations for the Creation Jade Disc.
The function of the Creation Jade Disc is currently limited to the Nine Mountains Forum.
The primary reason, of course, is Zheng Fa's cultivation level.
On the other hand, the lack of a truly feasible algorithm resulted in the incomplete functionality of the Creation Jade Disc.
The emergence of the Nine-Chapter Operators has now made up for this shortcoming.
"I lack the cultivation level and spiritual power to support advanced artificial intelligence, but other algorithms are also of great help to me."
"What kind of help?"
Zheng Fa touched the Creation Jade Disc, and the treasure projected a screen of light that stood before everyone.
The screen displayed a dense array of documents.
It contains Zheng Fa's revised teaching materials, as well as his previous records of modern scientific knowledge, and even more so, the cultivation methods of the Xuanwei Realm.
The Old Man Bai looked on with great curiosity.
Zheng Fa tapped the light screen and explained, "I gave this Creation Jade Disc an instruction to mark the Five Elements attributes on the Nine-Chapter Operators Talisman Diagram Topology according to the topology of the Talisman Diagram."
As he pointed his finger at the light screen, the image within suddenly shattered, leaving only darkness. Then the light screen lit up again, and rows of Talisman Diagram flowed through it.
Soon, a new document appeared.
Zheng Fa opened the document, which contained hundreds of Nine-Chapter Operators, which were divided into five types according to their Five Elements attributes.
Zheng Fa then said, "Now I'll have it organize the structures of common spiritual materials."
Soon, another document appeared.
Old Man Bai understood:
"Similar in functionality to modern computers?"
Zheng Fa nodded and said, "That's about right. Because my cultivation level isn't high enough, I can't reach the computing power of the Nine-Chapter Calculation Formation. I can only write some relatively simple algorithms and can't achieve strong artificial intelligence, but it's much more useful than before."
He pointed to the new document on the screen and said, "For example, this analysis of the spiritual material structure is extremely useful for my < Heavenly Dipper and Earthly Fiend Transformation >."
The Heavenly Dipper and Earthly Fiend Transformation require an enormous amount of knowledge, posing a formidable challenge to Zheng Fa's mind.
The Creation Jade Disc has now evolved...
"Isn't that like you have a computer installed in your head?"
The Old Man Bai muttered to himself.
Zheng Fa smiled and said, "That's true."
But it's not just that.
Previously, Zheng Fa only created the Nine Mountains Forum because the Creation Jade Disc Tablet algorithm was missing and the degree of automation was insufficient. A lot of information needed to be processed by Zheng Fa personally, and he even had to do most of the operations himself.
Introducing new features would require too much of Zheng Fa's energy.
Now that the algorithm is more sophisticated, some ideas can naturally be put on the agenda.
The Old Man Bai said with a hint of envy, "If I had had one of these when I was in school, wouldn't I have become a peerless genius?"
Another day of preaching came to an end, and Team Leader Yang followed the crowd down the mountain.
Professor Wu she had encountered earlier, was walking ahead of her, with several students beside him, whispering among themselves.
That's alright.
What intrigued her was that Professor Wu and the others had an expression on their faces that she found very familiar:
That kind of frustration one feels when encountering a genius with unparalleled intelligence, whose resolve wavers.
Normally, this expression would appear on my own face...
She took two steps forward and listened intently to the conversation between the teachers and students.
"Was the dean really faking it all along?"
Dean? Isn't the Dean Zheng Fa?
Is it fake?
She was even more puzzled and listened carefully.
"I think so. When I listened to the dean's lectures before, I thought he was only at a high school biology level..."
Professor Wu specializes in macromolecules, and his students naturally also research in this area.
"I've noticed this over the past six months: when the dean is lecturing, it seems like he already knows everything I know..."
"Sometimes what he says is exactly what I think!"
After listening to the student's words, Professor Wu nodded slightly, seemingly agreeing, and chimed in:
"I had that feeling too, but I didn't pay attention to it before, thinking it was just a coincidence."
"However, just two days ago, the dean asked me about a research question... and that's when I discovered something even more remarkable: the dean has an extremely deep understanding of all aspects of biology."
"He can handle many cutting-edge research topics with ease."
"He seems to have read even many obscure books, and he remembers them very clearly."
"It's not just me; I've overheard physicists talking, and they all seem to feel the same way."
Team Leader Yang was stunned.
The students were also very puzzled. "Why was the dean acting like that before...?"
Professor Wu was silent for a moment, then said softly, "Either the dean has an exceptionally strong learning ability, or perhaps it's to accommodate our level... and be compatible with lower-level students."
"... Backward compatibility?"
Upon hearing these four words, Professor Wu's students all broke down in their emotions.
The meaning behind his expression was truly difficult to describe in words.
But Team Leader Yang understands very well:
This kind of heartfelt consideration from a top student is more harmful to a struggling student.
She originally thought that Professor Wu and the others would never understand this principle in their lifetime, but unexpectedly, the dean made them realize it in one day!
Professor Wu turned his head and saw Team Leader Yang; his eyes held a hint of broken sadness.
Team Leader Yang understood immediately from that look, and his anger flared instantly.
Are you upset that we've become so stupid together?
Outside the Sermon Hall, it was nearly dusk.
Zheng Fa suddenly stopped explaining the Cultivation Method and looked at everyone.
Those listening to the sermon in the hall looked at each other, puzzled.
"This round of preaching ends today."
Team Leader Yang and the others were surprised, but no one spoke; they simply watched Zheng Fa quietly.
"You are the first group of cultivators in this world."
Zheng Fa slowly looked around at everyone and then said:
I have some unnecessary expectations of you.
Team Leader Yang and the others unconsciously straightened up, listening even more attentively.
"I chose you because you have made your own contributions to the Nursing Home. Now that I have the opportunity to cultivate immortality, I naturally think of you first."
Zheng Fa paused for a moment, then continued:
But it's not just that, it's far more than that.
Team Leader Yang somewhat understood what Zheng Fa meant:
They certainly made contributions, but did they deserve Zheng Fa's painstaking efforts in passing on his knowledge?
She, who has been working tirelessly for the Nursing Home, asked herself honestly, if given the opportunity, others would probably work even harder and contribute even more.
"I chose you also because most of you are smart enough, talented enough, and capable enough."
"By learning this knowledge, you can produce the most results."
"Perhaps it's the study of the essence of Immortal Way, perhaps it's the cultivation of Spirit Plant, perhaps it's the creation of various Cultivation Method."
Zheng Fa glanced at Team Leader Yang again and added, "Even those who can't do research can use their talents to create new martial arts techniques or help Nursing Home operate better."
At this point, Zheng Fa's expression suddenly became slightly stern:
"I chose you because I believe you can create more value for the Nursing Home, and I hope you will make greater contributions to the Immortal Way."
"I'm not asking you to become immortals above mortals."
"This is not to make you stand still, nor is it to make you mind your own business."
I admire wisdom, not because it is superior, but because it is the driving force of world progress.
"This is... the mission I've given you."
At this point, Zheng Fa paused, a hint of anticipation in his eyes.
He hopes the Modern World can become his Dao Field, but many difficulties remain unresolved.
The group of people in front of him were the spark he had chosen.
Do you understand?
Those in the Sermon Hall rose and bowed to Zheng Fa, saying, "Disciple understands!"
"Very good. I only hope that this sermon is just the beginning for you, for Rainbow Mountain, and for the world."
"I also hope that your names will be recorded in the history of the development of the Immortal Way."
Team Leader Yang pursed his lips and, along with the others, loudly proclaimed, "Yes!"
What she didn't know was that the names of all the more than a thousand people here would be firmly etched in history.
Because of this sermon, most history books in later generations have a dedicated chapter on it, the chapter titled:
The Dao Ancestor's First Lecture.
(End of this chapter)