Zheng Fa put down the documents in his hand, thought for a while, and then slowly nodded. "That would be feasible."
He looked at Professor Tian sitting beside him. "Then the matter of going to the various Spirit Vein to establish medicinal fields will be entrusted to you, Teacher."
"We've been prepared for a while now, and we've produced quite a few of the little gadgets that Lingwu and the others designed," Professor Tian replied, then added, "However... we're still short-handed."
We are indeed short-staffed.
The Nursing Home has fewer than 1,200 people in total, most of whom are top scholars in China or even the world. To suggest that they go out and farm... would be a real waste of their talents.
Frankly speaking, Federation and such are not important to Zheng Fa, but the model of Nursing Home needs to be changed.
"Team Leader Yang," he said to Team Leader Yang, "I intend to split up and expand the Nursing Home."
"Dean, please speak."
"First is the agriculture group, and even the pharmacy group," Zheng Fa said, organizing his thoughts. "Cultivating spirit medicine is now the Nursing Home's top priority, so the agriculture group must expand its recruitment."
Team Leader Yang immediately understood. "The postgraduate entrance exam?"
"Yes, the Nursing Home can start preparing for its first round of graduate student admissions."
Upon hearing this, Team Leader Yang pondered for a moment, then cautiously asked, "Only targeting the domestic market?"
Zheng Fa glanced at her and saw through her little scheme. Team Leader Yang was clearly not an internationalist when it came to cultivating immortality; he just wanted to get some benefits for the country whenever he saw an opportunity.
It's nothing.
"Let's try it out domestically first."
Since it was his first postgraduate entrance exam, Zheng Fa felt it was best to observe the results first. The main concern was how to select suitable personnel for the Nursing Home, which would likely require further exploration—after all, cultivating immortality and academia are somewhat different.
Team Leader Yang stood up, looking relieved. "This way, I can at least give the others an explanation."
It's clear that she really bore a lot of pressure regarding the Federation.
Old Man Bai, however, was very concerned about another matter. "Splitting it up? Does that mean the agricultural group won't be able to go to other places? What about Xiao Tian?"
Upon hearing this, Professor Tian was greatly embarrassed and quickly reached out to pat the Old Man Bai gently, but she couldn't hide the smile on her lips.
Zheng Fa glanced at the elderly couple, knowing the old man was worried about living apart, and explained:
"Many spirit medicine herbs require different environments to grow. For example, the Spirit Orchid that thrives in Rainbow Mountain may not grow in other places."
"I'm thinking of splitting up some research departments, turning the agricultural group into Agricultural Institute, and establishing project teams wherever spirit medicine grow."
Professor Tian's smile faded, and he solemnly agreed, "That's certainly how it should be. Back then, didn't I work in another city for twenty years?"
We weren't married back then.
"Grandpa Bai, I'll take you there from now on!" Tang Lingwu quickly urged, "I can fly fast."
" Professor Tian doesn't necessarily have to go to another place," Zheng Fa suddenly said.
Old Man Bai's expression froze for a moment. He looked at Zheng Fa Zheng Fa, who then said, "I wanted to establish branches in various places according to local conditions, but Rainbow Mountain will remain the headquarters of the research institute."
Zheng Fa's idea was very simple.
Branch schools were established in various Spirit Vein.
The mountain's Spirit Vein offer opportunities to cultivate spirit medicine.
If you believe in the Spirit Vein of water, try aquaculture.
If spiritual materials are found, they are smelted and studied locally.
But Rainbow Mountain the place he had run the longest, so naturally he couldn't give it up.
Team Leader Yang clapped his hands and laughed, "I've thought about that too. After Rainbow Mountain, it would be best to just make it the Federation Research Institute."
" Rainbow Mountain will become the research headquarters, education center, and commercial center," Zheng Fa and the others explained. "Since we need to recruit people, Rainbow Mountain only has so much land; it will definitely not be enough in the future, so splitting it up is inevitable."
Upon hearing this, everyone agreed that it made sense.
"Then... Xiao Tian?"
"As the leader of the Agricultural Institute, Professor Tian may be a bit busy lately, but he will likely spend most of his time in Rainbow Mountain, coordinating various matters related to the Agricultural Institute."
This was something Zheng Fa had planned long ago; the identities of Professor Tian and the others would likely lean towards management roles in the future.
Old Man Bai nodded, seemingly convinced.
Zheng Fa then laughed and said, "Besides, Teacher Bai, if you were also Golden Core, wouldn't it be convenient for you to make this trip back and forth?"
The Old Man Bai's face darkened as he looked at Zheng Fa and muttered under his breath, "Is it because I don't want to be Golden Core?"
"So, wasn't Professor Tian's trip to cultivate spirit medicine in another place also because of you?"
Upon hearing this, Old Man Bai's eyes showed a mixture of anticipation and trepidation:
Today, Zheng Fa can almost be said to have activated the Spirit Vein of the entire world.
If we cannot cultivate any more spiritual spirit medicine that can Spirit Root Modification, it means that the Modern World no longer has the environment for such transformation.
Zheng Fa is preparing to recruit people in the modern world, and in the Nine Mountains Realm, someone is also "recruiting" for him.
In the secluded courtyard where Shi Nandang resided, Profound Mystery Sect Leader arrived uninvited. The two sat in the study, holding cups of tea, and remained silent for a long time.
After a long silence, Profound Mystery Sect Leader Chongxuan said softly, " High Immortal, this spiritual tea is truly one of the finest in the Nine Mountains. The Alliance Leader has really treated us well."
Shi Nandang lowered his eyes to look at the tea leaves floating in the cup, without refuting anything. After a long while, he finally spoke calmly:
"You call yourself the leader of the alliance, that sounds quite fitting. Do you think I, a prisoner, am High Immortal?"
" High Immortal, you are Spirit Transformation," Profound Mystery Sect Leader Chongxuan hurriedly said. "Moreover, I don't believe you can't see High Immortal the Alliance Leader's intentions."
Of course you can tell.
Zheng Fa left him here, partly because he didn't want him to come into contact with Vast Sun Mountain and expose the secrets of the Nine Mountains Realm.
On the other hand, they probably also had the idea of subduing me and making me work for them.
The Profound Mystery Sect members were all well aware of this.
" High Immortal," the Profound Mystery Sect Leader advised, "I see that the Alliance Leader is eager to recruit Qi Refinement Realm individuals. He is willing to employ even our Profound Mystery Sect Refining disciples, let alone you, High Immortal..."
Shi Nandang suddenly looked up and interrupted him, "I am a Nascent Spirit Transformation from Vast Sun Mountain, just one step away from becoming a direct descendant of the Lu Clan. Wouldn't that be more useful?"
The Profound Mystery Sect Leader nodded and said, "That's right. I'm afraid in Alliance Leader Zheng's heart, ten Profound Mystery Sect combined are not as good as you High Immortal."
Upon hearing this, Shi Nandang felt a surge of pride; he didn't believe that Profound Mystery Sect Leader was flattering him.
Putting aside the issue of cultivation level, he now knows that although the Nine Mountains Sect Spirit Transformation, it's not lacking either.
But he has more than just cultivation level. Vast Sun Mountain is the number one sect in Xuanwei weapon refining, and it has countless secrets about various Law Artifact.
Just like what the Profound Mystery Sect Leader in front of me said, in terms of accumulated experience in weapon crafting, even ten Profound Mystery Sect combined probably couldn't match him.
A thought struck him, and he suddenly asked, "Did Zheng Fa send you to say that?"
The Profound Mystery Sect Leader opened his mouth, looking embarrassed.
You're overthinking it.
Shi Nandang blushed slightly and scoffed, "I had no idea you were so fond of the Nine Mountains."
The Profound Mystery Sect Leader sighed and said sincerely, " High Immortal, I truly feel sorry for you. We are both prisoners; if we don't band together and look after each other, how can we survive?"
" High Immortal, forgive my bluntness, but the speed of cultivation of the disciples of the Nine Mountains Sect far exceeds our expectations. Currently, your Spirit Transformation cultivation level is still among the top in the Nine Mountains Realm, but what about in the future..."
Upon Shi Nandang pursed his lips, unsure of what to say.
Seeing his silence, Profound Mystery Sect Leader seemed anxious. "Last time I High Immortal, clearly..."
Shi Nandang's face darkened slightly. He glanced at him and slowly shook his head, saying, "As a disciple of Vast Sun Mountain, I am different from you."
How are they different?
"I cultivate the fundamental Dharma of Vast Sun Mountain, the < Scarlet Firmament Jade Register >..."
Profound Mystery Sect Leader Chongxuan was taken aback, not expecting Shi Nandang to be worried about this. " High Immortal, didn't the Alliance Leader of that time also cultivate the < Scarlet Firmament Jade Register >?"
"..."
Shi Nandang's expression changed, and then he heard Profound Mystery Sect Leader say, "I've heard Madam Xuanhua mention that the Alliance Leader has the ability to alter people's foundations."
Upon hearing this, Shi Nandang widened his eyes and looked at Profound Mystery Sect Leader.
Profound Mystery Sect Leader nodded deeply and quickly advised, " High Immortal, think about it. Now that the Alliance Leader has killed Loose Immortal Luo, even Vast Sun Mountain dares not retaliate."
"The Supreme Dao even took the initiative to come and form an alliance."
"If you wish to leave the Nine Mountains Realm in the future... it will likely be a long and uncertain future."
Shi Nandang's expression became increasingly moved.
"And the Alliance Leader clearly still needs your help; in the future, we might very well achieve something in the Nine Mountains Realm."
It's clear that Profound Mystery Sect Leader desperately wants to persuade Shi Nandang.
Shi Nandang knew that the Profound Mystery Sect Leader had come to persuade him and then try to gain merit.
On the other hand, just as he himself said... the two of them had a special relationship after all, and they could help each other in the Nine Mountains Sect in the future.
His expression hesitated before he finally voiced his deepest fears. "What you say makes some sense, but Zheng Fa's use of me isn't solely for the Artifact Refining Method; it's probably for my status at Vast Sun Mountain..."
The Profound Mystery Sect Leader paused for a moment, as if he understood, then exclaimed in realization, "The secret chamber?"
Shi Nandang nodded silently.
Now, even Profound Mystery Sect Leader felt this was somewhat tricky. "This matter is indeed dangerous..."
Shi Nandang's expression also showed some bitterness.
He hesitated that day about whether to join Zheng Fa, but after going back and thinking it over, he finally understood.
Zheng Fa used this trick to obtain the Immortal-Trapping Sword. If he were to do it again, what could he take from Vast Sun Mountain... Shi Nandang didn't even dare to think about it.
Now that Vast Sun Mountain and Nine Mountains Sect are at odds, even Zheng Fa would have this thought.
In retrospect, if they don't surrender, they'll never escape the Nine Mountains Realm.
But what if Zheng Fa orders him back to Vast Sun Mountain as a secret agent...? That would be an extremely dangerous situation, how could Shi Nandang not hesitate?
It would be better to stay in the Nine Mountains Realm and eke out a living, waiting for Zheng Fa to decide when to kill him.
The Profound Mystery Sect Leader knew that this matter was truly difficult to decide, so he had no choice but to stand up and say, " High Immortal, there is something I must say."
"Um?"
" High Immortal, you consider yourself a member of the Lu Clan..." Profound Mystery Sect Leader Chongxuan paused, his tone quite meaningful, "But your surname is Shi."
Before he could answer, Profound Mystery Sect Leader Chongxuan bowed and took his leave, leaving Shi Nandang sitting in his chair, speechless for a long time.
Two days later, Profound Mystery Sect Leader arrived in a hurry again.
" High Immortal, the Alliance Leader says he wants to upgrade and renovate all the factories in the Nine Mountains Realm," he said urgently to Shi Nandang. " The Heavenly Crafts Pavilion has been working on the technical breakthroughs these past few days."
"They say that if you make a breakthrough, you'll receive Merit, and even disciples of my Profound Mystery Sect can participate."
"They can even be promoted after making meritorious contributions."
Shi Nandang found it somewhat interesting.
He was born in Vast Sun Mountain, and his skill in weapon crafting was actually higher than that of the Nascent Soul in the Hundred Immortals Alliance. Otherwise, he would not have been sent by Vast Sun Mountain to take charge of the Heaven-Earth Divine Baleful Array.
"Technological breakthroughs?"
"Oh, it's just that we're asking everyone to work together to improve a weapon-refining technique, each contributing their strengths," Profound Mystery Sect Leader High Immortal, adding, "I see that the Alliance Leader is a person who appreciates talent. If you, Immortal, make a great contribution, the Alliance Leader might cherish your abilities... Think about it, those two Nascent Spirit Transformation from the Great Freedom Demon Cult are doing quite well in the Nine Mountains Realm now."
Shi Nandang stood up, his expression showing a hint of excitement.
yes!
If he were to become a master Nine Mountains Realm, Zheng Fa might not be willing to let him return to Vast Sun Mountain to risk his life.
If one could sell their skills, who would be willing to risk their life?
Shi Nandang paced back and forth in the room, becoming more and more excited as he thought about it.
"Why don't you go find the Alliance Leader, High Immortal..."
"No..." Shi Nandang suddenly stopped, a smug smile playing on his lips. "Wait a minute."
"Wait?"
"The art of weapon crafting is profound and complex," Shi Nandang said softly. "It would be better to let the Nine Mountains Sect explore it on their own, preferably encountering some difficulties. Then I can go and find Zheng Fa. This way, my value will be more evident!"
Shi Nandang waited for two months, but the Profound Mystery Sect Leader never came again.
He inquired among the Profound Mystery disciples in the courtyard and learned that the Profound Mystery Heavenly Crafts Pavilion was too busy with affairs to attend to everyone, so naturally they had no time to look for him.
Shi Nandang guessed that the technical renovation of the Heavenly Crafts Pavilion was not going smoothly, so he waited for another two months before tidying up his clothes and heading straight to Zheng Fa's residence.
Zheng Fa was talking to Senior Sister Zhang in the courtyard. When he arrived, she looked at him curiously.
" Alliance Leader Zheng, I've heard that the Heavenly Crafts Pavilion is currently in need of weapon-refining cultivators." Shi Nandang cupped his hands in greeting. "I've been studying weapon-refining on Vast Sun Mountain for tens of thousands of years, and I believe I have some insights. I'm willing to lend you a hand, Alliance Leader."
He emphasized the words "Vast Sun Mountain " slightly.
Zheng Fa stared at him for a long time, then exchanged a glance with Senior Sister Zhang, before standing up and saying to Shi Nandang, "I've long heard of the unparalleled skill in weapon forging at Vast Sun Mountain. It would be wonderful if you were willing to help."
Shi Nandang Zheng Fa really valued the Artifact Refining Method of Vast Sun Mountain.
There is also considerable anticipation for the technology wielded by someone who has reached the Spirit Transformation stage.
Zheng Fa seemed to have thought of something.
"Perfect timing! Madam Xuanhua just sent word that the Flying Sword Factory has recently been renovated. Shall I take you to have a look?"
It is not impossible to overcome the Shi Nandang.
Zheng Fa and Senior Sister Zhang led the way, while Shi Nandang followed half a step behind, and together they walked towards Industrial Development Island.
Along the way, Zheng Fa continued to explain, "This Flying Sword Factory is now dedicated to manufacturing the first generation of standardized flying swords from the Nine Mountains — the Soaring Firmament Sword."
"Standard flying sword?" This Shi Nandang sounded unfamiliar to Shi Nandang, who couldn't help but ask, "What does this mean?"
Zheng Fa explained, "It's mainly because the Nine Mountains Sect's weapon-refining methods are somewhat unique, making them more suitable for producing standardized flying swords."
Shi Nandang listened, he only gained a superficial understanding, and his confidence gradually diminished.
"The Soaring Firmament Sword excels at flight. Foundation Establishment Early Stage cultivators can use it with the speed of Foundation Establishment Late Stage cultivators. In a life-or-death situation, its speed can even rival that of a slightly weaker Golden Core for a short period of time."
Shi Nandang shocked to hear this; this speed of flight was already top-tier for a flying magic Law Artifact.
Zheng Fa then said, "In terms of attack power, it's a bit lacking; it can probably only allow Foundation Establishment Early Stage cultivator to exert the strength of Foundation Establishment Middle Stage cultivator."
"This is quite impressive..." Shi Nandang felt uneasy, thinking to himself that the Soaring Firmament Sword sounded like it was at least a high-grade magic Law Artifact.
Those Golden Core disciples from Vast Sun Mountain who come to refine Law Artifact and flying swords are probably only at this level.
But then he thought about it and comforted himself:
Xie Qingxue is, after all, in the Nine Mountains Realm.
As everyone knows, the Tianhe Sect's flying sword forging technique is slightly better than Vast Sun Mountain's.
The Soaring Firmament Sword is so outstanding; it must have obtained Secret Method from the Tianhe Sect...
Shi Nandang death, he would never believe that the Tianhe Sect possessed such Secret Method!
Inside the Flying Sword Factory, there is a row of machine tools.
Next to the machine tool, there is a control panel at regular intervals.
There was a monk next to each control panel.
The Profound Mystery Sect Leader was among them, and when he saw Shi Nandang, he was somewhat surprised.
Shi Nandang's gaze was fixed on the machine tool, puzzled.
" Sect Leader."
Madam Xuanhua was also in the factory. Upon seeing Zheng Fa arrive, she said, " The Soaring Firmament Sword Production Line has been debugged."
Shi Nandang glanced at Madam Xuanhua and knew that she was the head of the Heavenly Crafts Pavilion and the weapon-refining master that Zheng Fa relied on most.
However, in his view, this Madam Xuanhua was nothing more than a self-taught Nascent Soul, probably not even comparable to the Profound Mystery Sect, let alone himself.
Shi Nandang turned to look at the machine tools again, becoming even more focused, thinking that this was the time for him to show off his skills.
Even if it embarrasses Madam Xuanhua, he will still find fault with her to show off his weapon-refining skills.
Madam Xuanhua Zheng Fa Fachao nodded.
Madam Xuanhua understood and waved to the cultivators on the production line.
A Golden Core disciple pressed down on a can-shaped container, from which blue spiritual fire suddenly spewed out.
Then the disciple pressed another spot, and several kinds of Spirit Ore floated up and slowly fell into the iron can.
Shi Nandang frowned, his face filled with confusion.
He could vaguely sense that with each press of the disciple's finger, there were fluctuations of Spiritual Qi in the void, as if someone was casting a spell.
What he didn't understand was... why this Method Formula seemed to be spontaneously generated by this rather strange iron can?
Shi Nandang momentarily forgot his intention to show off his skills.
He stared intently at the production line, watching the ore turn into scalding liquid in the iron cans and flow to the next cultivator.
Another cultivator pressed down on the platform, and inexplicably another Method Formula was generated.
In less than two hours, the molten iron solidified into a sword blank. After further hammering, quenching, and other processes, a brand-new Law Artifact flying sword appeared at the end of the production line.
Madam Xuanhua stretched out her hand, took the Soaring Firmament Sword into her palm, and handed it to Zheng Fa, saying, " Sect Leader."
Zheng Fa carefully examined the Soaring Firmament Sword and asked, "How many cultivators does this production line need? What are their cultivation levels?"
"This is a trial run, so I've brought in some cultivators with higher cultivation levels to avoid any unexpected situations," Madam Xuanhua explained. "If it's for the official production, then we'll only need three Foundation Establishment disciples leading fourteen Qi Refinement Realm disciples."
Upon hearing this, Shi Nandang's gaze suddenly fell upon the Soaring Firmament Sword, then shifted to the production line, and he finally understood—these were all Law Artifact!
Is this how you forge weapons?
His mind was in turmoil, and then Zheng Fa asked again:
What about production volume?
"The previous calculations were roughly accurate," Madam Xuanhua said. "If we have enough spiritual materials and the production line keeps running, we can produce about fifteen Soaring Firmament Sword a day."
Shi Nandang felt his mind was in complete chaos.
He wasn't just boasting; he was quite skilled in weapon crafting, and even in Vast Sun Mountain, his technique was considered superb.
Only in this way could he better understand what Madam Xuanhua's words meant:
Three Foundation Establishment disciples and a dozen or so Qi Refinement Realm disciples can create fifteen top-tier Law Artifact flying swords in a single day...
If this were on Vast Sun Mountain, Golden Core disciple might be able to master one or two flying swords of the same level in a day.
Foundation Establishment disciple probably couldn't produce even one in a month.
Anyway, he didn't have this ability when he Foundation Establishment...
" The Venerable Shi? The Venerable Shi?"
Shi Nandang as if his heart was in turmoil, and in a daze, he heard someone calling his name.
Coming to his senses, he saw Zheng Fa looking at him with a questioning expression. "What advice do you have for me?"
Shi Nandang gave Zheng Fa a deep look, then turned to look at Madam Xuanhua.
To save his own life, he racked his brains desperately, but he had to admit that if he studied on Vast Sun Mountain for tens of thousands more years, mastering all the Secret Method of Vast Sun Mountain and becoming the number one weapon refiner on Vast Sun Mountain...
There's nothing I can do to offer advice right now.
(End of this chapter)