Chapter 489 Zheng Fa's Request, Xiao Qing's Question
Inside the Heavenly Palace Island, Shi Nandang sat in a chair, feeling uneasy, wondering what Zheng Fa wanted from him.
Zheng Fa seemed to be quite busy at the moment, discussing matters with Senior Sister Zhang and Madam Xuanhua, and didn't have time to pay attention to him.
While Shi Nandang listened attentively to Zheng Fa's words:
"Judging from the results, the Flying Sword Factory's transformation went the most smoothly, while the other factories still need improvement."
Madam Xuanhua nodded gently and said, "This is also thanks to Fairy Xie."
Zheng Fa looked at Xie Qingxue, feeling a sense of gratitude in his heart.
The success of the Soaring Firmament Sword stemmed from modern technology, but even more so from Xie Qingxue and others.
The Tianhe Sect has accumulated profound experience in the forging of flying swords. Xie Qingxue, Yan Wushuang, and others brought many techniques to the Nine Mountains Realm, which led to the glorious achievement that left Shi Nandang speechless.
Thinking of Shi Nandang, Zheng Fa couldn't help but glance at him, noticing that he looked rather nervous, and he was also pondering the matter.
He left behind the Shi Nandang, but in reality, he had many purposes:
Firstly, of course, it was for intelligence about Vast Sun Mountain. Shi Nandang's identity was not lowly within Vast Sun Mountain.
Secondly, just as Shi Nandang thought, he valued Vast Sun Mountain's accumulated expertise in weapon crafting.
Perhaps Shi Nandang would underestimate himself after seeing the flying sword production line, but Zheng Fa would not look down on him. Just like Xie Qingxue, Zheng Fa had high hopes for the progress that the Vast Sun Mountain Secret Method in Shi Nandang's hands could bring to the Nine Mountains Sect -refining industry.
Even assuming the same modern concepts are applied differently by a master craftsman and a complete novice, the results can be worlds apart.
Especially now, with the signing of the trade agreement with Supreme Dao, the production capacity of Law Artifact has become increasingly important.
Whether it's the Nine Mountains Realm or the Zheng Fa.
"The first batch of goods has already been sent out." Senior Sister Zhang seemed to have read his mind and handed him a list. "According to the needs of the Nine Mountains Sect disciples, this transaction mainly consists of various pills that can increase cultivation."
" The Supreme Dao's Jade Nectar Pill is most suitable for Golden Core Stage cultivators, while the Grand Mystery Pill is also an excellent aid for Foundation Establishment cultivators."
"There are several other kinds of elixirs, all of which are unique to the Supreme Dao."
As Zheng Fa listened, he looked down at the list that Senior Sister Zhang handed him.
The list was filled with the types and quantities of items involved in the transaction.
Because Spirit Stone in the Xuanwei Realm are becoming increasingly scarce, the Supreme Dao and the Nine Mountains Sect almost always resort to bartering, agreeing on exchange rates based on market prices.
The biggest challenge, of course, is the overall planning and coordination. We don't know how the Supreme Dao does it, but with Senior Sister Zhang and the Nine-Chapter Calculation Formation in the Nine Mountains Realm, it's not a big problem.
"This was all arranged with Immortal Li and the others," Senior Sister Zhang said. "The price is fair, and the biggest advantage is that we couldn't buy many of these pills before, even if we could, we couldn't buy this many."
Indeed, the Supreme Dao's alchemy skills are far superior to Vast Sun Mountain's weapon crafting skills.
In particular, many of their unique elixirs are simply not available from other sects.
Since he started pharmaceutical research, Zheng Fa has realized that alchemy is much more difficult than weapon crafting... It seems that the Nine Mountains Sect's chances of catching up with the Supreme Dao are far from over.
Although the Nine Mountains Sect did not gain much advantage in terms of price in the transaction with the Supreme Dao.
Sometimes, being able to buy them, and even buy them in large quantities, is something the Nine Mountains Sect could never have imagined before.
To be honest, given the current alchemy technology of the Hundred Immortals Alliance, it's really better to buy than to make...
Shi Nandang was shocked and curious upon hearing this.
Many of the pills of the Supreme Dao are not actually sold to outsiders, and are very difficult for the other Four Sects to obtain.
The fact that the Nine Mountains Sect is now buying it is indeed quite different from their past practices.
" The Supreme Dao also intends to help me cultivate the Grotto-Heaven Method..."
Zheng Fa immediately understood. Elixirs like the Jade Nectar Pill and the Grand Mystery Pill were most suitable for cultivators to increase their cultivation level. The fact that the Supreme Dao was willing to sell them meant they were probably very knowledgeable about the Grotto-Heaven Method.
In the practice of the Grotto-Heaven Method, the cultivation level of the cultivators within the Cave Heaven will greatly affect the strength of the Cave Heaven Master.
Take the Nine Mountains Realm as an example. Although there are not many fanatical believers in the Nine Mountains University, the amount of Incense Power offerings they can provide is not small.
In terms of Divine Sense, a Golden Core cultivator can be equivalent to tens of thousands of people, and if one is exceptionally gifted, their spiritual sense is probably ten times stronger.
Therefore, there are three methods for cultivating the Grotto-Heaven Method:
First, they brainwash people relentlessly; second, they increase the population; and third, they train more cultivators with high levels of cultivation.
Zheng Fa Dharma Body is currently too strong, and it is not advisable for him to practice in the short term.
The Celestial River Method is incomplete, and there's nothing we can do now.
The easiest thing to improve is actually the Yang Spirit, which is the Yang Spirit Body.
The cultivation of the Yang Spirit Body, especially the rapid advancement, hinges on the Grotto-Heaven Method, which naturally offers only these three options.
Brainwashing doesn't quite align with Zheng Fa's ideas, and replenishing the population will take some time. The third point, cultivating disciples from the Nine Mountains, is the most feasible option.
Since the Supreme Dao wanted Zheng Fa to fight against Vast Sun Mountain, it would naturally consider the Grotto-Heaven Method. Selling these pills to the Nine Mountains Sect was not without purpose.
After returning the list to Senior Sister Zhang, Zheng Fa said a few more words to the group and then asked Senior Sister Zhang and the others to leave first.
A moment later, only Zheng Fa and Shi Nandang remained in the main hall.
Zheng Fa glanced at Shi Nandang, seemingly trying to figure out how to start the conversation.
Shi Nandang felt restless, his body shifting between tense and relaxed positions in the chair, generally feeling uncomfortable.
" The Venerable Shi."
Zheng Fa's address was relatively polite. After Shi Nandang had ill intentions, he had done good things, and Zheng Fa didn't have any particular complaints about him.
"From my observation, it seems that the Venerable One intends to abandon darkness and embrace the light."
Shi Nandang grinned, seemingly unsure of what to say.
He intentionally sought refuge with Zheng Fa, but only to sell his skills to save his life.
The problem is... with the Nine Mountains Sect's weapon-forging abilities being so outrageous, is their technique still valuable?
Are we going back to Vast Sun Mountain to risk our lives?
Thinking about it this way, he naturally couldn't bring himself to say anything about seeking refuge.
Seeing his hesitation, Zheng Fa seemed to understand his thoughts and shook his head with a smile, "I understand your intentions, Your Excellency."
"Sending you to Vast Sun Mountain to face life and death is indeed putting you in a difficult position."
Shi Nandang was taken aback and looked up at Zheng Fa.
Zheng Fa nodded to him, indicating that he hadn't been sarcastic.
He initially intended to have Shi Nandang gather intelligence for him, especially about Vast Sun Mountain and the Tianhe Sect. However, the problem was that Shi Nandang was only concerned with protecting his own life and would not be willing to do so. If he were forced, he might find an opportunity to sabotage things.
On the other hand, Zheng Fa was not entirely at ease either:
Even though the Heavenly Dipper and Earthly Fiend Transformation are extremely powerful, Zheng Fa couldn't guarantee that Dao Fruit cultivator wouldn't notice the difference.
When Zheng Fa last met Loose Immortal Luo, he still had the Nine Nether Talisman Edict in his Divine Sense.
If Shi Nandang's problem is discovered by Vast Sun Mountain, his death is not a big deal, but exposing the secret of the Nine Mountains Sect would be a much bigger risk.
Now that they have partnered with the Supreme Dao, the Nine Mountains Sect has another source of intelligence, so they no longer need to rely on Shi Nandang alone.
On the contrary, with the deal reached with the Supreme Dao, Zheng Fa's demand for weapon-refining talents has become even stronger. If the weapon-refining techniques of Vast Sun Mountain can be combined with modern concepts, the benefits will be even more obvious.
" The Venerable Shi." Zheng Fa looked at the Shi Nandang surprise and delight, then asked, "Would you be willing to join my Heavenly Crafts Pavilion and guide the industrial transformation of my Nine Mountains Sect?"
"Me?" To everyone's surprise, Shi Nandang felt a pang of self-doubt. "I... what kind of guidance can I offer?"
Zheng Fa laughed, "I've also learned a bit of the weapon-refining Secret Method of Vast Sun Mountain. They're extraordinary and can greatly benefit my Nine Mountains Sect."
Zheng Fa had previously learned many Secret Method from Vast Sun Mountain at the Profound Mystery Sect, and they were all quite useful.
The machine tool industry is still in its early stages. The success of the Flying Sword production line is certainly cause for celebration, but taking it a step further will not be an easy task.
Shi Nandang was still in a daze.
"The Venerable One is unwilling?"
"Yes! Of course I'm willing!"
Shi Nandang stood up, feeling as if he had narrowly escaped death and that the light at the end of the tunnel had appeared. He shouted loudly.
Seeing this, Zheng Fa reached out and pressed down, gesturing for him to sit down, and said, "There's one more thing I need to Venerable Shi."
"Please?" Shi Nandang made up his mind to kneel, became even more respectful and hurriedly said, "What are you saying, Alliance Leader? As long as it's within my power, how could I refuse!"
I want you to go back to Vast Sun Mountain.
"..."
Shi Nandang stared in disbelief, his mouth agape, seemingly wanting to swallow back his boastful words.
Zheng Fa glanced at him and suddenly laughed, "It's clear that the Venerable One still has some loyalty to Vast Sun Mountain."
Shi Nandang's expression grew increasingly bitter. He remained silent, unable to refute the argument. After all, how could he not have any emotions after living on Vast Sun Mountain for tens of thousands of years?
The reason why Zheng Fa didn't want to do anything underhanded wasn't entirely out of fear of danger.
Zheng Fa shook his head and said, "Not returning to the mountain gate, but going to the border of my Hundred Immortals Alliance."
Shi Nandang's expression brightened slightly, but he remained even more puzzled. "Go where? Weren't all the Spirit Vein there destroyed?"
" Venerable Shi, I need to borrow your title of Spirit Transformation from Vast Sun Mountain," Zheng Fa said, shaking his head. "Many cultivators from the Hundred Immortals Alliance are now fleeing to Vast Sun Mountain."
"Especially those Nascent Soul who came from Vast Sun Mountain, they ran incredibly fast."
"They number quite a few, and many of them are highly skilled in cultivation. It will be difficult for my Nine Mountains Sect to stop them."
Upon hearing this, Shi Nandang vaguely understood.
"I want you to go to the border of the Hundred Immortals Alliance..." Zheng Fa said slowly, "To meet them."
"... Provide backup?"
Shi Nandang murmured, repeating himself, his expression growing increasingly strange.
This group of cultivators went through all sorts of hardships to escape the Nine Mountains Sect's pursuit, only to end up in their own arms... It's a bit pitiful to think about.
"Yes, the Hundred Immortals Alliance is not one to come and go as it pleases."
Zheng Fa's expression also showed some anger.
He had wanted to arrest these people before mainly because of a lack of laborers. Now that Law Artifact could be exchanged for elixirs, which would help him cultivate his Yang Spirit Body, he couldn't let a lack of workers ruin his important plans.
However, after a closer investigation, Old Han and his group discovered that many cultivators had wreaked havoc on the Hundred Immortals Alliance before they left:
They probably felt they wouldn't be able to come back, and worried about not being able to establish themselves in other places, so they packed up everything they could and couldn't take with them.
The various Spirit Ore and spirit fields were in a mess, full of pits and bumps.
Even worse, some didn't even spare a penny from ordinary people, destroying entire families and looting extensively before hastily leaving.
Zheng Fa was in dire need of manpower and funds to cultivate the Grotto-Heaven Method when this group of people ran away with the cultivators and resources of the Hundred Immortals Alliance...
He fled the country, taking with him a huge amount of wealth he had amassed!
This is intolerable!
Shi Nandang transformed into a young cultivator, standing on a Divine Firmament Flying Vessel. Looking up, he felt that the sky was high and the sea was vast.
He stayed in the Nine Mountains Realm for some time, partly to change his foundation and undergo the refinement of the Great Sun True Fire, and partly to cultivate the < Heavenly Dipper and Earthly Fiend Transformation >.
On the other hand, it also helps Nine Mountains Sect promote industrial automation transformation.
Until recently, he had mastered the minor Heavenly Dipper and Earthly Fiend Transformation, enough to deceive others, and thus left the Nine Mountains Realm, preparing to lie in wait in the Vast Sun Mountain Realm.
Leaving the Nine Mountains Realm this time, he felt incredibly relaxed, even more so than when he was at Vast Sun Mountain.
After all, when he was cultivating the Scarlet Firmament Jade Register, he knew that he would be unable to control his own destiny at any time. Now, Shi Nandang understood that as long as he had Zheng Fa's Great Sun True Fire, he didn't need to worry too much.
It truly feels like the exhilarating feeling of being freed from a cage.
He even felt a little regretful—if he had known it would be this enjoyable, he would have surrendered much earlier!
" True Person Shi?"
A girl's voice rang in his ears. Shi Nandang looked up and saw that it was Xiao Qing, a female disciple of the Nine Mountains Sect who had been traveling with him.
He came out with a group of the Nine Mountains disciples, partly as a bodyguard.
Is something the matter?
He was in a good mood at the moment, and moreover, he had heard that Xiao Qing and Zheng Fa seemed to have a special relationship, so he didn't put on any airs of Spirit Transformation.
Xiao Qing is around thirty years old, but she still looks like a slender young girl with an innocent expression. She is only a little more generous than before, and her cultivation level is at the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage stage.
" True Person Shi." Xiao Qing was the leader of the group of the Nine Mountains disciples and one of the few who knew Shi Nandang's identity, so she was quite respectful. "I heard that you come from outside the Hundred Immortals Alliance?"
"Um."
Shi Nandang frowned, wondering why she was asking this, and feeling that the woman seemed to be implying his identity as a traitor, he couldn't help but feel angry.
Xiao Qing seemed to have noticed something as well, and quickly explained, "I... I've never left the Nine Mountains Realm, I'm just a little curious."
Seeing her anxious expression and sincere eyes, Shi Nandang realized he had probably wronged her. He suppressed his anger and asked, "You've never left the Nine Mountains Realm?"
"No." Xiao Qing stood at the bow of the boat, looking around. "This is the first time I've seen the sky of the Xuanwei Realm."
"Wasn't there a mission before that allowed us to leave the Nine Mountains Realm?"
During his time in the Nine Mountains Realm Nine Mountains Realm, Shi Nandang learned quite a bit about its rules.
"Yes, I did apply, but I didn't."
Why?
"You may have heard of True Person, Master Thunder God, no, the Sect Leader's temple keeper..."
Shi Nandang had vaguely heard about this matter, which is why he was more polite to Xiao Qing, who was only at the Foundation Establishment Realm.
"Later, the master toppled the statue, and I wanted to learn how to build flying boats from him, so I joined the Nine Mountains Sect."
Xiao Qing's smile held a hint of bitterness.
"But I'm not smart, my grades aren't good, and my teachers say I started learning math and such too late. Some of my ideas are hard to change... It's very difficult to become a disciple of the master."
"I thought that if I worked harder, I might be able to catch up, so I rarely did missions that left the Nine Mountains Realm."
"But... I really can't learn it."
Shi Nandang understood, and he also knew that the Nine Mountains Sect now placed particular emphasis on mathematics.
He's even cramming on things now... otherwise, he wouldn't really understand machine tools or industrial transformation.
Upon hearing this, he felt a sense of shared misfortune.
So you gave up?
Xiao Qing nodded with a pout, seemingly a little dejected, and then said, "I came out this time to explain the various policies of my Nine Mountains Sect to the people of the Hundred Immortals Alliance."
" The Sect Leader said that we former temple keepers are the most suitable for this job."
"I've signed up."
Shi Nandang thought about it and realized it was true; this Sect Leader Zheng could find something useful in anyone...
Seeing Xiao Qing's dejected expression, he felt a pang of pity. "You don't need to look like this."
"Um?"
Shi Nandang thought for a moment and explained to her, "From what I understand, Sect Leader Zheng has actually left two paths for you disciples."
"Two paths?"
"One path, naturally, is as you previously thought: to be exceptionally gifted, excelling in mathematics or other subjects, and then apprenticing under various mentors."
Xiao Qing lowered her head and murmured, "But I'm too stupid."
"The other one is actually Merit." Shi Nandang observed for so long, especially comparing the systems of Vast Sun Mountain and Nine Mountains Sect, that he had figured out a bit of the trick. "I think Merit is what Sect Leader Zheng gives to some disciples whose talents don't lie in academics."
Xiao Qing was taken aback, seemingly not expecting this.
Shi Nandang concluded, "To rise in the Nine Mountains Sect, one needs either wisdom or perseverance; either one is sufficient."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Qing nodded repeatedly, her dejection vanishing completely, and said, "Thank you for your guidance, True Person Shi!"
Shi Nandang chuckled lightly. This Xiao Qing hadn't left the Nine Mountains Realm, so she didn't really understand the special nature of this system.
On the contrary, it was he, an outsider, who had more insight.
Zheng Fa... has left far more options for the disciples of the Nine Mountains than other sects, even implying that as long as you have a skill, you can establish yourself in the Nine Mountains Sect.
" True Person Shi." Seemingly finding him agreeable, Xiao Qing became even more lively. "I heard you are a Nascent Spirit Transformation?"
Shi Nandang nodded.
"Then your talent and aptitude must far surpass those of others!" Xiao Qing said enviously.
Shi Nandang chuckled softly and shook his head slightly, "Talent is present, but reaching the Spirit Transformation isn't solely based on talent."
"Ah?"
Shi Nandang glanced at her and smiled, "Character is far more important than talent."
Xiao Qing looked puzzled upon hearing this, but her eyes were fixed on Shi Nandang with a serious expression of listening intently.
Seeing this, Shi Nandang seemed somewhat inclined to act as a teacher:
"I have been practicing Daoism for over 30,000 years."
Thirty thousand?
Xiao Qing exclaimed softly.
"Do you know that I also come from a humble background? It was only because I have Single-Spirit Root and some talent for weapon crafting that I was fortunate enough to enter... my sect." He thought for a moment, then swallowed the words "Vast Sun Mountain ".
Xiao Qing listened attentively, unaware of his inner turmoil.
"When I first joined, I also suffered a lot," Shi Nandang said, lost in memories. "In this sect, the Three Clans are revered. As an outsider with no background, I naturally couldn't compete with others in anything."
"Huh? Venerable Shi, aren't you supposed to have excellent aptitude?"
Shi Nandang shook his head, feeling that Xiao Qing was naive.
"Later, I began to befriend the Lu Clan members, attach myself to them, and do my best to serve them and earn Spirit Stone for them, hoping to find a powerful backer."
On the other hand, he devoted himself to cultivation and studying the art of weapon crafting.
"This went on for hundreds of years until I reached the Golden Core Stage, when my master finally took notice of me and accepted me into his sect. Only then did my cultivation become smoother."
Shi Nandang sounded quite proud, and Xiao Qing patted her chest after hearing this, looking relieved for him.
Seeing Xiao Qing's reaction, Shi Nandang smiled, his gaze softening slightly, and continued, "Because my master is a direct descendant of the Lu Clan, my status naturally becomes different. I also possess some minor talent, which has earned me the Lu Clan's favor."
"If it weren't for..." Shi Nandang paused, "I'm afraid I would have become the direct descendant of the Three Clans."
There was an undeniable hint of regret in his voice.
Xiao Qing looked up and down, seemingly understanding, but her expression remained somewhat puzzled.
"How?"
"You're True Person amazing, Master. You're so talented and hardworking," Xiao Qing said slowly, her brows furrowing with worry. "But... what gives the Lu Clan the right?"
Shi Nandang was taken aback.
" True Person as you said, whether you rely on talent or hard work, you will definitely be able to cultivate smoothly in the Nine Mountains Realm True Person," Xiao Qing said bluntly. "But why do we have to rely on that Lu Clan?"
"You're going to work for them?"
"... What gives them the right?"
Shi Nandang momentarily stunned. Why? Of course, he had many reasons:
For example, Ping Vast Sun First Ancestor was surnamed Lu.
For example, this has been the rule of Vast Sun Mountain for several eras.
But when he looked at Xiao Qing's face, he suddenly felt that he saw himself when he was just starting out in that face.
During that time, he seemed to suffer from sleepless nights, tossing and turning repeatedly, asking himself this question: Why?
But later... he never asked again.
Xiao Qing suddenly lowered her voice and looked at the other disciples. "I finally understand why the Sect Leader suppresses the Lineage."
The Shi Nandang becomes.
He thought Xiao Qing was naive and couldn't see the Nine Mountains Sect clearly because she was caught up in the situation. But he didn't expect that he was also caught up in the situation, and that he had always seen it clearly but just didn't want to.
He has become accustomed to some things, almost as if they are part of him, and even proud of them.
But Zheng Fa, or rather the Nine Mountains Sect, kept asking...
On what grounds?
(End of this chapter)