Cultivation: I Have Studied Abroad in the Modern World
Chapter 243 - 136: The Plan

Chapter 243: Chapter 136: The Plan

Zheng Fa knew that Sister Zhang usually wore a cold expression when she was outside, but he had not seen her cold face for a long time.

Seeing Sister Zhang’s cold demeanor today — it was quite refreshing.

"What’s the matter?"

Such succinct speech suggested she was indeed feeling some emotions.

Zheng Fa was puzzled. Had he offended Sister Zhang recently?

Seeing him bewildered, Sister Zhang lowered her eyes and hesitated, but her tone softened: "I just saw you looking quite happy, is it something good?"

"Good news!"

Zheng Fa nodded vigorously and said to Sister Zhang: "Sister, I have gained anew in the Heavenly Stele Realm!"

He took out the newly acquired bronze seal and held it in his hand.

"This is..."

"This is transformed from the Sealing God Book. According to my estimate, I am the first cultivator to obtain the bronze seal!"

Hearing this, Sister Zhang also revealed a smile: "You have worked hard, brother. The Heavenly Stele Realm is now the best retreat for our Jiushan Sect..."

Zheng Fa nodded: "Sister, this bronze seal has another function!"

"Oh?"

"It can bring people into the Heavenly Stele Realm!" Zheng Fa said with a smile, "As long as the Essence Blood Soul is merged into it, I can take you through the Thunder Pool and into the Heavenly Stele Realm!"

Previously, although Sister Zhang’s cultivation was extraordinary,

it was very difficult for her to enter the Heavenly Stele Realm — she had not cultivated the Thunder Skill, and the powerful lightning near the Heavenly Stele was enough to stop her.

But now it was different. With this bronze seal, Sister Zhang could follow within the seal when Zheng Fa entered the Heavenly Stele Realm.

Sister Zhang was stunned for a moment before she seemed to understand what Zheng Fa meant:

"You were so happy just now because of this?"

"Yes!" Zheng Fa nodded, "Sister Zhang, you’ve always been protecting me in the past."

"Now I can protect you!"

Sister Zhang opened her mouth, looking at Zheng Fa, her eyes gradually softened again, and the corners of her mouth secretly turned up.

"Sister, there are two spots in this bronze seal, and I want Sister Yuan to enter it as well."

Zheng Fa had considered this as well. The person he was closest to in the Jiushan Sect was definitely Sister Zhang.

Next were Sister Yuan, Master, and Master Pang in that order.

Although Sister Yuan was a bit foolish and always harbored ill-intentions towards him, Zheng Fa had not forgotten how she stood in front of him during her battle with the Copper Coffin Elder.

The second divine position, Zheng Fa’s first thought was of Sister Yuan.

"She doesn’t deserve it!"

Unexpectedly, Sister Zhang snorted.

Huh?

Weren’t the two Sisters on good terms?

Who’s been sowing discord!

Thinking of Sister Zhang’s earlier sour expression, Zheng Fa realized that it was Sister Yuan who had offended Sister Zhang.

Unexpectedly, after saying that, Sister Zhang looked at Zheng Fa and furrowed her brows slightly, seeming hesitant about something.

"Sister?"

After looking at the bronze seal for a long time, Sister Zhang finally spoke again:

"Never mind, since you like her, bring her along then."

Seeing Sister Zhang’s face, Zheng Fa couldn’t help wanting to scratch his head — what did she mean by ’I like her’?

Today’s Sister Zhang was being really odd, and difficult to understand.

...

Xiao Yuying slowly made her way into the Jiushan Sect disciples’ residence.

While walking, she observed the layout of the residence — most disciple quarters were close to the Thunder Pool, seemingly relying on it for defense.

However, the disciples’ faces did not show any signs of nervousness, probably unaware of the impending Demon Race’s attack on the Jiushan Sect.

She followed a guiding disciple to Zheng Fa’s courtyard, glanced around, and understood: Zheng Fa was indeed highly valued within the Jiushan Sect.

The courtyard on the left side of his had the aura of a Nascent Soul, most likely for protective purposes to have Zheng Fa live here.

That was to be expected.

But a bit further on the left, another courtyard also had a Nascent Soul, giving off a sense of guardianship!

She knew that there were only two Nascent Souls in the Jiushan Sect at the Thunder Pool.

And they were both guarding Zheng Fa’s side?

Zheng Fa hurried out, apologizing: "I was just cultivating and didn’t greet you properly!"

Xiao Yuying nodded, but before she could speak, Zhang Wuyi came out from the courtyard on the left.

Zhang Wuyi stared at her, with a mix of emotions in her eyes that was not exactly friendly.

Xiao Yuying slightly furrowed her brows and said nothing, just nodded at Zhang Wuyi and followed Zheng Fa into the courtyard.

Her mind, however, dwelled on Zhang Wuyi’s look, filled with confusion.

After a while, she figured it out — that look was one of jealousy?

She glanced at Zheng Fa’s back, shaking her head with a smile.

Unexpectedly, someone like Zhang Wuyi could be blinded by the matters of the heart...

She admired Zheng Fa’s mastery over the Thunder Dao.

She also saw great potential in him.

But more so, she wanted to cooperate with Zheng Fa.

As for romantic feelings... it seemed Zhang Wuyi was thinking too much.

With that thought, she felt a little exasperation — how arrogant Zhang Wuyi used to be, yet now she’s troubled over a man, and has lost her sense of proportion.

Her horizons had narrowed a great deal.

She even underestimated herself.

There are countless male cultivators in the world, why would she, Xiao Yuying, bother to compete and be jealous over this?

Zheng Fa turned back, as if he saw the contemplation in her eyes, and asked: "Fairy Xiao?"

Xiao Yuying shook her head, dismissing those thoughts and said: "I helped you catch that demon, is your promise still valid?"

"Of course!" Zheng Fa nodded, "The exploration of the Secret Realm is at your command, Fairy."

Previously, Zheng Fa and Xiao Yuying had made an agreement.

Xiao Yuying helped them set up the scene.

Zheng Fa assisted Xiao Yuying in exploring the secret realm that seemed to be related to Tianhe Venerable.

Xiao Yuying smiled and said, "Since that’s the case, we’ll depart tomorrow."

"This..." Zheng Fa was startled. "So soon?"

"There’s no hurry; I have been waiting for a long time."

Xiao Yuying added, "Besides, Taiyang County is crowded with people now. Delaying it any further might cause unnecessary complications."

"Fairy Xiao, you..."

"I’m not worried about these troubles, but having you with me means I have to be extra careful. If you don’t return, then..."

She glanced at Zhang Wuyi’s courtyard and said, "I’m afraid someone will fight me to the death."

"..."

At her words, Zheng Fa’s face showed a bit of gratitude, and he clasped his hands towards Xiao Yuying, "May I know what exactly is the situation with the secret realm?"

Xiao Yuying pondered for a moment, then a ray of light flew out from her hand. It was a light cyan-colored scarf.

The scarf caught the wind and grew larger and larger, eventually covering the sky above and casting a shadow over Zheng Fa’s courtyard.

"What is this?" asked Zheng Fa.

"It’s a small magical treasure that can shield us from the divine sense and prying eyes of others," said Xiao Yuying nonchalantly. "Let me tell you about the secret realm."

"Yes..."

Upon hearing this, Zheng Fa glanced at the scarf and pulled out a small booklet.

That booklet was tightly packed with many characters. Xiao Yuying, seeing this, couldn’t help but grow curious.

"The secret realm is not near Thunder Pool, but on the edge of this spirit cave. If we head east from here, it’s more than ten thousand li away."

As Zheng Fa listened, he took up a pen and carefully recorded Xiao Yuying’s words.

Xiao Yuying’s curiosity grew by threefold, but she continued, "The secret realm is somewhat dangerous, but I can handle it myself. There’s only one Bronze Hall, which should be the place where treasures are hidden in the secret realm."

Zheng Fa nodded, looking at Xiao Yuying as if he knew she had reached a critical point.

"There’s a large lock on that Bronze Hall. I’ve tried it, and it requires a high level of proficiency in Thunder Skill to unlock."

"So... Fairy Xiao is looking for me to unlock it?" Zheng Fa said thoughtfully.

"Yes, of course, though there might be other difficulties and mechanisms inside the hall," said Xiao Yuying candidly.

After considering for a while, she couldn’t help but say, "I won’t talk about other things, but there’s one thing that I need to make clear to you."

"Please speak, Fairy."

"Although your cultivation is not high, you seem to hold some status in the Jiushan Sect. You’ve probably been used to making decisions, and I fear you might have your own ideas."

"..."

Seeing that Zheng Fa’s expression remained calm and not angry, Xiao Yuying continued, "However, on this trip to the secret realm, I hope you won’t take any action without my consent. After all, the place is extremely dangerous for you, and I can’t guarantee that I will be able to protect you completely."

"Yes..."

Xiao Yuying thought for a moment and then explained, "I have been to many secret realms... I have also cooperated with others before. Those who are most likely to die are those who always have their own ideas..."

She was somewhat emphasizing to Zheng Fa, her words earnest.

Zheng Fa seemed to have heard her goodwill, not only without anger, but his face showed some gratitude, "Fairy Xiao, rest assured, I will remember this."

After finishing, he looked at the booklet in his hand, smiled, and shook his head, "I did have some thoughts before, but I have never been to a secret realm, so naturally, I should listen to you, Fairy Xiao."

"Oh?" Seeing his willingness to take advice, Xiao Yuying also smiled and asked with interest, "You have some thoughts? May I take a look?"

"It’s just some wild thoughts."

Zheng Fa handed over his booklet.

Xiao Yuying flipped through it, and on the first page was a line of words - Tomb raiding (crossed out) Archaeological Plan.

She was puzzled and flipped through further.

The next page’s header read in bold letters: Data Collection, Field Investigation.

Below were several bullet points:

First, collect information on Tianhe Venerable’s life, focusing on the activities of Tianhe Sect within the secret realm.

Second, ascertain the secret realm’s geography, focusing on the safety and convenience of entry and exit points.

Third, collect information on threatening cultivator forces in the vicinity.

...

Xiao Yuying pursed her lips and continued flipping through pages.

She found that Zheng Fa had divided the exploration of the secret realm into three parts: preparatory work, key points of exploration, and risk assessment. There were also contingency plans in the back.

For example, in the key points of exploration, Zheng Fa emphasised that in addition to collecting treasures and spiritual materials, it was equally important to collect information on the secret realm’s restrictions, architectural structures, and historical data.

This was a direction toward which Xiao Yuying had some intuition, but had not paid much attention.

The most detailed was Zheng Fa’s risk assessment.

"Risks mainly come from three aspects—"

She read softly:

"First, consider the presence of people or things within the secret realm that could endanger the lives of explorers, such as dangerous prohibitions, suppressed ancient demons... Solution: Prepare magical treasures or spirit talismans to break the prohibition and escape."

"Second, the competition among nearby cultivators..."

"Third, the coveting by others after obtaining treasures... Solution: Hide one’s identity, take a leaf out of demon-capturing wit."

"This..."

Xiao Yuying gently closed the booklet, not sure what to say.

Some ideas within were novel, but most had been vaguely perceived by others, yet such a systematic summary and plan were unheard of for her.

She had never met someone like Zheng Fa, who strove to consider everything before heading to the secret realm and had made many contingency plans.

"What are you thinking?"

What was he thinking?

Copying...

"Fairy Xiao, I’m just someone who likes to indulge in flights of fancy..." Zheng Fa smiled sheepishly, "Of course, with your rich experience, my booklet must seem very amusing to you."

"No... Your thoughts are very good," Xiao Yuying quietly remarked.

After a moment, Zheng Fa heard Xiao Yuying sigh and say:

"No wonder... Zhang Wuyi has good judgment!"

Huh?

What does Sister Zhang have to do with this?

Why is Xiao Yuying also acting rather oddly?