Cultivation: I Have Studied Abroad in the Modern World
Chapter 332 - 207: Proud but Fragile

Chapter 332: Chapter 207: Proud but Fragile

Zheng Fa’s appreciation was probably a bit too obvious in his eyes, as Xiao Yuying glanced at him, betraying a hint of pride in her own gaze.

The value of admiration varies between individuals.

In her life, she was nearly invincible, blessed with opportunities and talents that others envied.

Who knows how many gazes were more brazen, fervent, or even more obsequious than Zheng’s.

But she usually wouldn’t spare them a glance.

Zheng was different; after all, he was someone who had always somewhat surpassed her.

Although she wasn’t the type who couldn’t stand others being better than her, how could she not have a competitive heart?

It’s no exaggeration to say that a trace of Zheng’s praise was worth a hundred compliments from others.

Therefore, Zheng’s current expression of astonishment... truly made her secretly elated.

After the class ended, Zheng Fa and Xiao Yuying left the classroom together, heading towards Ten Thousand Immortals Island.

As a Nascent Soul cultivator, Xiao Yuying was currently a guest residing on Ten Thousand Immortals Island, living in a small courtyard not far from Zheng’s.

Along the way, the two encountered many students who had come to attend the class.

"Mr. Xiao! Sect Leader!"

"Fairy Xiao, when will you give us another lecture?"

"Teacher, you didn’t finish the story last time, can you continue next time?"

Zheng noticed that fewer disciples greeted him compared to how many were focused on Xiao Yuying.

She was indeed very popular in the Jiushan Realm right now.

On one hand, of course, her stories were enthralling...

No matter which Secret Realm or perilous place, she almost always snagged the treasures.

It was like a naturally exhilarating novel, very relatable...

On the other hand, of course, she genuinely taught valuable knowledge.

Xiao Yuying was not someone who enjoyed socializing, but even so, she did not look overly pleased or impatient at the moment.

Sometimes, she still nodded at these students, her demeanor friendlier than before with other cultivators, her gaze warm.

Noticing a hint of confusion on Zheng’s face, Xiao Yuying glanced at him and said, "Although I still find staying in the Jiushan Realm somewhat dull... since I promised you, I will teach well."

"The students I, Xiao Yuying, have taught can’t be too shabby."

Zheng was taken aback for a moment.

Realization dawned in his heart...

When she taught, she actually did not show much enthusiasm or commitment.

But the knowledge she imparted was incredibly useful, nearly without reservation.

At this moment, he truly felt... the sincere pride of Xiao Yuying.

...

"Fairy Xiao, wait for a moment."

Having reached his own courtyard, Zheng Fa suddenly spoke.

"Hmm?"

"I have something to show you."

Xiao Yuying was a bit puzzled, but still followed Zheng into the yard.

Zheng searched in his study and took out a small booklet.

Xiao Yuying looked down and saw "Tianhe Disciples’ Copper Pagoda Archaeological Report" written on the booklet.

Suddenly, she looked up sharply at Zheng Fa.

Only to hear Zheng explain: "Fairy, you have treated me earnestly, so I will be frank."

Xiao Yuying looked at him, saying nothing.

"I intend to further collaborate with you, Fairy, in the future, to conduct archaeology in the Secret Realms."

Without a word from Xiao Yuying, Zheng continued to explain, "Honestly, inviting you to teach ’Electromagnetism,’ I don’t feel like I’ve taken advantage of you."

Hearing this, Xiao Yuying nodded slightly, without objection.

Even if she was nearly selling herself short.

But the more she learned about ’Electromagnetism,’ the more she understood its value.

In good conscience, she felt she might not be worth the price...

"But I think I now understand your character, Fairy," Zheng said candidly. "I believe it is best to be straightforward."

Xiao Yuying looked intently at him, and suddenly smiled, saying:

"If you hadn’t said these words, no matter what is written in this booklet, I wouldn’t have looked at it, nor would I have agreed."

"But now..."

"I have agreed."

...

Xiao Yuying said only this and nothing else, simply flipping open the small booklet in her hand.

Zheng Fa explained from the side: "Previously, Fairy Xiao and I went to that bronze tower together... At that time my cultivation level was modest, and I was also afraid that I couldn’t keep the secret, so I could only collect it afterward..."

"Did you collect the soil from there and that skeleton?"

"Yes, this booklet records our initial findings, but some matters within are truly classified. If it were not for some self-protective abilities possessed by my Jiushan Realm, I would not have brought them out."

Xiao Yuying nodded, understanding that Zheng Fa was making sense.

However, upon seeing the analysis within the booklet, Xiao Yuying’s expression slowly changed.

"Execution of Immortals Skills, with nothing besides forsaking the sword?"

"Lifebound Magical Treasure, fused with the body?"

"Sword Cultivation Path?"

She looked even more closely at the bone cell diagrams in the booklet, seemingly wanting to know whether Zheng Fa and his colleagues had fabricated anything.

"Of course, these are conjectures based on our findings... Whether they are accurate, in fact, there is no conclusion yet," explained Zheng Fa.

"I am not familiar with Execution of Immortals Skills, but Lifebound Magical Treasure..." Xiao Yuying fell silent for a long while before speaking, "It makes a lot of sense."

"..."

"My Master once told me similar things."

This was the first time Zheng Fa heard her mention her own Master, but he also knew that Xiao Yuying’s mentor was at least a Divinity Transformation.

Xiao Yuying looked down, pondering over the booklet for a long time before suddenly asking: "Do you need me to teach your archaeological methods?"

There was a deep self-doubt in her tone.

"Fairy Xiao, these are just our set of research methods... Whether they can take effect in the Xuanwei Realm, and who can maximize the value of these methods, are all questions," Zheng Fa said.

Zheng Fa’s intention to cooperate with Xiao Yuying was straightforward.

After all, he only knew the broad outlines of archaeology, but how to apply it specifically—Xiao Yuying was much more suitable than he was.

"My thought is, how to explore a Secret Realm, Fairy Xiao, you are the expert."

"But how to analyze the data discovered, I am more confident."

"If we combine forces, it would be mutually beneficial."

Xiao Yuying nodded, then suddenly asked: "I feel inclined, may I take this archaeological report back to read?"

"Of course."

Holding the booklet, Xiao Yuying turned around and immediately her face couldn’t maintain its composure...

She had been to many Secret Realms.

The bronze tower of that Tianhe Disciple was not really the most valuable one.

But now, it seemed like she picked up sesame seeds and lost a watermelon?

She did not lack treasures, which is why, compared to others, she actually valued knowledge more.

For instance, with "Electromagnetism," others were unwilling to offer precious things, but she would not begrudge a bit.

It showed her way of thinking.

If only she had known about this method earlier...

She left hastily, mainly because she was afraid she couldn’t help showing a disappointed expression.

...

Mu Qingyan and several other cultivators were heading to Zheng Fa’s courtyard together when they happened to bump into Xiao Yuying leaving the yard.

Seeing her expression, these disciples didn’t dare to speak.

After she walked far away, a senior sister next to Mu Qingyan gave her a meaningful glance.

This look was very puzzling, making Mu Qingyan a bit confused.

"Senior sister?"

"It seems like the way you looked when you came out after the first lesson of the Golden Core Project."

The senior sister did not dare to name names, but Mu Qingyan understood immediately, she turned her head, looking towards Xiao Yuying’s departing back.

Wow, are you broken too?

...

Upon seeing them, Zheng Fa immediately understood in the courtyard: "Did you take on the task for the national physical examination?"

Mu Qingyan and the others nodded.

"Good, I’ll teach you what to measure and what to take note of."

The national physical examination—it was conducted for the mortals on Paradise Island, and its main purpose was for the "Golden Core Project."