Cultivation: I Have Studied Abroad in the Modern World
Chapter 348 - 213: Network Conception, Preparation for Archaeology_2

Chapter 348: Chapter 213: Network Conception, Preparation for Archaeology_2

University Island, in a small meeting room, are seated almost all the high-ranking members of Jiushan Realm.

Sister Zhang, three Supreme Elders.

The only outsider is Xiao Yuying, which shows how much importance they place on her.

Zheng Fa stands in front of the five people, holding a stack of documents, and speaks, "The reason I’ve called everyone here is to discuss whether or not we should proceed with exploring the Secret Realm, and if so, which one?"

Everyone looks at each other, understanding that Zheng Fa called this meeting likely because he’s inclined to explore the Secret Realm.

Xiao Yuying naturally stays out of it, as Zheng Fa had mentioned this matter to her before.

Because of the previous archaeological report, she’s somewhat tempted, but to be honest - she also feels that she doesn’t need to cooperate with Jiushan Sect.

Even if it’s about cooperation, can’t it be just like with Lady Xuanhua:

Go to the Secret Realm herself, and then bring back the findings for Jiushan Sect to inspect?

Sister Zhang pondered for a moment and was the first to speak, "Let me start from the perspective of the Affairs Hall."

"Up until now, Jiushan Realm has been in a state of expenditure exceeding income."

"In terms of expenses, aside from Thunder-type spiritual materials, Jiushan Realm has to purchase all other resources from outside, and currently, with the tense situation, prices for all kinds of resources are rising."

"There’s also the ’Golden Core Project’, which is no small expense."

Hearing her, everyone’s expression turns solemn.

"In terms of revenue, our Jiushan Sect currently only has Thunder-type spiritual materials and Spirit Talismans that are popular."

"The problem with Thunder-type spiritual materials is that most of it is consumed by our own Jiushan Disciples for their cultivation, so the production is relatively limited."

Zheng Fa cannot help but sigh: indeed, he has never heard of farmers striking it rich.

"Spirit Talismans, although easy to sell, the Hundred Immortals Alliance has now lost most of its resources and is actually poor. More importantly, they’ve never started a conflict with the Great Freedom Demon Sect."

Sister Zhang has a bit of regret on her face...

Indeed, world peace is most damaging to arms dealers...

"There’s also the issue with slow returns."

Zheng Fa looks at other Masters and elders, seeing their thoughtful expressions, they seem to understand why Zheng Fa proposed the archaeological project.

He thinks for a moment and continues where Sister Zhang left off:

"Besides the issue with resources, I have another consideration..."

Everyone looks at him, eager to hear what he has to say.

"Jiushan Realm is too safe."

"...Complacency breeds danger?" Elder Yuan says.

"Yes, it’s not that I don’t want Jiushan’s disciples to live peacefully, but... I’m afraid we don’t have the luxury to do so."

Two things have been weighing on Zheng Fa’s mind:

One is the Nine Nether Demon Ancestor’s entrance into Jiushan Realm, resulting in the death of a Heavenly Venerate.

This proves that Jiushan Realm is far from being absolutely safe.

The other is even more recent - the Great Freedom Demon Ancestor actually thinking about giving up the Great Freedom Heaven.

The implications behind it have also made Zheng Fa vigilant.

Others agree with a nod, and Elder Yuan laughs, "I’ve felt that way for a long time, I thought you would be soft-hearted."

"Exploring the Secret Realm, on the one hand, is a way to train the Jiushan Disciples."

"Furthermore, we can collect some resources and knowledge, and also avoid getting involved in the conflicts between the Demon Sect and Immortal Sect."

What Zheng Fa values most is the inheritance of various types of knowledge - knowledge that can be shared.

This is also why he wants to cooperate with Xiao Yuying.

His intention is clear, to find a highly profitable, relatively safe project, to train the Jiushan Disciples.

Upon hearing his thoughts, Elder Yuan concurs, "I think this is feasible."

The three elders headed by Sister Zhang also nod.

"Now the question is which Secret Realm to go to?"

Zheng Fa points to the stacked documents beside him and looks towards Xiao Yuying, "Fairy Xiao, we are interested in collaborating with you."

To which Xiao Yuying replies, "Collaboration... it’s not that I’m uninterested, but it’s also true that I’m not interested in every Secret Realm."

Zheng Fa smiles and hands her the top document.

Xiao Yuying glances over the document and, upon looking up, surprise fills her eyes, "The Tianhe Venerable? Where did this come from?"

"Some disciple reported it."

"Tsk... Jiushan Sect truly houses hidden dragons and crouching tigers."

Zheng Fa thinks for a moment and honestly says, "Not exactly, this person was sent over by the Hundred Immortals Alliance..."

"...?" Xiao Yuying pauses, surprised, "Is the Hundred Immortals Alliance really just letting go?"

Zheng Fa thinks that the Tongming Master wouldn’t be so generous...

"I’ll take it!"

Suddenly, Zheng Fa produces a piece of paper, "Then, please sign this ’Archaeological Cooperation Contract’, Fairy Xiao."

"..."

Xiao Yuying glances at him and checks the clauses in the contract, discovering that the various stipulations are relatively loose - essentially about confidentiality, non-aggression, and principles of benefits sharing and knowledge exchange.

After signing the contract, Xiao Yuying stands up as if she can’t wait to set off.

"Fairy Xiao!"

"Hm?"

"I have some new ideas about this archaeological project..."

Xiao Yuying immediately sits back down, looking towards Zheng Fa’s head.

It seems she finds Zheng Fa’s brain more interesting than the Secret Realm left by the Tianhe Venerable.

...

Mu Qingyan is brought into the meeting room, appearing a bit bewildered as she gazes at a roomful of Nascent Souls.

Sister Zhang is nearby, holding a pen, seemingly getting ready to record something.

Zheng Fa looks at her and says, "Mu Qingyan, the Sect has decided to explore the Secret Realm you reported previously."

Mu Qingyan purses her lips and responds, "...Yes."

Zheng Fa produces another contract, "Take a look, if there’s nothing you object to, then sign it."

Mu Qingyan lowers her head to view the contract.

On one side is Zheng Fa, whose primary responsibility is to ensure Mu Qingyan’s safety and guarantee her share of the benefits, among other things.

And Mu Qingyan in turn, must promise to provide all the information she can.

Everything is clear and straightforward, consistent with what Zheng Fa had mentioned before.

"..."

Mu Qingyan stays silent for a while, signs the contract, and then says: