Chapter 126
“I understand, Principal!” Old Chen chuckled as he snatched a skewer. “It’s only a matter of time!”
...
Zheng Fa lowered his arms, and Tang Lingwu, curious, asked, “What are you doing?”
“Just sending a message to a man who worries too much,” Zheng Fa replied, glancing at the old man Bai beside him. “What brings you here, sir?”
“I came to help you connect with the university in the capital, and I thought I’d drop by to see someone…” Old Bai’s eyes flickered, hinting at something more.
“See someone?”
“A dying man.”
Old Bai’s tone carried a weight of meaning.
Got it… This was a test for himself.
(End of this chapter)
**Chapter 134: Pouting**
Because Aunt Ye was present, Old Bai didn’t elaborate on the dying man.
Although Aunt Ye and Zheng Fa had established a cooperative relationship, the three of them still felt the need to hold back around her—matters related to cultivation were best avoided in her presence.
Even Tang Lingwu felt the same way.
As the car drove into the night, Aunt Ye’s expression gradually turned weary, her facial muscles stiffening slightly.
Zheng Fa knew this was due to fatigue causing her condition to fluctuate.
Tang Lingwu beside him also looked a bit anxious.
“Would you like a massage?” Zheng Fa asked softly.
Aunt Ye’s eyes lit up, and she nodded eagerly.
Tang Lingwu glanced at the driver in front, stood up, and leaned over to look at her mother.
To outsiders, it seemed she was checking on Aunt Ye’s condition, but in reality, she was blocking the driver’s gaze from Zheng Fa.
Zheng Fa reached out, gently kneading Aunt Ye’s shoulders and neck, sending a healing talisman from his fingertips into the back of her head.
By the time Tang Lingwu sat back down, the driver in the rearview mirror could only see Aunt Ye peacefully asleep.
And Old Bai, who was watching Zheng Fa with eager eyes.
Zheng Fa ignored Old Bai’s pleading look.
It wasn’t that he was stingy; it was just that in modern times, each talisman could only be used three times. Overusing them would cause the foundational energy within him to collapse.
By the time they reached the first suitable mountain, it was already one in the morning.
It was too dark to climb.
The group decided to find a hotel at the foot of the mountain for the night.
The next morning, at dawn, the four of them got up and, under the driver’s guidance, headed up the mountain.
At that moment, Zheng Fa learned that the driver from last night was part of the inspection team, specially invited by Aunt Ye.
It was late spring, and the scenery on the mountain was just right.
As they walked along the mountain path, the refreshing breeze helped dissipate the fatigue from their overnight journey.
Occasionally, they encountered climbers dressed in outdoor gear.
The guiding driver explained as they walked, “This mountain is somewhat famous in the capital for its scenery, and it’s convenient to drive here. Many outdoor enthusiasts love to come—perfect for building a retirement home.”
It was clear he preferred the idea of establishing a retirement home on this mountain.
Reaching a high point, Zheng Fa’s eyes sparkled with a hint of silver light as he gazed down the mountain.
After a moment, he nodded but simply said, “Let’s check out another mountain.”
The next mountain wasn’t as accessible; they drove from the highway to a provincial road, then traversed a stretch of rural road to arrive at this location.
“This place isn’t much to talk about…” the driver’s tone was somewhat disdainful. “This mountain belongs to the village collective, and it’s a bit remote… Probably not many would want to retire here.”
Zheng Fa’s expression turned contemplative.
When they returned to the hotel, Old Chen and the others were likely still showing other students around the university.
Zheng Fa’s room was empty.
The four of them sat in the room.
Tang Lingwu and the others focused their attention on Zheng Fa, eager to hear his thoughts.
“Both places are suitable,” Zheng Fa began. “What we need to consider are other factors.”
According to the “Theory of Spiritual Veins,” there are about ten types of spiritual veins, and these two mountain ranges happen to correspond to two of them. From the perspective of cultivating the “Ling Mountain Method,” the differences between the two places were minimal.
He turned to Aunt Ye. “Aunt, what’s your opinion?”
Aunt Ye pondered for a moment before speaking. “In terms of cost, the differences aren’t significant—though the first place will have more complications with contracting and approvals, the transportation costs for the second place will be higher.”
“Choosing between the two depends on your future plans.”
Zheng Fa nodded gently, signaling for her to continue.
“The first place is close to tourist attractions, and there are some villa areas nearby.” Aunt Ye paused before adding, “If you want to network with influential people or become someone’s guest of honor, the first option is better.”
“The second option is quieter.”
“Which one to choose depends on what you want to do.”
Zheng Fa fell silent, realizing this was Aunt Ye testing him.
Seeing him lost in thought, Aunt Ye seemed to understand he needed time to decide.
She walked toward the door, turning to nod at Tang Lingwu, signaling her to follow.
However, Tang Lingwu’s gaze was fixed on Zheng Fa, completely missing her mother’s gesture.
Aunt Ye, noticing her daughter’s unwavering attention on Zheng Fa, shook her head helplessly and gently closed the door behind her.
“What do you two think?” Zheng Fa asked Tang Lingwu and the others.
Old Bai smacked his lips and spoke up, “Go for the first one! A divine doctor descending from the mountain, his medical skills shocking the prominent families of the capital! He can turn the tide with a wave of his hand!”
“…”
Why does this old man’s taste in reading seem to be getting worse?
Tang Lingwu beside him pouted, seemingly disapproving, but meeting Zheng Fa’s gaze, she shook her head and said, “I’ll go with what you decide.”
Zheng Fa shook his head.
He looked out the window and suddenly said, “Aunt Ye’s words reminded me that since we’re establishing a retirement home, there are some principles I think we need to clarify. Let’s see what you think.”
Old Bai and Tang Lingwu exchanged glances, quietly listening to Zheng Fa.
“First, no supernatural antics. Although explaining cultivation is tricky, if someone comes to us for treatment, we treat them. Just keep up the pretense and act like an ordinary nursing home.”
Upon hearing this, Old Bai and Tang Lingwu understood that Zheng Fa had already made his choice.
“Second, don’t pursue worldly power. We shouldn’t fear it, but we also shouldn’t pander to it.”
“Third, I hope the retirement home will be a relatively pure research institution. Whether it’s treating people or developing agriculture, it’s just to sustain the operation and research of the home.”
Zheng Fa’s voice was soft but grew more resolute with each word.
For him, modern fame and fortune were nearly useless—he couldn’t bring modern resources to the Xuanwei Realm.
At least not in terms of cultivation.
What was truly useful were the talents and knowledge that modern science could provide.
Through cultivation, he had already accessed wealth that had once seemed distant, and there might be more to come.
But he always understood what he truly wanted.
After saying this, he looked at Old Bai and Tang Lingwu.
These three statements were, on one hand, Zheng Fa’s thoughts.
On the other hand, they were actually his expectations for the two of them—especially for the whimsical Old Bai.
Instead of showing disappointment, Old Bai’s face lit up with relief as he muttered, “I was just thinking about those sycophants in the books, their brains seem to have holes… I can’t play that role!”
“…”
You’ve already figured out your own role?
Tang Lingwu beside him…
Well, it seemed like she was agreeing with whatever Zheng Fa said now.
...
In the Xuanwei Realm.
It was the day of the premiere of “Saving Little Cultivator Pang Qian.”
Zheng Fa, along with Senior Sister Zhang and Senior Sister Yuan, stood in the management building of the market, watching as the ferry slowly descended to the dock.
Before the ferry had even come to a stop, a crowd surged out, rushing toward the theater.
Zheng Fa spotted Han Qi and the others disembarking, looking as if they had something urgent, heading straight for the building.
“Junior Brother Zheng… we’re running short on ferries,” Han Qi’s first words upon seeing Zheng Fa left him momentarily stunned.
“Short?”
“Yes.” Han Qi’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “After the last screening of ‘Saving Little Cultivator Pang Qian,’ some outside cultivators watched it… When they returned to their sects, they spread the word, and now it seems too many people from Jiushan Sect want to come!”
Zheng Fa looked at the throng rushing toward the theater.
The word of mouth for “Saving Little Cultivator Pang Qian” was starting to take off.
There weren’t many promotional channels in the Xuanwei Realm, but the outside cultivators who had seen “Saving Little Cultivator Pang Qian” had become its best promoters.
Although there hadn’t been many outside cultivators who watched it last time, they came from various backgrounds. Now, having returned to different markets and sects, the word had spread, and it was starting to show results.
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