Chapter 170
“I can only say that the rules within the Thunder Dao Heavenly Stele should be related to the mastery of the Thunder Dao,” Yan Wushuang said. “However, I have yet to find the Heavenly Stele, or rather, it has not truly come into existence yet—our ancestor once said that the stele possesses its own spirit and moves about. Not just me, but others are also searching for it.”
“Thank you, Senior Brother, for clarifying!”
Zheng Fa’s expression was filled with gratitude—
Though the warmth from this person felt a bit strange.
But he truly spoke without reservation.
Zheng Fa felt touched.
“What’s the big deal? It’s just some trivial information; you’ll be able to find out more in the future,” Yan Wushuang stood up, his tone somewhat bold. “We’re all like-minded individuals!”
“…”
…
In a corner of the Thunder Pool.
Chen Ting was quietly nursing his injuries.
This place was not only secluded, but the surrounding thunder was also extremely violent.
If it weren’t for his precious mirror, he wouldn’t have been able to endure it.
Yet the thunder here was surprisingly gentle.
Healing here was not only safe but also discreet.
He didn’t dare to go outside.
He had offended too many people.
Not to mention that madman from the Tianhe Sect.
Disciples of the Great Freedom Demon Sect were also searching for him everywhere—if he hadn’t come to the Thunder Pool, he would have suspected that a Yuanying (Nascent Soul) cultivator might be hunting him down.
However, this place wasn’t absolutely safe either.
From time to time, cultivators would pass by not far away, and some of their clothing looked familiar to him—they were disciples of the Jiushan Sect.
Fortunately, perhaps due to the ferocity of the thunder surrounding him, no one ventured this way.
After several days, he gradually felt more at ease and focused on healing.
…
One day, he heard some commotion in the distance, as if someone was flying by.
He didn’t want to pay attention, but the noise grew closer.
As he opened his eyes, he saw a familiar face—Zheng Fa!
Zheng Fa wasn’t alone; he was accompanied by several disciples of the Jiushan Sect, and they were discussing something.
“Junior Brother Zheng, this area is the only one we haven’t searched yet.”
Zheng Fa surveyed the fierce thunder and nodded, seemingly understanding why the other disciples hadn’t searched here.
“You all stay here; I’ll go take a look.”
It appeared that the other Jiushan Sect disciples were responsible for searching the simpler areas, while Zheng Fa was tasked with exploring places that were difficult for ordinary people to reach.
Chen Ting watched as Zheng Fa braved the thunder that even he found hard to endure, stepping closer to his location.
He had no intention of fleeing—despite his injuries, he was now a late-stage Jindan (Golden Core) cultivator, and facing a Qi Refinement stage Zheng Fa, he felt no need to hide.
Watching Zheng Fa approach, Chen Ting knew that this group was likely looking for him.
A hint of coldness flickered in his eyes.
On one hand, it was because Zheng Fa had fled so quickly back then, leaving him to be severely injured by that madman from the Tianhe Sect.
Especially when he saw Zheng Fa withstand the relentless thunder, he couldn’t help but feel a phantom pain…
His resentment deepened.
On the other hand, he felt a cold mockery at Zheng Fa’s recklessness.
It made sense; since entering the Jiushan Sect, Zheng Fa had been highly regarded, and a certain arrogance was to be expected from such a talent.
But to be so careless outside the Jiushan Sect could only be described as courting disaster.
What he needed to do was to take advantage of Zheng Fa’s unpreparedness to strike him down or subdue him, thus escaping the Jiushan Sect’s pursuit.
Gradually, Zheng Fa drew nearer.
He could even hear Zheng Fa’s somewhat fatigued breathing.
Chen Ting’s mind stirred, and the round mirror flew out from his dantian, aiming to shine on Zheng Fa…
Buzz!
Chen Ting watched helplessly as his precious mirror was shot down by a seal.
This seal… felt somewhat familiar!
Chen Ting slowly turned his head to see Master Pang glaring at him.
He quickly turned back to the smiling Zheng Fa.
Wait, who brings a Yuanying along when they go out?
What happened to your genius arrogance!
…
Seeing Chen Ting silent, Zheng Fa directly asked, “I have just one question: you said you have news about Senior Sister Zhang. Is it true?”
“… She has been sealed.” After a moment of silence, Chen Ting spoke, revealing news that made Zheng Fa’s expression change: “Or rather, she sealed herself to escape the pursuit of the Great Freedom Demon Sect.”
(End of this chapter)
---
Chapter 164: A Great Dream
Zheng Fa’s college entrance examination score was the highest in the city.
On the phone, Old Chen’s voice held a hint of regret: “I heard you missed the highest score in the province by just a few points… just a bit of bad luck.”
“That’s still pretty good,” Zheng Fa replied with a smile through the phone. “As long as I can get into the school I want, I’m satisfied.”
“Speaking of which, do you have a target school? A few schools have already called me, saying they couldn’t reach your phone.”
Hearing Old Chen’s words, Zheng Fa felt a bit embarrassed.
When he practiced the Ling Mountain Technique, if his phone was too close, it would act up, like shutting down or freezing.
He hadn’t paid much attention to it before—honestly, not many people called or messaged him.
It was only tonight, thanks to Tang Lingwu’s reminder, that he placed his phone at a distance.
“Wouldn’t that be bothering you, Teacher Chen?”
Zheng Fa said.
“Bothering? If being flattered by the admissions director of Capital University is bothering, then I’d love to be bothered every day!” Old Chen grumbled. “Just don’t forget to fill out your application after you get your exam results.”
“Mm.”
“Where are you planning to go?”
Old Chen’s question implied that with Zheng Fa’s score, he could likely get into any university or program he wanted in the country.
It all depended on Zheng Fa’s choice.
Zheng Fa turned to look at the old man Bai and Tang Lingwu beside him.
Old man Bai—retired professor from Capital University.
Tang Lingwu—future student of Capital University.
Old man Bai was mumbling something to himself.
Tang Lingwu looked at him with bright eyes, filled with anticipation.
“Capital University.”
“So determined?”
“Mm.”
“Alright then, I’ll have the admissions office at Capital University call you later. Make sure to answer.”
“Okay.”
“By the way, some reporters from the local newspapers want to interview you. Where are you right now?”
“I’m not in a good position to do that; I’m in the capital.”
“This… does make it inconvenient.”
“And I don’t want to do an interview.”
Zheng Fa said sincerely.
To him, becoming famous seemed to bring more disadvantages than benefits—especially due to his exam results.
To real big shots or academic giants, high school exam scores were hardly worth a glance.
“You… that’s fine, actually. They were a bit hesitant anyway, since they can’t promote it,” Old Chen pondered for a moment and said, “I’ll hang up now; remember to answer the call from Capital University later.”
After a while, Zheng Fa saw that Old Chen had sent him a new message.
“By the way, there are some bonuses from the school and the district; send me your bank account number.”
After a while, Zheng Fa saw another message from Old Chen with a photo attached.
It showed several freshly made banners.
The first one read: “Celebrating our student Zheng Fa’s admission to Capital University.”
Behind it was another: “Celebrating our student Tang Lingwu’s early admission to Capital University.”
The two banners intertwined, as if leaning on each other.
Old man Bai glanced at the photo, stunned: “Your teacher… is a shipper for you and Tang Lingwu?”
“…”
“What major are you planning to apply for at Capital University?” Old man Bai continued with Old Chen’s earlier question.
Zheng Fa thought for a moment and replied, “My initial intention is still physics.”
Physics was what he had initially told Old Chen he wanted to study; at that time, he just felt that his physics grades were the best, and he might have some talent.
To put it plainly, he was just choosing whatever seemed good to learn, without much thought.
But now he was considering whether this subject would be useful to him.
If it weren’t for old man Bai, or if old man Bai hadn’t practiced cultivation, he might have chosen mathematics, as it had a very direct connection to spiritual talismans.
Now that he had old man Bai, learning mathematics would feel like wasting the teaching resources of Capital University.
On one hand, if he wanted to learn mathematics, he could ask old man Bai.
On the other hand, he could just use old man Bai’s knowledge directly if he couldn’t learn it himself.
The same reasoning applied to computer science, thanks to Tang Lingwu.
“Physics…” old man Bai asked, “What are your thoughts on it?”
“I want to understand how spiritual energy affects the world, like how it causes circuits to malfunction,” Zheng Fa slowly articulated his thoughts. “In this regard, physics might help me more.”
Zheng Fa concealed his true thoughts from old man Bai.
In truth, as he traveled between the two realms more frequently, he found himself increasingly puzzled—
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