Chapter 321
“Passing by?” Zheng Fa recalled the news, “Didn’t they say that the treasure in the secret realm was snatched by a Yuanying from the Da Zizai Demon Sect?”
Xiao Yuying slowly revealed a smile, her expression saying three words—“You know.”
Beside her, Sister Zhang exchanged glances with the others, their eyes filled with curiosity.
Xiao Yuying had learned the art of shifting blame from Zheng Fa!
She opened the box in Zheng Fa's hands, revealing a blue fruit that resembled a cat's paw and a cloud, radiating spiritual energy and a fragrant aroma.
“What is this...?”
“Qingyun Xian Guo,” she replied.
Mu Qingyan couldn’t help but whisper.
Everyone turned to look at her.
Mu Qingyan’s expression was complex as she gazed at the Qingyun Xian Guo, feeling a sense of grievance:
Isn’t it said that one thrives in adversity and perishes in comfort?
How could someone be lounging in a cozy nest while treasures are delivered right to their door?
“She’s right,” Xiao Yuying explained. “I’ve seen records that say this Qingyun Xian Guo can help one achieve the Qingyun Dao Body, which is quite remarkable and seems to possess some divine qualities.”
Given Xiao Yuying’s talent, her praise for this fruit suggested that the Qingyun Dao Body was indeed something extraordinary.
“Xiao Xianzi, are you saying you want to study in my Jiushan Realm?” Zheng Fa asked.
“Mm!” Xiao Yuying nodded vigorously, her eagerness palpable, “If this fruit isn’t enough, I’ve been to many secret realms and have other treasures. Just let me know what you need…”
Mu Qingyan looked up at the renowned Xiao Xianzi, confusion filling her gaze.
“Why is she looking at me like that?”
What she didn’t expect was that Xiao Yuying, who was almost oblivious to subtlety, would directly ask her after staring for too long.
Zheng Fa pondered for a moment before speaking, “She was asking me to let her out of Jiushan Realm… to search for treasures in the secret realms…”
“…” Xiao Yuying blinked, looking at Mu Qingyan, her eyes equally puzzled, “Secret realms are everywhere… How could studying in Jiushan Realm be so precious?”
“…”
The two of them looked at each other, both sensing that the other was missing the bigger picture…
Zheng Fa glanced at the two, sighing inwardly—Jiushan Realm was like a walled city, with the Yuanying outside wanting to come in, while the Qi practitioners inside wanted to go out.
After a long stare, Mu Qingyan couldn’t help but show a look of self-doubt…
---
**Chapter 298: Embracing All Rivers, A Vision for Cooperation**
Zheng Fa observed the silent Mu Qingyan, feeling that she had been rendered speechless by Xiao Yuying.
He was right.
Mu Qingyan was indeed caught in a deep spiral of self-doubt:
She understood the value of the “Jindan Project,” but still believed that the secret realms and treasures outside were far more precious.
The issue lay in Xiao Yuying’s attitude.
Xiao Yuying, in both her past and present lives, was someone she could never surpass—unless she could successfully transform into a deity in this lifetime.
Yet now, Xiao Yuying seemed to be seeking something from Zheng Fa, and she couldn’t help but grasp the implications.
“Electromagnetism…”
This was a relatively basic course in Jiushan Realm!
As long as one met the math requirements, they could take it.
But Xiao Yuying was willing to offer the Qingyun Xian Guo, even worrying that Zheng Fa might refuse her request to study…
Was Xiao Yuying foolish?
She swallowed hard, staring blankly at Zheng Fa, who then asked, “Should I send you out?”
“...Zhangmen!”
“Hmm?”
“I’m not leaving!”
Mu Qingyan’s face was filled with loyalty to Jiushan Realm!
“Then the ‘Hanhai Waidan’…”
Mu Qingyan quickly interjected, “I’m willing to contribute to the ‘Jindan Project!’”
Zheng Fa looked at her for a moment, then nodded gently, “Alright, if you want to go out, just let me know. If you choose to stay, I’ll convert the ‘Hanhai Waidan’ into project contributions. Once the project is completed, you won’t lose out in terms of merit and honor.”
“...Thank you, Zhangmen!”
Her gratitude felt much more sincere this time.
It seemed she understood that Zheng Fa had noticed some of her hidden thoughts but chose not to hold it against her.
Feeling a bit awkward, Mu Qingyan hurriedly took her leave.
Xiao Yuying glanced at her departing figure and suddenly said, “This disciple isn’t quite normal; she must have her own little schemes.”
Zheng Fa exchanged a knowing look with Sister Zhang, both smiling.
Xiao Yuying merely mentioned it, but when they didn’t respond, she turned back to Zheng Fa, asking, “What do you think about what I mentioned earlier, Zhangmen?”
Zheng Fa pondered for a moment before replying, “Given our relationship and your previous assistance to Jiushan Sect, I’m generally in agreement.”
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yuying grew anxious, “Generally? What does Jiushan Sect need?”
“That’s not what I meant. I need to discuss it with the elders first.” Zheng Fa had a vague idea in mind but didn’t elaborate, “You’ve traveled a long way; you should rest first.”
Seeing him say this, Xiao Yuying could only nod, though her eyes were filled with apprehension as she left.
---
“What do you think of Mu Qingyan?”
As soon as she left, Sister Zhang spoke up.
They hadn’t discussed this matter earlier because it was an internal issue of Jiushan Sect, not something to be brought up in front of an outsider like Xiao Yuying.
“This matter…” Zheng Fa smiled, suddenly saying, “Didn’t you teach me about secrets?”
“Ah?”
“Don’t I have my own secrets?”
Sister Zhang was taken aback, then couldn’t help but laugh.
If we’re talking about secrets, Zheng Fa’s unusual behavior far exceeded Mu Qingyan’s.
But Sister Zhang acted as if she were deaf and blind, choosing to ignore it.
Zheng Fa always remembered the protection she offered.
“You’re different…” Sister Zhang said earnestly, “Jiushan Sect owes its survival to you.”
“Of course, you’d think I’m different, but what I want to say is… without your tolerance, I wouldn’t be where I am today, and Jiushan Sect wouldn’t have the peace it enjoys now.” Zheng Fa shared his thoughts, then added, “I must admit, most geniuses in the Xuanwei Realm have their own secrets.”
Sister Zhang nodded, “So you mean, we should judge by actions, not intentions?” Talking to Sister Zhang was always easy.
“Yes, our Jiushan Realm has its own system. No matter her background or intentions, as long as she contributes to Jiushan Realm, she will be rewarded. If she acts against us, we can deal with it later.”
“There’s no need to be overly suspicious; we should gather more friends and fewer enemies…”
Sister Zhang nodded, understanding Zheng Fa’s point—given the environment of the Xuanwei Realm, it was impossible to expect someone to be completely selfless, especially since many geniuses had their own opportunities. Moreover, Zheng Fa had this inclusive mindset.
---
“The Waidan method… is a bit more complicated than I imagined.”
Looking at the records of the Hanhai Waidan, Zheng Fa furrowed his brow, seemingly encountering difficulties.
Sister Zhang took the notes and quickly understood Zheng Fa’s concerns: “This alchemical furnace is too special.”
“Yes, I knew the requirements for the alchemical furnace in the Waidan method were high, but from the Hanhai Waidan, it seems every technique has a corresponding furnace.”
In the refining methods of the Hanhai Waidan, not to mention the materials needed to forge this external pill, the most troublesome part was the alchemical furnace.
“This furnace should mimic the body of a practitioner of the Hanhai Jing.”
“So, to create the most suitable external pill for yourself, you first need to build a furnace that mimics your own body?”
Zheng Fa nodded slightly.
“Now it makes sense why the Waidan method is so precious… Our Jiushan Sect hasn’t had such techniques for generations.”
“What do you plan to do?”
“Having the Hanhai Waidan gives us a direction.”
“First, we should try refining the Hanhai Waidan. On one hand, it will help the project team hone their skills, and on the other, it will validate our theories.”
“Secondly, let’s see if we can follow the ideas from the Hanhai Waidan to create the Shenxiao Waidan or even the Longhu Waidan.”
Sister Zhang listened to his plans and didn’t object; it seemed her thoughts aligned with Zheng Fa’s.
“Of course, one Hanhai Waidan might not be enough for us to grasp the principles…” Zheng Fa continued, “I plan to ask Xiao Xianzi if she has any related teachings to exchange and study against.”
“Is this what you meant when you said you wanted to discuss it with us?”
“No, this is still a minor issue.” Zheng Fa shook his head, “I intend to invite Xiao Xianzi to be a professor of archaeology in our Jiushan Realm, especially for archaeological collaboration with her.”
This idea had come to Zheng Fa during the research for the Jindan Project.
Sister Zhang looked at Zheng Fa, slightly astonished.
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