Chapter 579
"You might have a glimmer of hope if you gain the favor of the Transformation Master from Haori Mountain."
"Your senior brothers and sisters lack that talent..."
Zheng Fa fell silent for a moment, then respectfully cupped his hands toward Elder Jiu.
The words of this seemingly generous master were not entirely accurate; it was clear she had some reservations, leaving him somewhat confused. However, after a moment of reflection, he understood:
In Elder Jiu's eyes, the disciples of Chongxuan Sect were doomed to perish because of the conflict between Haori Mountain and Jiushan Sect.
The only chance for survival lay in either taking the official path to Haori Mountain early on or winning the favor of the Transformation Master at the mountain's peak, thus receiving personal protection.
As for why she had taken an unusual interest in him... Haori Mountain had no use for useless disciples.
Only if Zheng Fa demonstrated enough talent could he catch the eye of the Transformation Master.
Even though Li Hao's relationship with Elder Jiu was average, they had been master and disciple for many years.
Moreover, Elder Jiu, despite her cold demeanor, was not particularly biased—perhaps a little favoring the top students: when Zheng Fa had shown some talent, she had wanted him to go to Haori Mountain.
She wasn't trying to save Li Hao; she simply wanted her disciple to have a better chance at survival.
Now that Zheng Fa had a glimmer of hope, she was doing her part.
As for the other disciples, they probably weren't worthy.
It was like how some teachers, after final exams, would try to help those students who just missed passing by a point or two...
Only, Elder Jiu was trying to save her own disciple's life.
Seeing that Zheng Fa seemed to understand, the smile faded from Elder Jiu's face, and she said softly, "You may go now. Focus on comprehending the methods of artifact forging."
As Zheng Fa stepped out of Elder Jiu's cave, he felt a twinge of emotion when he looked at the other disciples of Chongxuan Sect:
He didn't feel much sympathy for them; after all, they were from opposing sects, and his compassion wasn't that abundant. No matter how entangled they were, they had not chosen Jiushan Sect.
Besides, the crisis Jiushan Sect faced was no less severe than that of Chongxuan Sect; he might as well feel sorry for himself.
What he felt nostalgic about was the past.
Back then, he had the opportunity to align himself with the Taishang Dao.
But he had refused.
Looking back now, that choice seemed correct.
Otherwise... the fate of Chongxuan Sect today might very well be Jiushan Sect's tomorrow.
This might be the most important lesson his seemingly generous master had taught him.
He absolutely did not want to see the anger, despair, and unwillingness he had witnessed on Elder Jiu's face reflected on Sister Zhang's.
...
Zheng Fa diligently practiced the methods of artifact forging at Chongxuan Sect for several months.
At this point, he was no longer in a hurry.
When he first arrived at Chongxuan Sect, his goal was simple: to find an opportunity to probe into Haori Mountain's schemes.
Now, however, he felt as if he were on a study tour...
It was somewhat like a monarch from a great nation in the modern world traveling through the Western world to learn advanced systems and technologies, intending to return and reform his own country.
Although he didn't think much of Chongxuan Sect's system, and the artifact forging techniques were not necessarily superior to those of Jiushan Realm, he was here now, so he might as well learn; he had no complaints.
Moreover, Haori Mountain wasn't that generous; the artifact forging secrets passed to Chongxuan Sect were limited, with the "Tianhuo Lianbao Jue" being the core.
There wasn't much else to learn, and Zheng Fa's studies were capped at the Golden Core stage.
However, since Chongxuan Sect was a Yuanying sect, it had many valuable techniques compared to the "Tianhuo Lianbao Jue," including some Yuanying methods.
This would be quite beneficial for the Tiangong Pavilion in Jiushan Realm.
"...You want to take a look at the 'Xuantian Qidian'?"
Seeing the fervent desire for knowledge on Zheng Fa's face, Elder Jiu felt a slight headache.
She was somewhat protective of talent, and in these uncertain times, her feelings toward her disciples had deepened.
But she hadn't anticipated that this disciple would be so talented and so difficult to manage!
He seemed to have an innate brilliance!
His understanding of artifact forging was astonishingly quick!
In just a month, she felt as if he were stepping on her head and surpassing her...
Of course, he was fast!
Zheng Fa not only took the opportunity to attend seminars in Jiushan Realm while going down the mountain for supplies, but he also had the Creation Jade Tablet—his two esteemed mentors, Old Han and Madam Xuanhua, could still teach him remotely.
On top of that, he had the True Fire of the Great Sun.
To be honest, the talent Zheng Fa displayed now would likely be considered a miracle even at Haori Mountain.
Even Elder Jiu was taken aback.
"Everything else has been learned, but this disciple hasn't seen the 'Xuantian Qidian,' oh, and the secret methods of Elder Ba..."
Zheng Fa had learned most of the ordinary artifact forging methods of Chongxuan Sect.
While he couldn't claim to be an expert, at least he had accumulated knowledge that he could explore further in the future.
But the "Xuantian Qidian" was different; it was the secret method of the sect's leader, the foundation of their establishment.
Hearing about it made him itch with curiosity. Plus, he had become familiar with his seemingly generous master over these days and knew she wasn't an easily angered person. Since they were just chatting, he spoke up candidly.
"This matter isn't so simple..." Elder Jiu's expression turned troubled as she looked at Zheng Fa, her tone tinged with reproach. "This is a secret passed down by the sect leader; I don't even know it myself."
Her tone didn't imply any blame toward Zheng Fa.
Over these days, Zheng Fa had been solely focused on artifact forging, hardly lingering around Chongxuan Sect.
She had grown accustomed to his "obsession" with the craft.
Zheng Fa felt no disappointment; it was merely a casual conversation that had touched upon this topic, which wasn't of great importance to him.
However, Elder Jiu nodded slightly, murmuring to herself:
"I really don't have much else to teach you..."
Just as she sighed, a disciple walked in from outside and cupped his hands, saying, "The sect leader summons the elder and Brother Li."
Zheng Fa exchanged glances with Elder Jiu, both guessing the reason, and hurried toward the sect leader's cave.
Waiting for them inside the cave was not only the sect leader but also a plump old man, who scrutinized Zheng Fa as he entered with Elder Jiu.
Zheng Fa recognized this man.
He was the former Grand Elder of Chongxuan Sect, now the Eighth Elder, and an old enemy of Madam Xuanhua.
As soon as Zheng Fa stepped in, the man frowned at him, seemingly displeased. "Biqia, how could you be so inconsiderate? Just for this one Golden Core disciple, you need to disturb several Transformation Masters?"
His words were clearly directed at Zheng Fa and Elder Jiu.
Elder Jiu frowned as well. "What does this have to do with Elder Ba?"
"What does it have to do with me? Don't you know we need to serve the seven Transformation Masters well? We absolutely cannot create unnecessary trouble..."
"Displeased?" Elder Jiu said coldly, "What about my Chongxuan Sect?"
"Now, what part of Chongxuan Sect can we control?"
"Elder Ba, if you still want to consider yourself a part of Chongxuan Sect, you needn't say more!"
Upon hearing this, Elder Ba, whether out of anger or shame, pointed at Elder Jiu and shouted, "You!"
He glared at Elder Jiu, furious. "If you offend the Masters, don't expect me to plead for you!"
Zheng Fa listened, feeling a sense of clarity.
It seemed that this Elder Ba had likely become a sycophant to the Transformation Masters at the mountain peak.
...He had seen such people in his childhood, akin to the watchdogs of wealthy families:
Before the person even spoke, the dog would start barking.
And his seemingly generous master was a local faction?
In terms of the situation and cultivation level, his master was certainly at a disadvantage.
Yet the sect leader of Chongxuan Sect... seemed to be wavering.
At this moment, the sect leader spoke up: "The Transformation Master from Haori Mountain has shown us mercy and allowed us to visit the peak. Biqia, take your disciple with you."
Upon hearing this, Elder Jiu was delighted, and Elder Ba dared not say anything further.
Zheng Fa followed the three Yuanying elders up the mountain. The sect leader bowed respectfully, and the mist before them swirled gently, revealing a path.
After walking for a while, the mist around them dissipated, and the scene ahead became clear once more.
What lay before Zheng Fa left him momentarily stunned.
After discovering the Divine Fire Mountain's anomaly, Sister Zhang had researched a lot and learned that the mountain was originally quite steep.
But now, the peak of Divine Fire Mountain was gone!
Before Zheng Fa and the others was a massive volcanic crater.
Seven Transformation Masters floated in the void, continuously casting spells toward the crater.
Zheng Fa sensed that the energies of the seven were subtly interconnected, resembling the formation of an immortal array.
Looking at their positions, they seemed to form the pattern of the Big Dipper.
Clearly, this was a unique method of artifact forging.
As the four entered this space, the consciousness of the seven Transformation Masters swept over them, causing the three Yuanying elders to stiffen, clearly intimidated by the presence of the seven.
Zheng Fa, however, felt no fear.
The spiritual energy within him was now pure, derived from the "Fentian Dafa," and the changes in his consciousness, tested by Blood River Ancestor and Jiao Wujin, were not something a Transformation Master could easily discern.
With his strength backing him, even in disguise, he felt a sense of confidence.
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