Chapter 706
Now, Zheng Fa could almost be said to have activated the spiritual veins of the entire world.
If he could not cultivate any useful spiritual herbs for transforming spiritual roots, it would mean that the modern world lacked the necessary environment.
...
Zheng Fa was preparing to recruit people in the modern world, and in the Jiushan Realm, others were also helping him with the "recruitment."
In the secluded courtyard where Shi Nandang resided, the head of the Chongxuan Sect came uninvited. The two sat in the study, holding cups of fragrant tea, and remained silent for a long while.
After a while, the head of Chongxuan Sect finally spoke softly, "Immortal, this spiritual tea can be considered a unique treasure of Jiushan. The alliance leader is indeed not treating us poorly."
Shi Nandang lowered his gaze to the floating tea leaves in his cup and did not refute him. After a long pause, he replied lightly, "You call this alliance leader quite smoothly, yet you still regard me, a prisoner, as an immortal?"
"Immortal, you are a transformation stage cultivator," the head of Chongxuan Sect quickly replied. "Moreover, I believe you can see the alliance leader's intentions."
Of course, he could see it.
Zheng Fa had placed him here, partly to prevent him from contacting Haori Mountain and exposing the secrets of Jiushan Realm.
On the other hand, it was likely that he also had thoughts of subduing him and making him work for him.
This point was something that everyone in the Chongxuan Sect was well aware of.
"Immortal," the head of Chongxuan Sect urged, "I see that the alliance leader is eager for talent. He is willing to employ even the Qi training disciples of our Chongxuan Sect, let alone you..."
Shi Nandang suddenly looked up, interrupting him, "I am a transformation stage cultivator of Haori Mountain. One step away, I am of the direct lineage of the Lu clan, which is far more useful, isn't it?"
The head of Chongxuan Sect nodded, "Exactly. In the alliance leader's heart, you alone are worth more than ten Chongxuan Sects combined."
Hearing this, Shi Nandang felt a surge of pride. He did not think the head of Chongxuan Sect was flattering him.
Not to mention the issue of cultivation, he knew that while there were not many transformation stage cultivators in Jiushan Sect, they were not lacking either.
But he had more than just cultivation; Haori Mountain was the foremost sect in refining tools, with countless secret techniques and artifacts.
As the head of Chongxuan Sect had said, in terms of the accumulation of refining techniques, even ten Chongxuan Sects combined would likely not compare to him.
He felt a spark of inspiration and suddenly asked, "Did Zheng Fa send you to say this?"
The head of Chongxuan Sect opened his mouth, looking somewhat embarrassed.
...He was overthinking it.
Shi Nandang's face flushed slightly, and he snorted softly, "I had no idea you were so inclined towards Jiushan."
The head of Chongxuan Sect sighed and said sincerely, "Immortal, I truly feel for my kind. As fellow prisoners, if we don't unite and support each other, how can we survive?"
"Immortal, forgive my bluntness, but the speed at which Jiushan Sect's disciples are cultivating far exceeds our expectations. Right now, your transformation stage cultivation can still hold a place in Jiushan Realm, but if in the future..."
Shi Nandang listened, pursing his lips, unsure of what to say.
Seeing his silence, the head of Chongxuan Sect seemed anxious, "Last time, I saw you clearly..."
Shi Nandang's expression darkened slightly as he shot him a glance and slowly shook his head, "As a disciple of Haori Mountain, I am different from you."
"How are you different?"
"I practice the fundamental great method of Haori Mountain, the 'Chixiao Yuce'..."
The head of Chongxuan Sect was taken aback, not expecting Shi Nandang to worry about this: "Immortal, didn't the alliance leader also practice the 'Chixiao Yuce' back in the day?"
"..."
Shi Nandang's expression shifted, and then he heard the head of Chongxuan Sect say, "I heard from Madam Xuanhua that the alliance leader has the ability to alter others' foundations."
Upon hearing this, Shi Nandang's eyes widened as he looked at the head of Chongxuan Sect.
The head of Chongxuan Sect nodded earnestly, urging, "Immortal, think about it. The alliance leader has slain Luo Sanxian, and even Haori Mountain does not dare to retaliate."
"Even the Taishang Dao has taken the initiative to form an alliance."
"If you wish to leave Jiushan Realm in the future... it may be a long wait."
Shi Nandang's expression grew increasingly serious.
"And the alliance leader clearly still has use for you. In the future, we may not be unable to achieve something in Jiushan Realm."
It was evident that the head of Chongxuan Sect was eager to persuade Shi Nandang.
Shi Nandang understood that the head of Chongxuan Sect wanted to establish a merit by convincing him.
On the other hand, as he himself had said... their relationship was not ordinary, and in the future, they could support each other in Jiushan Sect.
His expression hesitated, and he finally voiced his greatest concern: "You make some valid points, but Zheng Fa's use of me is certainly not just for refining techniques; it is likely because of my identity in Haori Mountain..."
The head of Chongxuan Sect paused, as if he understood, and suddenly realized, "The Dark Chamber?"
Shi Nandang silently nodded.
Now, the head of Chongxuan Sect found the matter somewhat tricky: "This is indeed dangerous..."
Shi Nandang's expression also turned somewhat bitter.
He had hesitated about whether to ally with Zheng Fa, and after returning and pondering it, he had come to this realization.
Zheng Fa had relied on this tactic to seize the Xianjian. If he were to do it again, what could he take from Haori Mountain... Shi Nandang dared not even think about it.
Now that Haori Mountain and Jiushan Sect were at odds, he was Zheng Fa, and he would have the same thoughts.
Looking at it now, if he did not surrender, there would naturally be no way to escape Jiushan Realm.
But what if Zheng Fa wanted him to return to Haori Mountain as part of the Dark Chamber... that would be a matter of life and death. How could Shi Nandang not hesitate?
It would be better to stay in Jiushan Realm, living a life of obscurity, and wait until Zheng Fa truly wanted to kill him before making a decision.
The head of Chongxuan Sect also knew this was indeed difficult to decide, so he stood up and said, "Immortal, there is something I must say."
"Mm?"
"Immortal, you consider yourself a member of the Lu clan..." The head of Chongxuan Sect paused, his tone quite meaningful, "But your surname is Shi."
Before Shi Nandang could respond, the head of Chongxuan Sect cupped his hands and took his leave, leaving Shi Nandang sitting in his chair, lost in thought for a long time.
...
Two days later, the head of Chongxuan Sect hurriedly returned.
"Immortal, the alliance leader said he wants to upgrade the major factories in Jiushan Realm," he said urgently to Shi Nandang. "Recently, the Tiangong Pavilion has been working on technical breakthroughs."
"They say that if there is a breakthrough, they can earn merit, and even my Chongxuan Sect disciples can participate."
"Moreover, after achieving merit, they can even be promoted."
Shi Nandang felt a flicker of interest upon hearing this.
He hailed from Haori Mountain, and his skills in refining were actually superior to those of the Yuanying cultivators in the Baixian Alliance; otherwise, he wouldn't have been sent by Haori Mountain to oversee the Tiandi Shen Sha formation.
"Technical breakthroughs?"
"Oh, it means inviting everyone to collaboratively improve a refining technique, showcasing their strengths," the head of Chongxuan Sect explained. "I see the alliance leader is someone who values talent. If you achieve great merit, perhaps the alliance leader will cherish your abilities... Just think, the two transformation stage cultivators from the Great Freedom Demon Sect are doing quite well in Jiushan Realm now."
Shi Nandang stood up, his expression filled with excitement.
Right!
If he became a master of refining in Jiushan Realm, Zheng Fa might not want to let him return to Haori Mountain to risk his life!
If he could sell his techniques, who would want to sell their life?
Shi Nandang paced back and forth in the room, growing more and more exhilarated.
"Why not, Immortal, you go find the alliance leader..."
"No..." Shi Nandang suddenly stopped in his tracks, a hint of self-satisfaction curling at the corners of his mouth. "Let’s wait."
"Wait?"
"The path of refining is vast and profound," Shi Nandang said softly. "It would be better to let Jiushan Sect explore on their own first. It would be best if they encounter some difficulties; then I can seek out Zheng Fa, and that way, my value will be even more apparent!"
...
Shi Nandang held back for two months, but the head of Chongxuan Sect did not come again.
He inquired with the Chongxuan disciples in the courtyard and learned that the Tiangong Pavilion was busy, and the Chongxuan Sect was currently stretched thin, naturally having no time to seek him out.
Shi Nandang guessed that the technical transformation at the Tiangong Pavilion was not going smoothly, so he waited another two months before tidying up his attire and heading straight to Zheng Fa's residence.
Zheng Fa was in the courtyard talking to Sister Zhang about something. When he saw Shi Nandang arrive, he looked at him with curiosity.
"Alliance Leader Zheng, I heard that the Tiangong Pavilion is currently in need of refining cultivators," Shi Nandang said, cupping his hands. "I have been studying the path of refining for tens of thousands of years in Haori Mountain and believe I have some insights. I am willing to lend a hand to the alliance leader."
He slightly emphasized the words "Haori Mountain."
Zheng Fa looked at him for a long time, then exchanged a glance with Sister Zhang before standing up and saying to Shi Nandang, "The refining techniques of Haori Mountain are renowned throughout the world. I have long heard of them. If you are willing to help, that would be excellent."
Shi Nandang's heart swelled with joy; clearly, Zheng Fa truly valued the refining techniques of Haori Mountain.
He was also looking forward to the skills in the hands of this transformation stage cultivator.
Zheng Fa seemed to have thought of something.
"By the way, Madam Xuanhua just sent word that the flying sword factory has recently been completed. How about I take you to have a look?"
Shi Nandang had no objections.
With Zheng Fa and Sister Zhang leading the way, Shi Nandang fell half a step behind as they headed towards the Gongkai Island.
Along the way, Zheng Fa continued to introduce, "This flying sword factory is designed to produce the first generation of standard flying swords in Jiushan—Lingxiao Sword."
"Standard flying sword?" The term sounded unfamiliar to Shi Nandang, prompting him to ask, "What does that mean?"
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