I Studied Abroad in the Modern Times-Chapter 304Book 2: : Industrial Planning, Yuying’s Aspiration!

Book 2: Chapter 304: Industrial Planning, Yuying’s Aspiration!

Vol 2 Chapter 304: Industrial Planning, Yuying’s Aspiration!

Zheng Fa had no idea how Gu Chang had misunderstood his words...

In truth, he found the issue of spiritual roots to be a real headache—if they wanted to cultivate more powerful disciples, spiritual roots were an unavoidable problem.

What’s more, the current societal structure of the Xuanyi Realm, which made Zheng Fa deeply uncomfortable, was itself built on the harsh realities of spiritual root classifications.

If he really wanted Jiushan Sect to be fundamentally different from other sects in the Xuanyi Realm, then fully understanding spiritual roots was essential.

But at present, Zheng Fa couldn’t spare the time for that.

Right now, Jiushan Sect’s biggest contradiction wasn’t a lack of talent—but a shortage of resources.

He had just finished organizing the latest issue of Xiandao, and with a file in hand, headed toward Ten Thousand Immortals Island.

Instead of going home, Zheng Fa flew to the western side of the island.

In the northwest corner of Ten Thousand Immortals Island was a small hundred-zhang-high mountain. Halfway up the slope were two adjacent courtyards.

The one on the left was where Madam Xuanhua lived. The one on the right belonged to Xiao Yuying.

Zheng Fa walked toward the left courtyard. He didn’t hide his spiritual presence, and as soon as he reached the gate, it opened.

Madam Xuanhua stood at the doorway.

To Zheng Fa’s surprise, Xiao Yuying was also in Madam Xuanhua’s residence, standing just behind her.

Perhaps noticing the confused look on his face, Xiao Yuying glanced at Zheng Fa, then at Madam Xuanhua, and sensibly said, “I just happened to have something to do—I’ll take my leave first…”

Zheng Fa was taken aback, then said, “Fairy Xiao, after I speak with Madam Xuanhua, I was planning to see you.”

Xiao Yuying paused mid-step, then seeing Zheng Fa nod at her, slowly walked back in.

The three entered Madam Xuanhua’s sitting room and each took a seat. Zheng Fa handed the file he brought to Madam Xuanhua.

“Heavenly Works Pavilion?” Madam Xuanhua glanced at it and said in surprise, “A new department under the Administrative Hall?”

Zheng Fa nodded.

“It’ll be parallel in rank to the Agricultural Division under Zhenren Qian.”

“The Agricultural Division manages Jiushan Realm’s farming.”

“Heavenly Works Pavilion will manage Jiushan Realm’s industry in the future.”

By now, Jiushan Realm’s agriculture had a solid foundation. In Zheng Fa’s vision, the next step was industrialization.

On one hand, it would allow him to fully leverage his unique advantage—modern knowledge.

On the other hand, in Zheng Fa’s understanding, industrialization was the only realistic way to solve Jiushan Sect’s shallow resource base.

If they followed the traditional path of sect development, they would never be able to produce the needed resources in a short amount of time.

“Industry?” Madam Xuanhua frowned and muttered.

She looked through the thin file. After a moment, she looked up and asked, “According to this document, alchemy, talisman crafting, and artifact forging are all considered industrial sectors?” ṙ𝐚ＮóВËS̈

Zheng Fa smiled.

“Exactly. I’ve divided production into two parts—agriculture and industry.”

“In the future, industrial production will become the dominant force in Jiushan Realm’s economy.”

Madam Xuanhua sat stunned for a while, seemingly unsure what to say. After a long pause, she murmured, “Why not leave this to the three Supreme Elders?”

Zheng Fa immediately understood her hesitation.

Heavenly Works Pavilion was such an important department. Naturally, its head would hold considerable power.

She probably felt uneasy about being chosen—after all, she was still an outsider to the sect, and may have even suspected this was a trap...

Looking into Madam Xuanhua’s eyes, Zheng Fa said plainly:

“Madam, you’re the most suitable person.”

She didn’t speak, but her gaze brightened.

“In terms of ability, you’re the best artifact forger in Jiushan Realm.”

In Zheng Fa’s view, while alchemy and talismans had their connections to industry, artifact forging aligned most closely with industrial logic.

“In terms of contribution, you participated in both the Golden Core Project and the Jiushan Golden Core Method—you’ve made enormous contributions to Jiushan Sect.”

That was undeniable.

While she couldn’t claim sole credit for those two initiatives, she had been one of the most important contributors.

Take Old Yuan, for example—his contributions probably didn’t surpass Madam Xuanhua’s.

Her eyes grew even brighter.

“To be honest, Jiushan Sect is currently understaffed.”

Zheng Fa raised five fingers and said:

“I oversee University Island, focusing on education and research, and I still need time to cultivate.”

“Senior Sister Zhang manages the entire Administrative Hall—she’s already stretched thin.”

He folded down two fingers and continued, “As for the three Supreme Elders—Martial Uncle Pang is currently leading the Hundred Immortals Census. In the future, I plan to entrust all external communications with sects to him.”

Martial Uncle Pang was Zheng Fa’s intended chief diplomat.

This uncle was flexible, skilled in social interaction, and, more importantly, absolutely loyal to the sect. There was virtually no risk of him betraying sect interests.

He was a perfect fit.

“Martial Aunt Huang heads the Disciplinary Hall—she’s not suitable for other duties.”

Madam Xuanhua looked puzzled, but Zheng Fa explained:

“The Disciplinary Hall must remain impartial and above internal politics.”

“And besides, Martial Aunt Huang’s personality isn’t suited to this role.”

Martial Aunt Huang might be stern, but she wasn’t impartial. However, her loyalty to Senior Sister Zhang made her effectively neutral.

Under her command, the Disciplinary Hall had been running excellently.

“As for my master—he’s busy preparing for Soul Formation, and honestly, his personality is more suited to managing Jiushan News or directing stage plays.”

Old Yuan, well...

His biggest contribution as Sect Master was probably taking Zheng Fa in as his disciple.

Handing such an important department to him would be torture for both parties—Zheng Fa didn’t want a hands-off supervisor running the Heavenly Works Pavilion. He’d have no choice but to rebel against his master.

Better to leave the old man in charge of cultural affairs—he was a natural-born newsman!

Zheng Fa clenched his five fingers into a fist. Counted like this, Madam Xuanhua truly was the best fit for the job. 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

But she still hesitated.

“Madam, I believe Zhenren Qian has already proven that we in Jiushan Sect do not overly value background.”

Zheng Fa seemed to know exactly what she was thinking and added that last line.

Zhenren Qian...

Madam Xuanhua had heard about it—Zhenren Qian had made such significant contributions that Zheng Fa had allocated a large amount of resources to him.

One part was the reward of various Golden Core-grade spiritual items.

Another was the Golden Core Project team conducting special experiments just for Zhenren Qian to help him condense a high-grade Golden Core.

Now Zhenren Qian was simply waiting for his spiritual power to accumulate, and then he’d break through in one go. You could say his chances of success were higher than most Core Disciple candidates from the Five Sects.

She also thought of the Hall of Esteemed Sages, where her statue and Zhenren Qian’s had already been erected.

Back then, Zhenren Qian hadn’t even developed the Tranquility Bamboo yet.

She herself had only just joined Jiushan Sect.

After a long silence, she finally stood up and respectfully cupped her hands toward Zheng Fa: “Xuanhua, obeys the Sect Master’s order.”

Xiao Yuying, who had been listening quietly to the side, was visibly moved.

She understood her friend well—Madam Xuanhua, as a rogue cultivator, had always carried deep suspicion and wariness in her bones. Rogue cultivators often suffered exploitation by major sects.

Moreover, Madam Xuanhua hadn’t been born as a Nascent Soul cultivator. She had struggled through countless hardships along the way.

Her past experiences had carved words like “distrust sects,” “cautious and suspicious,” and “only loves spirit stones” deep into her core.

That’s why her first reaction upon seeing the appointment had been to retreat.

But from what Xiao Yuying had observed, after spending so much time together, Madam Xuanhua now called Zheng Fa “Sect Master” more sincerely with each passing day.

And now, in just a few words, Xiao Yuying heard in her tone a readiness to give everything for him.

Zheng Fa nodded in satisfaction and pointed at the seat: “Let’s sit and talk.”

Madam Xuanhua sat back down. Zheng Fa opened the file on the table again and carefully began explaining:

“Heavenly Works Pavilion is a central department in the first fifty-year plan. There are some things I need to make absolutely clear with you.”

Madam Xuanhua was already stepping into the role, listening with intense focus.

“Madam…”