I Studied Abroad in the Modern Times-Chapter 309Book 2: : Immigration System, What Is That

Vol 2 Chapter 309: Immigration System, What Is That

It wasn’t just about Qingmu Sect—Zheng Fa intended to reform the Hundred Immortals Alliance system—or rather, to regulate the immigration system.

As it happened, Senior Sister Zhang had just returned from her mortal world inspection tour. She’d traveled around for a while—mainly to verify mundane resource data across the Jiushan Realm.

Zheng Fa simply pulled her in, along with Xiao Yuying and Madam Xuanhua, to discuss the matter.

"Technical immigration?" Senior Sister Zhang looked puzzled. "Like before, having the sects of the Hundred Immortals Alliance send over some disciples?"

"Not exactly." Zheng Fa spoke carefully, choosing his words as he thought, "This situation has shown us that our Jiushan Sect still lacks foundation—especially in the Immortal Cultivation Arts, pill refining, and artifact crafting.

The accumulation is far too meager. It might end up slowing our development pace."

"But if we make them send disciples, it may stir resentment within the Hundred Immortals Alliance. If we force it, I can’t even trust the people they send. And if it gets too intense, it might even cause unrest."

Although he’d figured out the relevant pill recipes, to be honest, there was still a long road from having a formula to refining the pill, and from that to testing efficacy.

Cultivators in the Xuanyi Realm might be fine with swallowing a pill right after refining it, but Zheng Fa wasn’t like that.

He couldn’t run human trials, but surely animal testing was necessary, right?

He wasn’t someone who would just eat anything.

For Jiushan Sect and Zheng Fa right now, time was truly life itself. Efficiency trumped all. There was no time to waste.

What’s more, the Jiushan Golden Core Method was directly tied to Zheng Fa’s formation of a Nascent Soul.

And Zheng Fa didn’t want to stir up turmoil within the Hundred Immortals Alliance either:

On one hand, a stable market was very important.

On the other hand, even though those sects didn’t seem like much now, it was only because Jiushan Sect had too much going on. They had no energy to spare for quelling rebellion.

Senior Sister Zhang and Xiao Yuying exchanged glances with Madam Xuanhua—clearly understanding, yet still a bit doubtful.

"So what do you plan to do?"

"I want to establish a comprehensive immigration system covering the entire Hundred Immortals Alliance—to attract skilled cultivators from their ranks to contribute to the development of Jiushan Sect."

Senior Sister Zhang immediately frowned. She looked at Zheng Fa and said, "That won’t be easy. This is their livelihood. The various sects won’t just give people up."

Madam Xuanhua also nodded from the side. As someone who made her living through artifact crafting, she understood these cultivators’ mindsets better than anyone—if someone tried to take her exclusive refining techniques, it’d be no different than asking for her life.

"This must be handled cautiously. A single misstep could incite chaos in the Hundred Immortals Alliance."

This time, it was rare that Senior Sister Zhang didn’t side with Zheng Fa. Instead, she tried to dissuade him.

The strength of those sects in the Hundred Immortals Alliance might not be much to Jiushan Sect, but the issue was, Jiushan Sect really didn’t have the capacity to deal with a conflict right now.

Zheng Fa glanced at her. Seeing her worried expression, he understood—she was afraid he’d make a rash decision under pressure.

Zheng Fa nodded at her. He didn’t take offense at her opposition, and explained instead, "That’s why, for now, I’m only looking to reform the Alliance’s system—not to enforce anything." ṚαɴƟBËs

"Reform how?"

Seeing he seemed to have truly thought things through, Senior Sister Zhang asked with curiosity.

"My previous thinking about the Hundred Immortals Alliance was to treat it as a commercial alliance—they provide the market and raw materials, and we provide protection."

Ultimately, Zheng Fa still didn’t quite trust the cultivators of the Alliance—he was always the cautious type, and he only trusted the inner circle nurtured within the Jiushan Realm.

"But now, who knows when something might change in the Xuanyi Realm? Jiushan Sect has to be more proactive."

Senior Sister Zhang and Xiao Yuying listened intently.

"Within the Hundred Immortals Alliance, we’ll select those sects or cultivators willing to share techniques and help us develop."

"……"

Madam Xuanhua’s expression turned odd. Her face practically said, Do such naive people even exist in this world?

As if sensing her reaction, Zheng Fa explained:

"Of course, they won’t get nothing out of it."

"First, they’ll get dividends from the profits their techniques generate."

Madam Xuanhua gave a subtle nod.

Others might not get it, but as a businesswoman, she understood.

At the end of the day, it was exchanging technology for market access.

He needed the technically skilled sects or cultivators in the Hundred Immortals Alliance to bring out their real techniques and form something akin to a joint venture with Jiushan Sect.

What Zheng Fa had to offer was the enormous market of the Alliance—especially now, with a developing trade network across the seas.

From her perspective, that was enough of a temptation.

"Second…" Zheng Fa thought for a bit, "Once they’ve made enough contributions, Jiushan Sect can allow them to enter the Jiushan Realm—to study, to live…"

Senior Sister Zhang’s expression shifted. Her tone turned wry: "Junior Brother, is this… a benefit package?"

Even the usually composed Xiao Yuying rolled her eyes.

You think the Jiushan Realm is a place people can just come and go as they please?

With a background as big as hers, even she had trouble getting out once she got in.

Zheng Fa only smiled, turning to Madam Xuanhua: "Let’s not talk about others—just you, Madam Xuanhua. Have you ever regretted joining Jiushan Sect?"

Madam Xuanhua opened her mouth, but was clearly a bit embarrassed—and stayed silent.

But that silence was the answer.

Even Xiao Yuying had to admit, compared to the outside world, the Jiushan Realm had a lot of advantages—greater access to immortal techniques, an increasingly rich supply of materials, a stable environment.

Maybe some cultivators who thrived on chaos didn’t like it.

But being honest with herself, the reason she’d stayed this long had nothing to do with fear of a Heart Demon Oath.

Right then, Zheng Fa changed the angle again: "Senior Sister, I think you’re underestimating yourself a little."

"Ah?"

Senior Sister Zhang blinked as she heard him say:

"Our Jiushan Sect—whether people want to admit it or not—now stands on equal footing with the Five Sects.

Saying someone’s joining Jiushan Sect might not sound that enticing… but what if it were a chance to join Taishang Dao, or Leiyin Temple?"

Senior Sister Zhang was stunned for a while, then smiled: "Jiushan Sect has grown so fast… I’m just not used to it yet."

Put the way Zheng Fa said it—it really did sound appealing.

Mainly because Jiushan Sect’s rise had happened in just a few years. Even Senior Sister Zhang hadn’t gotten used to their new standing.

Everyone present now understood Zheng Fa’s idea.

He was setting up a concentric circle structure:

The outermost sects or cultivators would act like commercial allies—enjoying Jiushan Sect’s protection.

The middle layer would be technical partners—able to share in certain profits.

And the innermost core would be those within the Jiushan Realm—receiving top-notch education resources and welfare systems.

"Fairy Xiao, you’ve seen a lot. What do you think of this idea?"

Zheng Fa turned to Advisor Xiao.

Xiao Yuying stayed quiet for a while, then actually said four words: "Way too devious…"

Senior Sister Zhang and Madam Xuanhua both looked confused—they clearly didn’t get the implication. But Zheng Fa smiled awkwardly, as though she had read his mind.

Seeing that, Xiao Yuying sighed: "I don’t know what the sect masters of the Alliance will choose, but I do know what those skilled, capable cultivators will choose…"

"After all, few people are truly loyal to their sects… and technical cooperation isn’t really betrayal, right?"

"Once all those talented cultivators start flocking into the Alliance—or begin working with Jiushan Sect and drifting apart from their sects… then those sects won’t be able to fight back."

Only now did Senior Sister Zhang fully understand.

She knew her junior brother never really trusted the Hundred Immortals Alliance—understandable, given Jiushan Sect’s past treatment at their hands.

But Jiushan Sect now lacked both time and manpower to unify the Alliance by force.

Military force was simple—but cleaning up afterward was a headache.

Of course, the biggest reason was: Jiushan Sect didn’t care about the number of cultivators.

What they really wanted was the accumulated knowledge and techniques from the Xuanyi Realm.

So her junior brother’s plan… was to strip the talented cultivators from each sect in the Hundred Immortals Alliance.

Just like Xiao Yuying said—not every genius is loyal to their sect.

And even the loyal ones—once they join Jiushan Sect’s dividend system and start taking spirit stones…

How much loyalty would they have left?

Over time, the fate of those sects was predictable.

“This matter… even if those sect masters understand what’s happening, I doubt they could do anything about it.”

Who would dare to stop cultivators of the Hundred Immortals Alliance from voting with their feet?

Just because Jiushan Sect wasn’t using its Dao Fruits, didn’t mean Jiushan Sect didn’t have Dao Fruits…

Zheng Fa actually felt that being called devious was pretty accurate…

When he’d studied the nation atop the mountain, he also thought it was quite devious—it looked fair and just, with no hint of force.

But in the future, those sects in the Hundred Immortals Alliance might no longer have the strength to resist Jiushan Sect.

Eventually, it would turn into a situation where the strong kept getting stronger, and the weak had no chance of turning things around.

So, Zheng Fa was at least "benevolent" enough to give those sects a chance: “I’ll send letters to each sect—they can choose to join the technical alliance as a sect.”

Hearing this, Senior Sister Zhang and the other two fell silent.

This so-called technical alliance market hadn’t even fully formed yet.

Expecting those sects to hand over their techniques now… was probably asking too much.

But it had to be said—compared to the future, any sect bold enough to take the leap today might actually be the one to seize the opportunity…

Thinking of Zheng Fa’s conversation with Zhao Jingfan, Xiao Yuying finally understood: “You’re aiming for Qingmu Sect?”

Zheng Fa nodded.

The reason for choosing Qingmu Sect was simple.

On one hand, they had enough accumulation in the Alchemy Path to offer real help to Jiushan Sect.

On the other hand, they were down on their luck—so broke they were practically pawning their pants.

Hardship breeds change, doesn’t it?

…

Several days later, Sect Master Song of Qingmu Sect gathered with his elders in the discussion hall.

They all frowned, faces dark, as they stared at the few message talismans in front of Sect Master Song.

“Technical alliance…” one elder snorted. “Sounds like they’re trying to get something for nothing.”

“Exactly. They talk about giving us dividends… but once we hand over our top techniques, how much we actually get will be up to them.”

“That Zheng Fa—he’s even greedier than Zhenren Tongming!”

At this point, another elder spoke worriedly: “If we refuse, will Zheng Fa lash out in anger?”

That remark brought a hush over the hall.

Clearly, they were all worried about that.

Otherwise, they’d have already sent a reply to reject the offer.

Sect Master Song shook his head and sighed. “Zheng Fa said in the letter—it’s all voluntary. Nothing will be forced.”

“……”

“Can we trust that?”

Clearly, none of them had much faith in Zheng Fa’s character—and neither did Sect Master Song.

Or rather, he knew that as a sect master, putting faith in someone else’s integrity was far too naive.

“Whether we believe it or not, we don’t need to agree right away. Let’s see what the others do.”

That elder added.

Which made sense.

Better not be the one who sticks out first.

The others…

Sect Master Song glanced at one of the message talismans, his gaze turning deep.

Those others were no small matter.

Even the sect master of Chongxuan Sect had sent a message—one filled with veiled resentment toward Jiushan Sect. Clearly, he too had issues with Zheng Fa’s recent outreach.

That was expected.

But what puzzled Sect Master Song was that the Chongxuan Sect Master even subtly hinted… that he wasn’t afraid of Jiushan Sect.

Though Chongxuan Sect was also one of the Nine Major Sects, it was only a Nascent Soul-level sect—what gave him that kind of confidence?

Unless… the Five Sects were involved.

At that thought, Sect Master Song’s heart tightened.

He had a bad feeling the Hundred Immortals Alliance was headed for increasing turmoil.

He just didn’t know whether Zheng Fa realized it.

And as for Qingmu Sect… how should they handle it?

…

He drifted in thought for a while, then finally knocked on the table and asked his elders:

“What’s the current state of our sect?”

At that question, all the elders forgot their anger. Their faces turned grim.

“The Fuyao Leaves and Everlasting Ivy in the Herb Garden… are almost all destroyed. The rest…”

Sect Master Song listened, his heart bleeding.

Qingmu Sect specialized in pill refining. The Herb Garden was their most important treasure trove. Now, doing the math—it seemed over ninety percent of their past accumulation was gone.

“Because of the shortage in herbs, our Market District has barely any traffic now…” another elder said gloomily. “Even if people came, we can’t fulfill the orders from other sects anymore.” 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

Sect Master Song’s expression grew darker by the minute.

With every report, his heart sank deeper.

He’d finally moved past the initial anger—but he still couldn’t accept how pitiful their sect’s situation had become.

Their foundation was technically still intact—they still had some skilled alchemists, didn’t they?

But the losses were simply too great.

Recovering to their former state would be hard—maybe even impossible, unless an opportunity came along.

He looked again at the message talisman from Jiushan Sect. Technical alliance. Dividends…

His mind worked through the implications. Then suddenly, he raised his head and called to the disciple outside the hall: “Bring Zhao Jingfan here.”

Zhao Jingfan?

The elders glanced at one another, baffled.

When Zhao Jingfan entered, he looked even more confused.

“Take a look at this message talisman.”

Sect Master Song handed him Zheng Fa’s letter. Zhao Jingfan read it—but still had no idea why he was summoned.

“What do you think—we should agree to it?”

The elders all paused. What kind of question was that?

Everyone knew about Zhao Jingfan’s relationship with Zheng Fa.

What other answer could he possibly give?

“Of course we should!”

Sure enough, Zhao Jingfan puffed out his chest and answered without a moment’s hesitation.

One of the elders looked like he wanted to say something, but Sect Master Song cut in again:

“Give me a reason.”

“I am the reason!”

“……”

The elders exchanged bewildered glances, staring at Zhao Jingfan, who then said bluntly:

“My mom always said I was dumb, didn’t have much talent, and my temper wasn’t great either…”

“……”

Sect Master Song listened in silence.

“But today, I still hold this position in the sect. Why is that?”

Why indeed?

The elders were momentarily stunned. Obviously, it was because of his close bond with Zheng Fa—the kind of connection that meant they still exchanged letters regularly.

Zhao Jingfan nodded. “Sect Master sees clearly. Without that relationship, what would I be worth?”

Sect Master Song twitched at the corner of his mouth. So you are aware of how some in the sect talk about you…

“Zheng Fa has never forgotten old bonds. I only treated him decently back in the day, and now I walk tall in the sect… Right now, Jiushan Sect is lacking in alchemy cultivators. If Qingmu Sect shows loyalty…”

The moment he said that, everyone’s faces changed.

Zhao Jingfan’s reasoning was far too real—too hard to refute.