I Studied Abroad in the Modern Times-Chapter 346Book 2: : Sectarian Schemes, Righteous Origins

Book 2: Chapter 346: Sectarian Schemes, Righteous Origins

Vol 2 Chapter 346: Sectarian Schemes, Righteous Origins

A Nascent Soul cultivator laughed and said, "Zhenren speaks truly, how would Zheng Fa dare come here?"

"Your grandfather is here!"

Shi Nandang and the other six's hearty laughter echoed through the mountain cavern as the underground fires flickered, waves of heat rolling through the space. Amidst this, Zheng Fa inwardly sneered.

Zheng Fa's infiltration this time was extremely covert. First, his "Heavenly and Earthly Fiend Transformations" had reached minor mastery. Second, the Heaven and Earth Divine Fiend Array still contained his backdoor access.

Transformed into a gentle breeze, he drifted through the air, floating right before their eyes—yet these seven remained completely oblivious.

The seven Nascent Souls currently laughing heartily actually had their lives completely in his grasp.

However, he hadn't come to kill, but for the "Vermilion Heaven Jade Manual."

The value of Yang Spirit techniques far exceeded Zheng Fa's expectations, naturally stirring his desire. Within Xuanyi Realm, only five sects possessed Yang Spirit techniques... excluding the outlier Tianhe Sect.

Currently, within Hundred Immortals Alliance territory, a complete Yang Spirit technique inheritance existed atop Divine Fire Mountain.

His covert ascent was precisely to explore possibilities for obtaining the "Vermilion Heaven Jade Manual."

Seeing the seven completely unaware of him, he simply dove into the volcanic crater, flying toward the Trapping Immortal Sword.

The tunnel was filled with scorching waves that continuously pushed against his form. Zheng Fa channeled qi downward, parting the viscous magma.

The Trapping Immortal Sword's pitch-black blade tumbled amidst the mountain fires.

As Zheng Fa attempted to advance further, the sword seemed more perceptive than Shi Nandang's group. Sensing Zheng Fa's presence, its blade suddenly pointed toward the tunnel entrance, thrusting directly at him.

"The Trapping Immortal Sword is acting strangely!" Outside the mountain chamber, Shi Nandang's laughter cut off abruptly as he shouted, "Attack!"

The other six Nascent Souls joined him in casting spells. Seven stars in the night sky brightened from the Milky Way, their vast stellar power hammering toward the Trapping Immortal Sword fleeing the volcanic crater.

Countless spirit stones embedded in the crater walls lit up, beams of light crisscrossing like a net, dragging the sword back toward the underground fires.

Only after a full half-hour was the restless Trapping Immortal Sword finally subdued by Shi Nandang's group.

"That was nearly disastrous..." One Nascent Soul wiped his forehead, expression uneasy. "If the Trapping Immortal Sword had escaped, we'd never be able to answer for the consequences."

No, you all were saved by that thing.

For the "Vermilion Heaven Jade Manual," Zheng Fa had even considered drastic measures—the most direct method being leveraging his control over the grand array to capture Shi Nandang for interrogation.

But the repercussions would be severe.

As the current overseer of Haori Mountain, Shi Nandang likely possessed life-preservation methods.

Haori Mountain probably didn't underestimate Zheng Fa and likely had some means to monitor his safety.

If captured, Haori Mountain might immediately realize something had happened at Zhongxuan Sect, nullifying their current "exchange."

Haori Mountain would certainly have other methods to deal with Hundred Immortals Alliance.

This was the first undesirable outcome.

The second problem was more serious:

From what just occurred, the Heaven and Earth Divine Fiend Array couldn't fully control the Trapping Immortal Sword, let alone refine it.

Currently extremely volatile, if it broke free, it would be like dropping an unstable bomb in Hundred Immortals Alliance territory.

Moreover, if Shi Nandang proved fearless, even Jiushan Sect couldn't extract the "Vermilion Heaven Jade Manual" from him.

After this probe, Zheng Fa was almost certain the risks of forcing the issue far outweighed the potential gains.

Still shaken, Shi Nandang's expression remained unpleasant as he coldly addressed the other six:

"Investigate! This is the second incident with the Trapping Immortal Sword. If this treasure is compromised... my position will be difficult, but you'll have nowhere to bury your corpses!"

s

The other six could no longer laugh, faces pale or green with fright, expressions utterly miserable, only able to meekly comply.

...Was the status gap between Haori Mountain's true disciples and others really this vast?

Watching this, Zheng Fa grew more perplexed. Of course some disparity between true disciples and others was normal—Zhenren Tongming and Cheng Kong were similar.

But Shi Nandang treated these six like household servants, barking orders while they groveled as if accustomed to it.

That crossed a line.

He hadn't noticed this dynamic before—perhaps Shi Nandang maintained appearances around outsiders, but with only seven Nascent Souls present atop the mountain, he dropped all pretense.

"We understand," a gaunt elder among the six forced a smile, expression reverent. "Not only is this a sect priority, but the Celestial Immortal also told us that killing Zheng Fa would grant us entry under the Three Saints' tutelage and access to sacred techniques. How could we not be diligent?"

"But this Trapping Immortal Sword is temperamental and vicious—we truly don't know what caused this disturbance."

Shi Nandang exhaled softly, as if calming his fear and anger, saying, "As long as you understand. The Sacred Ancestor stated that true disciple Nascent Soul techniques will have lowered thresholds in the future. But you must achieve merits and join our clan to receive the inheritance!"

This statement carried significant implications.

Zheng Fa knew Haori Mountain's three Dao Fruit cultivators widely disseminated true disciple techniques—after all, their power partially derived from the number cultivating their methods.

The five sects would inevitably open their inheritances.

But according to Shi Nandang, the threshold wasn't low. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

What did "joining the clan" entail?

The title "Sacred Ancestor"... sounded uncomfortably familiar.

Zheng Fa realized his understanding of Haori Mountain remained sorely lacking.

One thing was certain—only Shi Nandang atop Divine Fire Mountain likely possessed the complete "Vermilion Heaven Jade Manual" inheritance.

"Yes! Yes!" The gaunt elder fawned with a smile. "The Celestial Immortal is merciful, and you, Zhenren, are generous—even bestowing the 'Vermilion Heaven Jade Manual' upon Zhongxuan Sect's insignificant Bi Xia Elder... and that Li Hao?"

"Feeling resentful?" Shi Nandang sneered. "Bi Xia only received techniques up to Nascent Soul level. With her aptitude, obtaining further methods is nearly impossible."

"As for Li Hao... without some incentive, would he have worked so diligently to seize those Jiushan Sect artifacts and pills?"

"How else could we account to the sect?"

The gaunt elder blinked blankly. "Zhenren, didn't you value his potential?"

"His potential is decent, but he's from an external sect and only at Golden Core stage." Shi Nandang shook his head with a light laugh. "Who knows how many years before he could join the Sacred Ancestor's lineage."

"Without clan membership, how could he advance within the sect?"

"Could the current Xuanyi situation wait for him?"

......

In Jiushan Realm, Zheng Fa hurried into Heavenly Palace Island's main hall, asking Senior Sister Zhang: "Has Elder Han returned?"

Senior Sister Zhang nodded slightly, eyes questioning.

"I'll explain after Elder Han arrives. By the way, where is Fairy Xiao's archaeological team now?"

Senior Sister Zhang looked even more puzzled, but Zheng Fa lowered his head, consulting the Creation Jade Slate as if communicating with someone.

"What's the emergency? Did something happen at Tianhe Sect?"

Elder Han rushed into the hall.

Senior Sister Zhang shook her head, indicating she didn't know either.

Elder Han looked at Zheng Fa, who finally refocused. Seeing Elder Han's anxious expression, he apologized: "Tianhe Sect is fine. I have some questions about Haori Mountain for you, Elder Han."

"Haori Mountain? What about it?"

"Are Haori Mountain's Three Saints transmitting techniques through familial lineages?"

Senior Sister Zhang's eyes widened in surprise.

Elder Han nodded slightly, smiling at her reaction:

"Familial in name, but not strictly blood relations."

Senior Sister Zhang grew even more confused.

"Haori Mountain has Lu, Yun, and Yang Three Saints, hence the Lu, Yun, and Yang great clans. But these clans aren't bloodlines—most members are actually master-disciple lineages."

Hearing this, Zheng Fa's expression cleared further, while Senior Sister Zhang asked: "Master-disciple lineages?"

"Precisely. More accurately, it's surname bestowal. The three clans' main branches would recruit exceptionally talented disciples in Haori Mountain. If these disciples proved outstanding, achieving great merits or cultivation, they'd be granted the Lu, Yun, or Yang surnames."

"Those receiving surnames were treated as clan members. They typically contributed significantly to their clans, bolstering foundations while ensuring talented successors."

"Thus, for hundreds of millennia, the three clans maintained control over Haori Mountain. So-called true disciples all belong to these clans."

Senior Sister Zhang finally understood.

"Then... what about non-clan cultivators at Haori Mountain?"

Elder Han chuckled with some derision: "With the three clans' dominance, others can only attach themselves as subordinates."

Zheng Fa sighed inwardly, now understanding Shi Nandang's vast status gap with those six Nascent Souls.

Haori Mountain's three clans' methods only strengthened their position, but the mountain's resources were finite.

How could other cultivators not feel oppressed?

This model posed a major issue in the modern world—exceptionally talented individuals could usurp positions.

But with Dao Fruit cultivators' control, the three clans faced no such concerns.

Objectively, Haori Mountain's system offered more upward mobility than demonic sects.

"What about Shi Nandang?"

"He originates from the Lu Clan, a disciple of a main branch member. I heard... if he achieves great merits this time, he'll receive the Lu surname."

Zheng Fa nodded slowly:

"Fairy Xie mentioned the same."

"You were communicating with Xie Qingxue just now?"

"Yes. I asked whether Haori Mountain's Dao Fruit cultivators were opening true disciple techniques, and if so, who could inherit them."

Senior Sister Zhang realized: "You were inquiring about Sect Master Yan."

"Indeed. He'd know more about such matters."

Zheng Fa glanced at Elder Han—the old man's ears were sharp, but he couldn't approach Nascent Soul cultivators too closely, limiting access to high-level intelligence.

"What did Sect Master Yan say?"

"Sect Master Yan said," Zheng Fa's expression turned odd, "it seems Haori Mountain's Three Saints intend to open Dao Fruit inheritances, but... the three clans appear resistant."

"Oh?"

"The current situation is: the clans lowered entry thresholds, but without joining them, one still can't obtain complete Haori Mountain true disciple techniques."

Senior Sister Zhang looked shocked, murmuring: "They resisted Dao Fruit will... and succeeded?"

"Likely not outright defiance but passive resistance. Perhaps the Three Saints had to consider their clansmen or insufficient resources, hence this compromise..."

"Even so, those clan cultivators are remarkably bold."

Zheng Fa also nodded.

This was his first time hearing of cultivators opposing Dao Fruit wills.

Spreading Dao Fruit techniques benefited Dao Fruit cultivators but disadvantaged clan members, potentially disrupting Haori Mountain's long-standing power structure.

Their privileged status originally depended on these very techniques.

Yet unexpectedly, they withstood Dao Fruit pressure.

Were sectarian interests worth risking their lives?

Contemplating this, Zheng Fa grew increasingly certain: Hundred Immortals Alliance couldn't tolerate such formidable entities.

Setting aside thoughts about Hundred Immortals Alliance's future, Zheng Fa continued:

"Currently, obtaining the 'Vermilion Heaven Jade Manual' requires approaching the three clans."

"With my displayed cultivation talent at Zhongxuan Sect, I can't impress Shi Nandang enough..."

"Let alone join a clan."

According to Elder Han, joining a clan for true disciple techniques required apprenticing under a main branch member—something Shi Nandang himself likely couldn't offer now.

Judging from those six Nascent Souls' behavior, the process wasn't straightforward either.

"You plan to 'advance' to Nascent Soul?" Senior Sister Zhang seemed to grasp Zheng Fa's intent.

"Li Hao needs to become a Nascent Soul cultivator, but that's not all."

Zheng Fa looked outside where a portal appeared on Heavenly Palace Island. Xiao Yuying led her archaeological team into Jiushan Realm, bewildered.

"An emergency?"

She asked Zheng Fa.

But he ignored her, instead gazing expectantly at the confused Mu Qingyan behind her: "Didn't you mention Hundred Immortals Alliance has some Haori Mountain cultivators' abandoned caves?"

Mu Qingyan nodded obediently.

"Do you know if any were surnamed Yang, Yun, or Lu?"

Xiao Yuying remained perplexed, clearly unaware why Zheng Fa asked this.

Senior Sister Zhang and Elder Han exchanged glances, staring at Zheng Fa with dropped jaws.

......

Over six months later, rainbow light suddenly shot from a Hundred Immortals Alliance valley. Clouds shimmered with radiant hues as spiritual energy surged along the mountainside.

Dozens of nearby cultivators noticed this spectacle, riding clouds toward the valley.

"A treasure emergence?"

Someone excitedly asked.

"Looks like a secret realm!"

Hearing this, several streaks of light immediately shot toward the valley.

Others, unable to resist greed and fearing missing out, quickly followed.

The first arrivals barely crossed the mountain ridge when they scrambled back in terror, shouting:

"Nascent Soul tribulation!"

"Someone's undergoing Nascent Soul tribulation!"

Hearing this, the trailing cultivators immediately reversed course.

Not only would Nascent Soul tribulation's power kill them instantly—a Nascent Soul cultivator in that valley was even more terrifying!

Dark thunderclouds gathered above the valley.

Golden tribulation lightning rained down from the black clouds.

Amidst deafening thunderclaps, vegetation withered and rocks flew wildly.

"That lightning power—definitely Nascent Soul tribulation!"

The cultivators watched from afar, expressions mixing envy with concealed avarice.

To their disappointment, half a month later when the thunderclouds dissipated, and two days after that, a radiant figure slowly rose from the valley.

This cultivator had even easily overcome the heart demon tribulation.

The Nascent Soul glowed golden, illuminating the mountain walls splendidly.

Glancing back at the valley, he proclaimed:

"Zhongxuan Sect's Li Hao has attained Nascent Soul today!"

Seeming cautious, he quickly departed.

The remaining cultivators still lingered nearby.

"Li Hao? Another Nascent Soul for Zhongxuan Sect?"

"I've heard of him—he seized many Hundred Immortals Alliance spirit tools... now Nascent Soul already."

"No wonder he fled—afraid Jiushan Sect would capture him."

Chatting animatedly, they curiously flew toward the valley.

"A secret realm! No wonder Li Hao achieved Nascent Soul!"

"This... isn't this Haori Mountain's symbol?"

......

Atop Divine Fire Mountain, Shi Nandang suddenly frowned, asking a nearby Nascent Soul: "Why such commotion below?"

The Nascent Soul listened carefully, eyes widening in surprise: "They're saying... Li Hao formed his Nascent Soul?"

Shi Nandang froze, even pausing his hand seals to listen before murmuring puzzledly: "It's true?"

Flicking a finger, he sent a message talisman downhill.

Half an incense stick's time later, Zhongxuan Sect's leader arrived with two elders.

"Li Hao reached Nascent Soul?"

He directly asked.

Zhongxuan Sect's leader smiled: "Reporting to Zhenren, external messages confirm Li Hao's Nascent Soul formation."

"So quickly? Wasn't Li Hao previously unremarkable in your sect?" Unexpectedly displeased, Shi Nandang frowned. "Is there anything suspicious about him?"

"...Suspicious?"

The sect leader hesitated, glancing at the Ninth Elder.

The Ninth Elder bowed:

"Li Hao sent a message talisman—he encountered a secret realm by chance and luckily achieved Nascent Soul."

"Secret realm?" Shi Nandang's expression eased slightly, a faint smile appearing. "That explains it. This Li Hao has some fortune."

Mentioning "fortune," his face suddenly turned solemn, murmuring:

"The Sacred Ancestor said Xuanyi approaches transformation—a time for dragons and serpents to arise. Previously mediocre, now Li Hao soars..."

His voice gradually faded.

But everyone atop the mountain exchanged horrified glances, a legend surfacing in their minds:

A person of great fortune!

Though such tales seemed absurd, history recorded cultivators encountering endless serendipity—like heaven's favored children—rapidly rising to prominence.

Recently, whispers circulated that Zheng Fa was such a person.

Could Li Hao be...

"Not inferior to Zheng Fa... not inferior..." Shi Nandang murmured before suddenly looking up. "Where is Li Hao now?"

"He said he needs to consolidate cultivation and went into secluded meditation."

"When he returns, have him see me."

The Ninth Elder respectfully nodded.

Shi Nandang studied her deeply before adding: "Would Elder be willing to relinquish him?"

The group froze again.

Shi Nandang continued: "If I achieve sufficient merits to return to the mountain, I'll receive the Sacred Ancestor's surname. Li Hao's talent..."

Before the Ninth Elder could respond, the other six Nascent Souls exchanged meaningful glances, some envy toward Li Hao apparent.

Shi Zhenren wanted to take Li Hao as a disciple!

Then Li Hao would become a Three Clans disciple—higher status than even them.

Previously treating Li Hao as a mere tool, Shi Zhenren's attitude had completely changed.

Considering Li Hao's astonishing progress, they didn't know whom to envy more.

"Yes!"

After long silence, the Ninth Elder gritted her teeth in apparent reluctance.

"By the way, whose secret realm was it?"

"Li Hao said it belonged to a Haori Mountain senior."

Shi Nandang paused before laughing: "This youth shares affinity with our Haori Mountain!"

His tone overflowed with anticipation.

......

Ten-odd days later, Zheng Fa finally returned to Divine Fire Mountain.

Upon arrival, Zhongxuan Sect's leader immediately escorted him uphill.

The Ninth Elder followed silently behind, while the usually critical Eighth Elder smiled warmly at him.

"Li Hao..."

"Sect Leader?"

"After becoming Shi Zhenren's disciple, don't forget your Zhongxuan Sect origins."

The sect leader earnestly advised.

Zheng Fa pursed his lips, nodding slightly.

"Hurry! Accompany me uphill to meet Shi Zhenren. Mind your manners—don't miss this heaven-sent opportunity!"

"......"

The four ascended together, seven Nascent Souls' fourteen eyes fixed on Zheng Fa.

"Shi Zhenren, I've brought Li Hao for his apprenticeship!"

The sect leader smiled, glancing meaningfully at Zheng Fa as if urging him to seize this chance.

But Zheng Fa stood tall, ignoring the hint.

"......"

An awkward silence enveloped the mountaintop.

"Li Hao..."

The sect leader whispered urgently.

Suddenly Shi Nandang stood, his gaze locking onto a jade pendant at Zheng Fa's waist. After prolonged suspicious scrutiny confirming its origin, he quickly stepped forward, bowing respectfully:

"Greetings, Honored Granduncle!"

"......"

Hah! Your grandfather is here!