[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-cultivation-i-studied-abroad-in-the-modern-world":3,"chapter-cultivation-i-studied-abroad-in-the-modern-world-cultivation-i-studied-abroad-in-the-modern-world-chapter-109":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Cultivation: I Studied Abroad in the Modern World",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2263835,4418,"Chapter 109","cultivation-i-studied-abroad-in-the-modern-world-chapter-109",109,"\u003Cp>Zheng Fa arrived at Zhang Shijie’s house early in the morning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do you want?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Zheng Fa come to seek her, Zhang Shijie’s expression was slightly puzzled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sister, I’ve reviewed the past account books—this marketplace’s income… has declined sharply lately.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Shijie thought for a moment, pointed to a chair beside her, and invited Zheng Fa to sit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When I first took over the Shuwuge , the marketplace brought in over two thousand spirit stones a month,” Zhang Shijie said bluntly. “But over the past century, both rent and transaction taxes have steadily dropped.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Fa was somewhat startled by this—such a steep decline was unexpected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This isn’t just a problem for our Jiushan Sect,” Zhang Shijie comforted him. “Just do your best.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She could tell he had come because he feared the income would keep falling after he took over, and he’d be blamed for it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She revealed her own shortcomings to reassure him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Fa fell silent for a moment, then spoke: “I’m not worried about that. I have an idea I’d like to ask your opinion on—whether it’s feasible.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“An idea?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Shijie glanced at Zheng Fa, then understood: “You feel your cultivation isn’t strong enough to command respect, so you want to make an impact through marketplace management?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Fa smiled. “You’ve seen right through me, Sister. Since I lack cultivation that commands respect, I can only rely on brains.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was unavoidable if he wanted to hold onto this position.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Either he had to dominate like Yuan Shijie—with a Golden Core cultivation base—or make the marketplace thrive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Shijie nodded, but her expression held little expectation—she clearly didn’t think Zheng Fa had any good ideas.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Shijie nodded, but her expression held little expectation—she clearly didn’t think Zheng Fa had any good ideas.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sister knows the marketplace’s income has dropped because spiritual energy is waning,” Zheng Fa said. “But the immediate problem is that our sect’s vendors and shops can’t make money anymore.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The marketplace’s income came from these vendors and merchants—if they earned nothing, the marketplace earned nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Especially since we have too many talisman masters in the sect—talismans are selling worse and worse. Han Qi and the others who sell talismans for me now have to bundle them with Yellow-grade talismans just to move any stock.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Fa’s expression turned slightly odd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This trick was actually Han Qi’s own idea—he really had talent, and he’d made the business surprisingly successful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in reality—this kind of cutthroat competition had nearly crushed every talisman stall in the marketplace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Shijie nodded upon hearing this: “In recent years, some stalls have been hard to rent out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her expression didn’t change much—this wasn’t just Zheng Fa’s realization; the Jiushan Sect’s leadership had long understood it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the entire cultivation world is experiencing a downgrade in consumption—they have no good solutions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I think increasing income boils down to two things: expanding revenue and cutting costs,” Zheng Fa said, revealing his plan. “I haven’t figured out cost-cutting yet, but I have an idea for expanding revenue.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother thinks that increasing their income boils down to four words: open new sources and cut expenses,” Zheng Fa said, revealing his plan: “As for cutting expenses, I haven’t figured anything out yet, but I do have some ideas about opening new sources.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Fa pulled a small booklet from his sleeve and handed it to Zhang Shijie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Shijie took it, flipped through a few pages, then looked up at Zheng Fa with renewed interest: “You want us to send shuttle ships to recruit customers from the Hundred Immortal Alliance’s sects and marketplaces—and offer free transportation?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes,” Zheng Fa said. “I believe our problem isn’t too many talisman masters—it’s too few customers. We could also station staff on the ships to take orders from those who can’t come themselves, then deliver the goods to them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In essence, it was just like those supermarkets’ free shuttle buses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The kind elderly cultivators who hate spending money love most.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Plus a simple mail-order system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not hard to conceive—but no one in the Xuanwei Realm has ever done it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This model hasn’t even been common in the modern world for long—it requires a developed commercial civilization and service mindset.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the Xuanwei Realm, every marketplace is just a landlord—only collecting rent and protection fees.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in Zheng Fa’s plan, the marketplace’s role should be more like a modern shopping mall—it must take on marketing responsibilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially for these small vendors and shops—they have no marketing ability at all and rely entirely on the marketplace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This mindset requires the marketplace to have genuine service awareness toward small traders—something a sect-backed marketplace rarely possesses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This idea… is interesting,” Zhang Shijie said, lightly tapping the booklet in her hand. Her gaze held genuine appreciation. “Let’s try it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Fa nodded. “Sister is wise. I figured our Yellow-grade talisman masters are too numerous, and our main customers are low-cultivation cultivators who can’t easily come here. Our talismans are relatively cheap—if we remove travel costs, they’ll likely come, at least to browse.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether they’d buy once they arrived—wasn’t there a saying: if you’ve come this far, you might as well buy something?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Shijie looked again at the booklet and saw it contained much more than she’d expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It listed pilot locations—nearby sects and marketplaces to test first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It detailed promotion methods—how to decorate the ships with signs and banners.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It proposed staffing arrangements—Zheng Fa recommended Han Qi, who had clear potential as a shady tour guide and could even sell goods on the ship.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ve put real thought into this booklet,” Zhang Shijie said, studying Zheng Fa with clear admiration. “I only wanted you to hold this position—I never expected you to surprise me like this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Fa shook his head, cautious: “There are still costs involved. That’s why I came to consult you first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Try it—no harm in trying. I’ll arrange it,” Zhang Shijie said, returning the booklet to Zheng Fa. “Go ahead and manage the marketplace as you see fit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s worth a try—I’ll make the arrangements,” Zhang Shijie handed the ledger to Zheng Fa and added, “In the marketplace, go ahead and do as you please.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was Zheng Fa’s first day meeting the marketplace disciples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He arrived at the small building housing the marketplace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuan Shijie was already waiting there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you nervous?” she asked curiously. “I was terrified when I first took over as marketplace manager!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Fa smiled and shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had done all the preparation he could.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had forged the Frost Blade Talisman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had won deeper support from Zhang Shijie through his business plan—the plan’s success wasn’t the most important thing; what mattered was proving to Zhang Shijie his competence and effort, and securing her help in removing other obstacles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He felt confident enough now to handle any hostility or exclusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for deeper malice—he was mentally prepared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, his background had exposed him to plenty of hostility, both in the Zhuangzi and in the modern world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Disliking conflict didn’t mean he feared it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing him shake his head, Yuan Shijie pursed her lips, slightly disappointed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, Yuan Shijie’s disciples arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There weren’t many—fewer than thirty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Together, they filled the first floor of the small building.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What surprised Zheng Fa was—every single disciple, no matter who, looked afraid of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked from left to right—no one dared meet his gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether Qi Refining or Foundation Establishment, all lowered their heads when he looked at them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he stared too long, they’d raise their heads cautiously and offer a timid, ingratiating smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he stared at that person too long, the person would lift their head and cautiously offer a pleading smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuan Shijie watched them for a while, smiling, then cleared her throat: “Let me introduce you all—this is Zheng Shidi, who will now co-manage the marketplace with me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Fa hadn’t even had time to smile warmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The senior disciples started speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’ve heard so much about you, Zheng Shidi!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The marketplace needs someone like you to lead it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ever since we heard the news, I’ve been waiting day and night for you to arrive!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…Wait, why do you all look like you’ve just seen the heavens open?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Fa, bewildered by their excessive enthusiasm, politely said: “My cultivation is shallow…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s false modesty!” interrupted a senior disciple with a mature appearance. “Ambition isn’t tied to age! So what if your cultivation is low? Ours is high!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Exactly! If you need anything done, Zheng Shidi, leave it to us!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Exactly! Whatever needs selling, Brother Zheng, leave it to us!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Who might you be, Senior Brother?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My surname is Yang!” the senior disciple said enthusiastically. “If anyone gives you trouble, just tell me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Shijie’s faction was far more united than I imagined!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then… I have an idea I’d like to discuss with you all,” Zheng Fa said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He recounted the measures he’d proposed to Zhang Shijie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Honestly, he had little confidence in his business acumen—he’d never run a business in the modern world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially not in a different world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So he’d written the booklet cautiously—starting with small pilot tests and limited investment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He truly wanted to hear their opinions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, their familiarity with the marketplace far exceeded his own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, their familiarity with the marketplace was beyond his reach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he hadn’t even finished speaking when Senior Brother Yang clapped his hands and laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he hadn’t finished speaking when Brother Yang clapped his hands and laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Shidi’s plan solves the urgent crisis facing our shopkeepers!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A benevolent heart!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kind-hearted!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I think the shopkeepers are going to erect a longevity stele for you, younger brother!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t the senior brothers have any objections?” Zheng Fa asked, sincere and puzzled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Younger brother, your plan is flawless—no objections, none at all!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching the senior brothers walk farther away, Zheng Fa slowly furrowed his brow and asked Yuan Shijie: “Sister, are all the disciples in our market this… kind?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...What, you don’t like it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s not that…,” Zheng Fa shook his head and smiled. “I expected some conflict—I even prepared a few tricks.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ve already used them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Fa turned his head and saw Yuan Shijie smiling, her face glowing with a hint of pride.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“These people came in groups these past few days, pestering me, trying to stir up trouble,” Yuan Shijie sneered. “I’ve dealt with each one of them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As long as I’m still here this half-year, they’ll behave themselves,” Yuan Shijie patted her chest. “If they cause trouble after I leave, younger brother, just find me—I’ll come back and teach them a lesson.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Fa looked at the carefully prepared booklet in his hand, then at Yuan Shijie’s triumphant face; his fingers twitched, and a chill air condensed into a sharp, icy blade that sliced through a potted plant in the corner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A single leaf from the plant slowly drifted down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Younger brother?” Yuan Shijie looked confused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...I was just testing,” Zheng Fa said, slightly disgruntled.\u003C\u002Fp>",1835,"2026-06-19T19:16:02.864Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","973286129301dda51d9102b576cfd7608781fc0fe257f1dc25ce339f4faaf50a","cultivation-i-studied-abroad-in-the-modern-world-chapter-110","cultivation-i-studied-abroad-in-the-modern-world-chapter-108",487,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fcultivation-i-studied-abroad-in-the-modern-world-cover.jpg"]