[{"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-110":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},2263836,4418,"Chapter 110: Peeping","cultivation-i-studied-abroad-in-the-modern-world-chapter-110",110,"\u003Cp>Jiushan Sect, dock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Fa was seeing off Han Qi and the other two.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Shijie was probably the type of leader who acted swiftly—within just a few days, the reception boat was ready.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since this was their first attempt, both Zheng Fa and Zhang Shijie leaned toward caution—they sent only one boat, and planned to visit only a few nearby sects and market towns, completing a round trip in about half a month.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Along with Zhang Shijie’s people and several market-town senior brothers, Zheng Fa had specifically assigned Han Qi and the other two to accompany the boat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Qi and the others were not placed there by Zheng Fa to gain power—they were chosen after two days of discussion with Zhang Shijie, refining Zheng Fa’s earlier idea: the empty guest rooms now held many talismans, all acquired from the market towns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The current reception boat model was to carry talismans out and return with customers, maximizing efficiency.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Qi and the others had weak cultivation, but they did possess some business acumen; Zheng Fa intended for them to help sell the goods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Han Shixiong, this is just a trial—don’t put too much pressure on yourself,” Zheng Fa said, noticing Han Qi’s obvious tension.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Younger brother…” Han Qi gave a bitter laugh: “All these talismans are under my care—if anything goes wrong…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Shijie was decisive; he recommended Han Qi and the others, and she immediately entrusted Han Qi with all the spirit talismans on the boat—how to sell them, at what price, all left to his discretion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Qi had always been a low-ranking figure in Jiushan Sect; he had never shouldered such responsibility before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Being anxious over gains and losses was perfectly normal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Fa patted his shoulder, then said: “As long as you work sincerely, no one can harm you. I’m above you, and Zhang Shijie is above me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Qi nodded, his anxious expression easing slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boat slowly rose from the water; Han Qi watched Zheng Fa’s figure on the dock shrink, as if watching him off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned and led his two junior brothers toward the cabin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the stairs, the three encountered two senior brothers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These two had previously patrolled the market town; Han Qi and the others knew them well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or rather, they had once feared and revered them—afraid of offending them, eager to curry favor, yet lacking any means to do so.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, upon meeting them, all three stopped, instinctively smiling obsequiously and bowing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unexpectedly, the two senior brothers also halted, smiling warmly at them: “Han Shidi, no need for such formalities!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Senior brothers?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’re all Zheng Shidi’s people…” One senior brother lightly draped an arm over Han Qi’s shoulder, as if they were close: “You’ve been with Zheng Shidi longer—you have more influence with him. He entrusted you with the entire boatload of spirit talismans! Please speak well of me in the future.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Yes!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a few warm exchanges, the two senior brothers took their leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tall, thin one beside Han Qi watched their retreating backs, clicked his tongue, and said with a hint of pride: “Are we… really this respected now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...That’s Zheng Shidi’s influence!” Han Qi shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Senior brother, we might strike it rich this time!” The tall one suddenly changed the subject, excitedly: “Before, it was all small stuff—this time, it’s a whole boatload of spirit talismans!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...If you want to die, don’t drag me along!” Han Qi slapped the back of his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’ve only had two good days—now you’re tempting fate!” Han Qi took two deep breaths and whispered angrily: “Do you really think the senior brothers on this boat won’t watch us? The more polite they are now, the more they want to replace us!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How great is Zheng Shidi’s future? This is barely the beginning—if you’re this short-sighted, don’t follow me next time!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He added two more warnings: “We’re weak in cultivation—we must rely on diligence. Keep one eye open every night when you sleep.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tall one rubbed his head, grimacing: “Senior brother, since joining Zheng Shidi, you’ve changed so much.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...” Han Qi glanced at him, then at the distant senior brothers, and softly said: “With Zheng Shidi, I finally feel like myself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“?” The tall one looked puzzled, clearly not understanding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Isn’t this better?” Han Qi didn’t bother explaining.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Better.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then why so much nonsense?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A crescent moon hung high; the night was thick.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two streets away from Zheng Fa’s courtyard, in a slightly larger compound, Sun Daoyu and Zhou Gan Yuan sat on a pavilion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Daoyu’s gaze never left Zheng Fa’s courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Senior brother? What are you looking at?” Zhou Gan Yuan asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zheng Fa.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zheng Fa?” Zhou Gan Yuan blinked, glanced at Zheng Fa’s courtyard, and saw nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned back and noticed Sun Daoyu’s eyes had changed—their black pupils now glowed silver, mysterious and unfathomable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Dongxu Spirit Eye?” Zhou Gan Yuan’s face showed surprise; a terrifying thought suddenly surged in his mind...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stepped back three paces, putting distance between himself and his senior brother, then said: “Senior brother, isn’t this... a bit disrespectful?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It is a bit disrespectful,” Sun Daoyu sighed. “I can’t just stare at him to his face.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Actually... it’s not wrong. In the mortal world, many young masters have similar tastes,” Zhou Gan Yuan said dryly, pursing his lips: “We cultivators aren’t so rigid—why not just tell Zheng Shidi outright?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Taste?” Sun Daoyu froze, slowly turning to Zhou Gan Yuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Gan Yuan looked at him with encouragement and understanding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Daoyu’s face showed thought, as if finally grasping the meaning of “taste”—then his expression slowly cracked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m after the thousand-year purple bamboo tears!” Sun Daoyu gritted his teeth, explaining: “A few days ago, Zhang Shijie went to our master and proposed exchanging the ‘Talisman Foundation Establishment Method’ for two portions of thousand-year purple bamboo tears.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Gan Yuan stared at his senior brother, still skeptical: “What does this have to do with Zheng Fa?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhang Shijie said Zheng Fa’s cultivation progress with the ‘Talisman Foundation Establishment Method’ has skyrocketed—after forming the Talisman Foundation, his speed doubles.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...That powerful?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not just you—our master doesn’t believe it either,” Sun Daoyu shook his head. “And he doesn’t want to give two portions.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Zhou Gan Yuan still confused, Sun Daoyu explained softly: “Our master’s thousand-year purple bamboo produces fewer and fewer tears—now he has barely enough for two portions.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Because of me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. If you give Zhang Shijie two portions, you’ll have to wait at least ten years,” Sun Daoyu said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Besides, the ‘Talisman Foundation Establishment Method’ is incomplete—it’s not worth that much.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Daoyu’s words stunned Zhou Gan Yuan, who asked: “Then why does our master still want this technique?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“First, the technique is truly remarkable—perfect for talisman cultivators. Our master once said Zhang Shijie couldn’t fix its flaws, but he might—he already has some ideas,” Sun Daoyu smiled. “Also, our master wants to surpass the other lineage by repairing the ‘Talisman Foundation Establishment Method.’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...So why are you here today?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Our master sent me to see if Zheng Shidi’s cultivation speed is truly that fast—and more importantly, whether Zhang Shijie has already fixed the method’s flaws, causing Zheng Fa’s rapid progress.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Gan Yuan’s expression was conflicted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Daoyu smiled: “Don’t worry, no matter how fast he cultivates, I’ll tell our master the ‘Talisman Foundation Establishment Method’ isn’t worth two portions of thousand-year purple bamboo tears.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Gan Yuan nodded, slightly ashamed, murmuring: “Thank you, senior brother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re my junior brother! Of course I prioritize you,” Sun Daoyu smiled warmly at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Gan Yuan pursed his lips, touched—but hesitant to show it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He whispered: “Senior brother, I hold nothing but respect for you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Daoyu: “?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Fa didn’t know someone was spying on him—specifically, a man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had already dreamed himself into the modern world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Bai Lao’s house, three people sat before a laptop, its screen displaying categorized talisman diagrams.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not good enough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Fa frowned at Han Xiaobai’s results, feeling disappointed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve tried every algorithm I could,” Han Xiaobai’s reply sounded slightly aggrieved: “Your training set is still too small.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Fa didn’t think the man was making excuses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, Zhang Shijie had provided few classified yin-yang five-element talisman diagrams, and some had to be reserved to verify Han Xiaobai’s classification algorithm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That made it even fewer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What if we don’t classify so finely?” Zheng Fa suggested after thinking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re right!” Bai Lao clapped his hands, nodding in agreement: “Few samples? We classify broadly!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Fa’s idea was simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since dividing into ten categories—yin, yang, five elements—showed nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Divide into just two: yin and yang—or five: the elements—and see if any pattern emerges.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, the yin category had the most samples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Try the yang talismans first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over an hour later, Han Xiaobai sent back several results.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Fa stared for a long time, saw nothing, and turned to Bai Lao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Lao stared, then shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Try the yin ones now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Fa’s heart sank, telling the other side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Still can’t see anything.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at the latest result sent by Han Xiaobai, the old man sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Try testing according to the Five Elements—start with the Water-element spiritual rune.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Zheng Fa was surprisingly calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, cultivation isn’t something that can be rushed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Probably because Zhang Shijie has a Water elemental root, she produced the most Water-element spiritual runes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all this fuss, the night had grown quite late.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While waiting for the results, the old man couldn’t help yawning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Fa turned to Tang Lingwumin beside him and asked, “Aren’t you going back first?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Lingwumin thought for a moment and said, “I’ll leave after this result comes out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why don’t you go back first? This doesn’t look promising,” the old man said, his mouth wide open, tears gathering in his eyes as he muttered, “This kind of thing still depends on luck.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Lingwumin shook her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A notification chimed on the notebook—Zheng Fa opened it to find Han Xiaobai had delivered the latest results.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Fa frowned, scrolling through the mouse wheel, examining one by one the runes the computer had classified as Water-element.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait! Go back and look at those few runes again,” the old man suddenly shouted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Fa turned, looking at the old man with surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man wiped his eyes and muttered, “I just yawned and teared up—my vision’s blurry.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Blurred again?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This structure appears very frequently in this category.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man pointed at the computer screen.\u003C\u002Fp>",1760,"2026-06-19T19:16:02.864Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","cbafba744ff104d632d8701c3ef1a6c28c1a23c5bf1708aa782f25389a6a0fd8","cultivation-i-studied-abroad-in-the-modern-world-chapter-111","cultivation-i-studied-abroad-in-the-modern-world-chapter-109",487,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fcultivation-i-studied-abroad-in-the-modern-world-cover.jpg"]