[{"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-115":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},2263841,4418,"Chapter 115: Human Hearts","cultivation-i-studied-abroad-in-the-modern-world-chapter-115",115,"\u003Cp>Zheng Fa did not know that within a single night, two Nascent Soul elders of Jiushan Sect had been murmuring his name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After returning home, he devoted himself entirely to cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since adjusting the Right-Side-Up Shadow Seal and Frost Blade Seal, he felt his cultivation had become slightly smoother, and he vaguely sensed he was nearing a breakthrough to Qi Refining third level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Fa had studied the cultivation speeds of various elemental affinities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gap between single and dual elemental affinities was in fact enormous—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Generally, a single elemental affinity could reach Qi Refining tenth level and attempt Foundation Establishment within about a year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But someone like Zheng Fa, with dual elemental affinity, even with diligence, needed three to five years to reach Qi Refining tenth level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If burdened by livelihood concerns and countless distractions, spending eight to nine years was common.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was very typical—single elemental affinity disciples often had their Masters guiding them, needing only to focus on cultivation, while dual elemental affinity disciples rarely received such treatment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Qi Refining tenth level, Foundation Establishment was another hurdle—it required a Foundation Establishment Elixir, which was scarce and extremely valuable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qi Refining disciples had no means to purchase such an elixir; they often had to save painstakingly for years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, achieving Foundation Establishment within ten years was exceedingly difficult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was why Jiushan Sect only provided ten years of subsidies to new disciples—barely enough for dual elemental affinity disciples, let alone those with three or four elemental affinities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Jiushan Sect’s time limit effectively offered disciples with dual elemental affinity just a crack of a window; disciples with lower potential had no opening at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For example, Han Qi, a triple elemental affinity disciple, had once dreamed of achieving Foundation Establishment upon entry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over time, however, in the immortal sect, survival became the only pursuit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Foundation Establishment had become a childish, naive dream of youth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most low-level disciples were like Han Qi—either numb or furious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Zheng Fa’s cultivation speed far surpassed ordinary dual elemental affinity disciples; his progress was only slightly slower than that of single elemental affinity disciples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For instance, Zhou Gan reached Qi Refining second level in just over thirty days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Fa took less than fifty days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At first, Zheng Fa himself did not understand the reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Later, after observation, he realized it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On one hand, it was certainly due to the “Seal Dao Foundation Establishment Method”; based on his current estimate, his spiritual energy absorption rate was about two to three tenths faster than an ordinary dual elemental affinity disciple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the other hand, he owed it to the modern world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The modern world had no spiritual energy, but Zheng Fa was naturally diligent and still practiced spiritual power circulation daily according to the “Red Xiao Jue.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At first, it was merely habit, but later he discovered the benefit: in the modern world, spiritual power did not increase, yet it gradually became purer, forging an exceptionally solid foundation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others needed time to adapt to their growing spiritual power before continuing to inhale spiritual energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Fa did not—he needed only to surge forward in the Xuanwei Realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He felt that even without completing the Divine Seal Foundation, he might catch up to Zhou Gan’s cultivation speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he cultivated, Zheng Fa felt a sudden swell in his dantian, a sensation of fullness spreading from within.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his inner vision, his dantian was now brimming with spiritual energy—compared to the tiny stream at the start of cultivation, it now resembled a roaring river.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qi Refining third level—achieved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Fa opened his eyes, a faint smile appearing on his face—a small celebration—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, he saw only Zhang Shijie and Yuan Shijie, both Jin Dan, every day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even among market disciples, Foundation Establishment cultivators were not rare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Breaking through Qi Refining level seemed unremarkable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps they didn’t even bother to look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zheng Fa broke through!” On the Eighth Peak of Jiushan Sect, True Person Pang’s eyes glowed silver as he gazed from afar at Zheng Fa’s courtyard, exclaiming as if witnessing a rare miracle: “Extraordinary talent!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Um… Master, I broke through recently too,” Zhou Gan whispered beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You broke through?” True Person Pang blinked, glanced at him, and sneered: “What’s special about Qi Refining third level?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Gan: “...?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next day, Zheng Fa could no longer cultivate all day at home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reception boat had returned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were many people aboard—it had visited three nearby sects and two merchant gatherings of cultivators, bringing back over a hundred new customers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With so many new patrons, the market suddenly had a flood of new tasks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Fa spent two consecutive days at the market, assisting Yuan Shijie in handling various issues:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some merchants, seeing these customers weren’t from their sect, planned to cheat them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some had come solely for the free boat ride, couldn’t afford anything, and caused trouble in the market.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others, lacking faith in Zheng Fa’s ideas, sold out their goods and then begged Zheng Fa and his team to help find new sources.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a time, the entire market was overwhelmed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not just Zheng Fa and Yuan Shijie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The market duty disciples were also running back and forth without rest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the customers departed and others could rest, Zheng Fa still worked—he had to calculate the profit from the reception boat’s round trip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This trip, our tax revenue was about twenty spirit stones, plus profits from selling talismans on the boat—totaling roughly fifty spirit stones.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After calculating, Zheng Fa told Yuan Shijie, who waited beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rent could not be changed for now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spirit stones Zheng Fa and his team gained from the reception boat came only from the markup on talisman sales.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything else came from transaction taxes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tax rates varied by transaction type, but averaged between one and two percent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuan Shijie was delighted upon hearing the number: “Two trips per month—that’s a hundred spirit stones monthly!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sister, we must deduct the boat’s operating costs and pay the wages of the crew—these past two days, the market duty disciples worked hard too; we should give them bonuses to appease them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...How much would that be?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Fa had no exact figure, but estimated roughly in his mind: “The net profit left over would be about twenty spirit stones.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s a bit low...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Fa nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was low, yes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the main issue was that everyone had worked hard and seen little result—someone would surely complain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Qi and his two companions walked toward the market, preparing for patrol—they were now under Zheng Fa’s command and considered market disciples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Along the way, other senior disciples also headed toward the market.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some were seniors they’d grown familiar with on the reception boat; the three greeted them, soon joining together in a group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did you hear? After all that effort, they made only twenty spirit stones.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...I think this reception boat scheme won’t last,” one disciple sneered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We worked our tails off, smiled through the whole trip, came back exhausted—and ended up with twenty spirit stones? What else could we do that wouldn’t earn us more?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others murmured in agreement; though they spoke softly when using vulgar terms, Han Qi and his companions heard every word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Qi and his two companions felt both embarrassed and angry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, they considered themselves Zheng Fa’s people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, these people’s words carried clear dissatisfaction toward Zheng Fa—even if they didn’t name him outright, everyone understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tall, thin one opened his mouth as if to speak, but Han Qi tugged his sleeve to stop him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three slowed their steps, watching the group of seniors walk farther away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Senior, why didn’t you let me curse them...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What did they say?” Han Qi glared at him. “What exactly would you curse them with?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Besides, in Zheng’s brother’s presence, they’re all extremely respectful.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hypocrites!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tall, thin one spat angrily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zheng’s brother still has shallow roots and low cultivation,” Han Qi sighed. “They fear Zheng’s brother only because of Zhang Shijie and Yuan Shijie, but most still resent him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But Zheng’s brother did earn spirit stones this time!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He did earn them, but he made such a big fuss...” Han Qi sighed. “They probably think that with such authority, he could have earned far more.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tall, thin one fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Qi continued: “Besides, the reception boat can’t keep going to the same place. This time it was nearby—what if next time it’s far away? Then the profit shrinks even more.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then... will Zhang Shijie blame Zheng’s brother?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“She won’t blame him, but whether this project continues will depend on further observation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Qi’s face was filled with worry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a gloomy mood, Han Qi and his two companions arrived at the market.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as they entered, they sensed something was off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Senior! You’ve worked hard these past two days! Have a cake!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the three passed, a meat-pie vendor shoved three pies into their hands, smiling warmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Didn’t eat breakfast, did you? Take these jujube cakes to fill your stomach!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Eating too much without water will choke you—quick, drink some water, senior brothers!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After walking just one street, their arms were full of goods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not just them—even the senior brothers who had arrived earlier and were on duty had been handed piles of random snacks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone stood stunned, bewildered by the vendors’ behavior.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>None of them understood why these vendors were so eager.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Senior brother… before, when we saw on-duty disciples, we ran away as fast as we could—now they’re…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Qi blinked, then suddenly laughed: “The marketplace didn’t make money—but the vendors did!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Qi turned and looked toward the small building where the marketplace overseer was stationed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the building, Zhang Shijie smiled as she told Zheng Fa: “The stalls that couldn’t be rented out before are now being fought over.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s more than that… what matters is the hearts of the people.” Zhang Shijie gave Zheng Fa a meaningful look, then declared firmly: “We must keep sending the reception boats—even if they don’t make a profit, we must send them!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Fa nodded, fully understanding Zhang Shijie’s meaning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right now, in Jiushan Sect, the most mistreated are these low-level disciples—the very ones who set up stalls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On this one reception boat, nearly every vendor made a small profit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To Zheng Fa and his group, this sum was trivial—but for these people, it might equal a whole month’s previous earnings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For Zhang Shijie, she could not—and would not—ask Jiushan Sect’s upper echelons to give more of the pie to the lower ranks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But bringing in customers from other sects and marketplaces—that was carving a slice from someone else’s pie and giving it to Jiushan disciples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The more, the better!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuan Shijie came upstairs carrying a pile of items, her expression dazed: “Zheng Shidi, these are the things the vendors left at the first-floor entrance—all labeled with your name—and there’s so much more, I can’t carry it all!”\u003C\u002Fp>",1829,"2026-06-19T19:16:02.864Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","a9594b711201e04eb49cc938eebf74de8a2b7bef846d94f7f98cf744f875d1ce","cultivation-i-studied-abroad-in-the-modern-world-chapter-116","cultivation-i-studied-abroad-in-the-modern-world-chapter-114",487,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fcultivation-i-studied-abroad-in-the-modern-world-cover.jpg"]