Chapter 132: Learn

These days, Zheng Fa felt the spiritual energy in his dantian gradually filling to overflowing, a premonition of breaking through to Qi Refining fifth level.

He sat on the meditation cushion, swallowed a Nianyuan Pill, and prepared to condense his fourth Yuan Fu.

He had already formed a rough plan for the ten Yuan Fu he would choose—

Broadly divided into three categories:

First, ensuring his own safety—such as the first Yuan Fu, the Upright Invisible Fu, and even the second, the Frost Blade Fu, which still had utility in the modern world.

At least right now, he was excellent at assassination—leaving no trace of the killer or the weapon.

Perfect crime was child's play.

His second category of Yuan Fu was for acquiring resources in the modern world.

This was represented by the Yangshen Fu.

The third category was one Zheng Fa had not yet condensed but had long planned—those Fu that could be used to build an elderly home, cultivate influence, or even aid research.

Especially since the Sect Master had revised the Ling Shan Fa, certain sections required Yuan Fu.

Counting them up, ten spiritual Fu were still a bit few.

The first three Fu Zheng Fa condensed were the Upright Invisible Fu, the Frost Blade Fu, and the Yangshen Fu, belonging respectively to the earth, metal, and water elements among the Yin Fu.

So this time, the Fu he condensed had to be Yin Wood.

Zheng Fa had originally planned otherwise, but changed his mind at the last moment and chose a Yuan Fu called the Changqing Fu.

It was the most commonly used spell among Ling Nong in the Xuanwei Realm—its effects were broad, promoting, nourishing, and healing spiritual plants.

Though the effects were not particularly strong.

But among spiritual farmers, it was a popular all-purpose Fu.

Zheng Fa wanted to condense this Yuan Fu not only because its element matched, but also to consider the future development of the elderly home—he wanted to cultivate spiritual fields there.

On one hand, if he could grow spiritual grains or plants unknown in the modern world, simply selling them externally would yield enormous returns.

But the most important factor making Zheng Fa choose this Fu was actually the argument between Zhang Shijie and Pang True Person.

Zhang Shijie wanted to forge a new path, so she sought to create a new Fu Dao.

Zheng Fa agreed with her philosophy, but he was not as optimistic as she was—could Fu Dao truly solve the problem of spiritual energy decline?

Probably even Zhang Shijie herself lacked such confidence.

Choosing the Changqing Fu was because he wanted to see if, in the future, he could combine spiritual plants with modern agriculture, develop farming techniques suited to spiritual plant cultivation, and thereby nourish Jiushan Sect and the Xuanwei Realm.

Even if it didn't solve the problem of spiritual energy decline, merely finding a way to increase spiritual plant yields would be immensely useful to Jiushan Sect.

He wasn't sure whether this would succeed.

But in Zheng Fa's view, even one more possibility was worth pursuing.

Soon, the Changqing Fu condensed fully within Zheng Fa's dantian, settling beside the Yangshen Fu.

With the successful condensation of the Changqing Fu, a small spiritual energy vortex appeared above Zheng Fa's courtyard—he had broken through to Qi Refining fifth level.

…

"Zheng Fa has broken through again."

On the Eighth Peak, Pang True Person sighed and turned to look at Zhou Gan.

Zhou Gan's expression was awkward—he knew what his master meant; he himself had not yet broken through to Qi Refining fifth level.

Zheng Fa's talent was far inferior to his, yet now he had overtaken him.

"Disciple has been lax these past days," Zhou Gan said shamefully.

"This isn't entirely your fault," Pang True Person said, not pressing him now: "These past days, you didn't have an easy time under my tutelage; it's understandable you had no heart for cultivation."

"Lately, you've been studying Fu methods with them every day, and studying Fu Dao at night—no time for cultivation."

Zhou Gan's expression eased slightly.

"But… Gan Yuan, you must understand—Zheng Fa, Zhang Shijie, they are the brightest talents of our generation in Jiushan Sect," Pang True Person's tone carried a warning: "You are valued by them now because of your talent, but if you fall too far behind…"

"Disciple understands!"

Zhou Gan's expression tightened.

"Look at Zheng Fa—your troubles are many, but isn't his daily life even busier? The marketplace, the plays, Fu Dao…" Pang True Person continued lecturing: "Yet in my eyes, he has never once slacked in cultivation."

"Disciple…" Zhou Gan felt even more ashamed.

"I sent you to follow him not just to learn Fu Dao, but more importantly, to see how Zhang Shijie and Zheng Fa treat cultivation," Pang True Person said softly.

"Yes!"

"A few days ago, you said Zhang Shijie intended to have Zheng Fa take charge of the Fu Pavilion," Pang True Person nodded: "See whether he has the ability to win over your senior brothers—if he can, then hand this to him."

Pang True Person pulled out a jade cylinder and handed it to Zhou Gan.

"Master?"

"Payment for my opera tickets," Pang True Person grumbled.

…

"Fixed it!" On the Ninth Peak, the Sect Master declared proudly to Zheng Fa and Zhang Shijie.

Zheng Fa blinked.

This old man finished so fast?

Cultivation base really is the primary productive force!

"Shall we try it?"

Yuan Shijie, upon hearing this, eagerly volunteered.

She had been interested in the game since Zheng Fa first described it.

Zhang Shijie's face also showed keen interest.

The Sect Master tossed out a dozen spiritual Fu.

Zheng Fa's vision blurred—he saw no change.

Before him still stood Jiushan Sect.

Now he understood why the old man had finished so quickly.

"I set this illusion based on Jiushan Sect," came his master's voice in his ear: "Within this illusion, you retain your cultivation base, magic treasures, and Yuan Fu—only one difference: you cannot die."

For some reason, Zheng Fa detected deep malice in the old man's voice.

…

Half an hour later, Zheng Fa, pale-faced, stared at the three before him.

The Sect Master wore a satisfied smile.

Zhang Shijie gazed at the sky.

Yuan Shijie stared at the ground.

Neither looked at him.

These three—two Golden Core, one Nascent Soul—he, a Qi Refining cultivator—what was it like to play a game with them?

Let me put it this way—

For him, it was Liu Laolao entering the Lion Camel Ridge three times.

For them, it was the Three Heroes battling Lin Daiyu.

Hundreds of dramatic deaths!

The cruelest was his own master.

"Cough…" The Sect Master, unsettled by Zheng Fa's resentful gaze, turned to Zhang Shijie and Yuan Shijie: "What do you think?"

"Very good."

"I think it's great!"

Both nodded enthusiastically.

"No good," Zheng Fa said: "It needs changes."

"I know you just suffered…" The Sect Master sounded displeased.

Clearly, the old man didn't want to change anything.

Zhang Shijie and Yuan Shijie's glances also conveyed this—they believed Zheng Fa objected only because his game experience was terrible.

"It's not because of that—it's the entire rule system that needs changing."

Zheng Fa's expression was serious.

"First, the illusion map is too small, and Jiushan Sect is too familiar—it won't test disciples' adaptability in unfamiliar terrain."

Zhang Shijie and Yuan Shijie nodded slightly.

Clearly, they now took Zheng Fa's suggestion seriously.

"Second, disciples must not fight alone," Zheng Fa added: "We created this not only to train combat skills, but also to encourage cooperation—especially among lower-level disciples; teamwork greatly increases survival rates over solo fighting."

"You mean…" The Sect Master began to ponder.

"Form teams, compete in small squads."

Seeing all three seemed persuaded,

Zheng Fa voiced his most important concern: "Lastly, cost—Master, how much does setting up this Fu array cost?"

"Fifteen Earth-grade Fu."

The Sect Master frowned—he clearly understood Zheng Fa's point.

"This cost is too high," Zheng Fa said: "One trial costs more than a play—defeats the purpose of giving disciples more trials—better to let them risk real death."

"Add maps, revise mechanics, reduce cost," Zheng Fa smiled at his reluctant master: "Master, this is all up to you."

…

Modern day.

Another monthly exam had just ended, and the classroom atmosphere carried an odd kind of joy—

The exam itself was hardly pleasant.

But the brief respite after it was cherished all the more; the students knew that during this time, the teacher's demands would loosen slightly.

Zheng Fa put down his textbook and suddenly said to Wang Chen behind him: "Do you have time?"

"... hether I do depends on what you're asking," Wang Chen replied warily.

"I just want you to teach me how to play games."

Zheng Fa's words made Wang Chen's eyes widen. He thought for a moment: "What kind of games? Link Link? Little Tadpole Looking for Mom?"

"The popular ones on the market—preferably with some competitive element."

Zheng Fa had spent the past few years buried in study and barely played any games.

He couldn't help with improving the simulation trials, nor with changing maps or cutting costs.

But the game mechanics—he could draw inspiration from them.

Hearing this, Wang Chen perked up. He secretly pulled out his phone from under his desk and said: "Come on, let me teach you!"

Zheng Fa also took out his phone and downloaded several popular games with him, then started playing.

"Zheng Fa, my mom said the expedition team has sent back their report."

Just as he was bent over his game, Tang Lingwumin's voice came from above.

"Then let's go see Teacher Bai after this," Zheng Fa replied without looking up, in the middle of a tense moment.

Tang Lingwumin didn't leave—she simply stood beside Zheng Fa, curiously staring at his phone screen.

It was clear she hadn't played many games either.

"Wang Chen! What are you doing?" Just as Wang Chen was immersed in the game, Old Chen's grim voice came from behind him: "Playing games?"

Wang Chen flinched, his face filled with fear as he stared at Old Chen's angry expression.

"Did you score so well on the exam? Or are you guaranteed admission to a top university? What kind of time is this to be playing games?"

After scolding him, Old Chen looked up and saw Zheng Fa and Tang Lingwumin leaning close together, seemingly studying together. He shook his head in frustration and lectured Wang Chen:

"Look at Zheng Fa and Tang Lingwumin! They're again the top two in the class! What are they doing? Why can't you learn from them?" As he spoke, he stepped forward and reached Zheng Fa's desk.

Seeing the familiar screen on Zheng Fa's phone, Old Chen's mouth twitched and said: "Can't you at least learn their spirit of balancing work and rest?"