I Studied Abroad in the Modern Times-Chapter 167Book 2: : Jiushan Sect Is Out!

Vol 2 Chapter 167 Jiushan Sect Is Out!

Seeing Zhenren Tongming return, the members of Jiushan Sect all felt a little uneasy.

Zheng Fa stayed hidden within the Jiushan Realm and didn’t come out.

He was feeling quite nervous—after all, the Jiushan Realm had devoured Ancestor of the Blood River’s immortal sword, and there were some lingering consequences.

In the medicine garden, the immortal sword and the Sun and Moon Bell were facing off, blood-red and golden light blending together, with a constant sizzle sizzle sound.

All kinds of spiritual plants in the garden withered one after another, large swaths wilting away.

Clearly—that immortal sword wasn’t so easy to tame.

With the homefield advantage, the Sun and Moon Bell appeared to be gaining the upper hand, but its power was quickly waning.

What’s more, outside the Jiushan Realm, Zheng Fa was merely at the Foundation Establishment stage.

Looking over at Senior Sister Zhang, she also seemed strained—the seal she used had dispersed and reformed into nine peaks again.

Zheng Fa and Senior Sister Zhang could both temporarily unleash Soul Formation-level power, but the limitations were significant.

The Sun and Moon Bell took forever to “charge up”;if Senior Sister Zhang hadn’t stalled Ancestor of the Blood River, he wouldn’t have been able to land that heavy blow.

Senior Sister Zhang was more of the “short burst” type.

She had to catch her opponents off guard...

Ancestor of the Blood River had truly suffered a major loss.

But Zhenren Tongming... he didn’t look like someone easy to fool.

Though Senior Sister Zhang looked pale, the nine peaks still slowly revolved around her, clearly remaining vigilant against him.

The Sect Master and Martial Uncle Pang flew forward, positioning themselves behind Senior Sister Zhang.

Zhenren Tongming seemed to notice the wariness from everyone in Jiushan Sect.

He gave a laughing sigh: “So that beating I took earlier... was for nothing?”

At those words, the Sect Master looked a little embarrassed.

The man was a bit sly, sure—but he had helped them—at the very least, he played the decoy.

Then Zhenren Tongming added, “That Ancestor of the Blood River—he only ran because I scared him off, you know...”

That made Senior Sister Zhang and the others pause.

It... wasn’t impossible.

Of all people, Zhenren Tongming would have most feared Ancestor of the Blood River.

They hadn’t noticed it, but Ancestor of the Blood River might have.

Hearing this, the Sect Master could only clasp his hands. “Jiushan Sect has just suffered a catastrophe—it’s hard for us to be at ease. We ask for your understanding, Zhenren.”

Senior Sister Zhang said nothing, but the floating nine peaks were a silent declaration in themselves.

Zhenren Tongming nodded and said:

“That golden bell just now—did it come from the Thunder Pool?”

The Sect Master said nothing.

Instead, Zheng Fa spoke up: “Yes, that’s right.”

“And you are?”

“I am Zheng Fa. The situation is dangerous, so I can’t greet you in person right now...”

Zheng Fa already understood—having claimed the Sun and Moon Bell, there was no way he could show his face in the Xuanyi Realm for at least the next two or three years...

“Zheng Fa... Zheng Fa...”

Zhenren Tongming frowned, then suddenly said, “That Ancestor of the Blood River seemed to mention your name—said the Great Freedom Demon Ancestor was quite interested in you...”

Zheng Fa: ...For the next 180 years, I’m not stepping foot into the Xuanyi Realm!

If the Great Freedom Demon Ancestor really shows up in the Jiushan Realm to catch him—so be it!

Zhenren Tongming continued, “Speaking of the Great Freedom Demon Ancestor... the Great Freedom Demonic Sect has already entered the Xuanyi Realm. There are many of them, and they’ve got Ancestor of the Blood River, and I can faintly sense other Soul Formation auras as well... Our Hundred Immortals Alliance needs to prepare early. Some sects have already sent word, hoping to discuss strategies with you.”

Zheng Fa went silent for a moment, then suddenly said:

“Zhenren, regarding the Hundred Immortals Alliance—Jiushan Sect... will no longer be involved.”

Upon hearing this, the Sect Master’s expression shifted slightly, as if he wanted to say something.

Zhenren Tongming was momentarily stunned, then a bitter smile crept onto his face, like he had already anticipated this. He simply sighed, “Must it come to this...”

“Zhenren, your assistance is something all of Jiushan Sect will remember—we will repay it in the future. But... as for the Hundred Immortals Alliance, truly...”

Zheng Fa kept it vague, but Martial Uncle Huang wasn’t so polite:

“Is the rise of the Great Freedom Demonic Sect only Jiushan Sect’s problem? Ever since the hidden realm appeared, Jiushan Sect has been holding the line for nearly a year. Our disciples have to take turns squatting in the Thunder Pool, can’t sleep a full night... who ever cared?”

“When Senior Brother Pang faced death, the Nascent Soul cultivators of the Hundred Immortals Alliance either turned traitor or stood by and watched.”

“How many letters have I written to them these past days? How many replies did I get?”

“Now that Jiushan Sect has gained some power, they come crawling back?”

Martial Uncle Huang had a fiery temper—his words were sharp and blunt, showing no mercy, but Zhenren Tongming had no response.

Former Sect Master Yuan’s expression also slowly turned indifferent, clearly persuaded.

Martial Uncle Pang kept his head down, making it hard to read his thoughts.

“This... it’s not really their fault. Everyone’s just trying to protect their sects...” Zhenren Tongming could only say.

“The disciples don’t blame them. Just like you said, it’s human nature. But Jiushan Sect is small, we can only look after ourselves now,” Zheng Fa said softly. “There are the Five Great Sects of the Xuanyi Realm, and many Soul Formation cultivators...”

Xiao Yuying’s words had made one thing clear to Zheng Fa—

the hidden strength of the Immortal Sects was vast. He wasn’t the only one with a Celestial Realm Spiritual Treasure, and the number of Soul Formation cultivators was still a mystery.

But no one had ever cared about Jiushan Sect.

Zhenren Tongming’s expression grew darker.

“The Hundred Immortals Alliance... that’s my failing...”

He sighed.

But Zheng Fa didn’t think it was his fault.

The very structure of the Hundred Immortals Alliance lacked cohesion.

Just like Senior Sister Zhang had said—these sects only wanted to huddle together for warmth. Whether in practice or in ideology, they were miles apart, full of conflict.

Most crucially—the issue with the Spirit Beast Sect revealed massive cracks.

One of the Nine Great Upper Sects turned out to be a plant by the Demonic Sect.

And was it really only the Spirit Beast Sect?

Even Zhenren Tongming probably didn’t know for sure.

With that in mind, Zheng Fa said:

“To be honest, Zhenren—Jiushan Sect is already preparing to fully migrate into the Jiushan Realm... we’ll no longer concern ourselves with the conflicts of the Xuanyi Realm.”

“Zhenren’s protection is something I’ll never forget. Should you ever need us, Jiushan Sect will do everything we can to help.”

“But regarding the Great Freedom Demonic Sect... Jiushan Sect is powerless to assist.”

No matter what, Zhenren Tongming had come to help Jiushan Sect. Zheng Fa acknowledged that kindness.

Upon hearing this, Zhenren Tongming gave a bitter smile, shook his head, and said, “Jiushan Sect was once a part of the Hundred Immortals Alliance. This was my duty...”

With that, he seemed a bit disheartened and turned to leave.

Just before he left, Zheng Fa suddenly heard him mutter: “Zheng Fa... if only the Hundred Immortals Alliance could unite as one...”

He didn’t even finish the sentence before shaking his head—

as if he already knew it was impossible.

Watching Zhenren Tongming leave in dejection, Zheng Fa was still thinking about the words he hadn’t finished saying—

But in truth, he already had an answer in his heart:

No.

Even if the Hundred Immortals Alliance were united now, he still didn’t want to go back.

Unless the Alliance could be shaped in his image...

...

As Zhenren Tongming disappeared from view, Senior Sister Zhang let out a soft breath. The spiritual circuits on her body slowly faded away, and the nine peaks finally descended to the ground.

She glanced up at the faint golden bell in the sky, her eyes full of joy, then suddenly collapsed.

Zheng Fa was startled. He didn’t hesitate—his figure flashed out of the Jiushan Realm and caught her slender waist.

“Senior Sister Zhang?”

Zheng Fa called to her softly.

Beside him, Martial Uncle Pang’s eyes gleamed silver as he spoke, “Her soul is exhausted, her spiritual energy in disarray. Junior Niece Zhang has suffered severe injuries... she needs rest.”

“To battle a Soul Formation cultivator at the early Nascent Soul stage...”

The Sect Master sighed.

Zheng Fa thought for a moment and said, “Master, Martial Uncle, given the urgent situation, I’ve overstepped. I’ll take Senior Sister Zhang into the Jiushan Realm to recover. But with the Great Freedom Demonic Sect out of the hidden realm, changes may be coming to the Xuanyi Realm—our Jiushan Sect’s withdrawal must not be delayed.”

The Sect Master and Martial Uncle Pang exchanged a glance.

Zheng Fa sensed something and turned—Martial Uncle Huang had appeared beside him.

“I’ll go fetch the disciples who were dismissed earlier.”

Martial Uncle Pang said decisively.

The Sect Master pondered for a moment, then asked, “And the mortals living on Jiushan Sect’s land...”

Zheng Fa understood the issue.

Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m freewebnσvel.cøm.

He didn’t particularly care for the Hundred Immortals Alliance.

But the countless mortals in this vast territory—had truly supported Jiushan Sect.

As for the Great Freedom Demonic Sect—no one knew what their methods would be.

“Those willing to enter the Jiushan Realm, I’ll trouble you to take care of them, Master...”

Zheng Fa said quietly.

The low population of the Jiushan Realm was one reason, but more importantly, Zheng Fa felt Jiushan Sect owed a responsibility to the mortals of this land.

The three elders exchanged glances, all wearing troubled expressions.

They clearly understood how difficult this would be.

But none of them said anything.

Martial Uncle Huang thought for a moment and said, “There are some families, especially those of our Jiushan disciples—if they’re willing to follow the sect, we must bring them back.”

Zheng Fa nodded.

Though Jiushan Sect currently had only around a thousand disciples, over tens of thousands of years, it had built many ties.

That would be another complicated task.

“I’ll handle it.”

Martial Uncle Huang volunteered.

Zheng Fa opened his mouth, seemingly wanting to say something, but he looked a bit embarrassed.

“Go to Jingzhou City first...”

Martial Uncle Huang glanced at him and smiled.

“Thank you, Martial Uncle.”

Zheng Fa had wanted to go himself, but now the Sun and Moon Bell seemed to be entangled with that flying sword—even moving was difficult.

After thinking a bit, Zheng Fa said again, “There’s also the Zhao family in Jingzhou City.”

“I know, you were born in the Zhao family... what about them?”

Zheng Fa hesitated, then said, “Please explain the current situation to Madam Zhao... if she’s willing to enter the Jiushan Realm, I ask Martial Uncle to lend a hand.”

“If she’s not, then no need to force it.”

He planned to write to the Seventh Young Master and Zhao Jinglan to see what arrangements they would make.

Martial Uncle Huang nodded, as if committing it to memory.

Zheng Fa, still worried about Senior Sister Zhang, clasped his hands to the three elders and carried her into the Jiushan Realm.

...

Watching Zheng Fa vanish before their eyes,

the three elders were silent.

“You’re the Sect Master, and you just listen to him like that?”

Martial Uncle Pang said slowly.

“What else am I supposed to do?” the Sect Master sighed. “Did you see Zhenren Tongming speaking to me, or to him?”

“...”

“If I didn’t listen, would any of you?”

“...”

Martial Uncle Pang and Martial Uncle Huang exchanged glances.

The Sect Master sneered, clearly not interested in their answer.

“Never thought...” Martial Uncle Pang clicked his tongue, slightly emotional. “I knew Zheng Fa would amount to something... but this is too fast. Same with Junior Niece Zhang. I’m starting to feel old.”

“I am old. But at least I’ve got someone to carry the torch. No matter how far Zheng Fa goes, he still has to call me ‘Master.’”

The Sect Master said softly.

“I’ve got one too.”

Martial Uncle Huang smiled and chimed in.

“...”

Martial Uncle Pang blinked, and for a moment, he suddenly felt the desolation of growing old with no one to rely on...