I Studied Abroad in the Modern Times-Chapter 299Book 2: : Alliance Signed, Etched on the Stele

Book 2: Chapter 299: Alliance Signed, Etched on the Stele

Vol 2 Chapter 299: Alliance Signed, Etched on the Stele

Whether it was Elder Monk Zhi Xu or Zhenren Luo of Haori Mountain standing to the side, their expressions at this moment—how should one put it—couldn’t understand, but were deeply shaken.

Tianhe Sect Master Yan really didn’t look good right now, his expression somewhat dazed and also twisted.

But no matter what, the severe injuries on his body were real.

Even the cause of those injuries was easy to guess—the formation disk must have contained some hidden trick of Sect Master Yan’s, which was discovered by Zheng Fa and then used against him.

What they couldn’t understand was:

Zheng Fa’s counterattack had such power!

Upon hearing Zheng Fa mention the matter of the sea domain again, Elder Monk Zhi Xu wanted to oppose it in his heart, but had no choice but to speak mildly.

Now that Sect Master Yan had joined the list of victims after the Great Freedom Demon Emperor, there was one fact Zhi Xu could no longer deny:

The power Zheng Fa concealed far exceeded his imagination!

Wuzhi stood behind Elder Monk Zhi Xu, watching Zheng Fa and Grandmaster Zhi Xu lock eyes.

Clearly one was a Golden Core, and the other a rogue immortal.

But in his eyes, Zheng Fa, the Golden Core, had a smile on his face, while Grandmaster Zhi Xu’s words were laced with fear, which suddenly filled his heart with frustration and unease.

Let alone someone like him, who’d had past friction with Zheng Fa.

Among all the disciples of the Five Sects present, every single one of them—who wasn’t feeling a mix of emotions?

Having lived under the glory of the Five Sects for so long, who hadn’t adopted the mindset that all others were ants beneath them? But now, seeing a rogue immortal of the Five Sects being forced to match step with Zheng Fa, someone previously unknown...

This scene truly shattered their understanding.

No one spoke in the hall, and everyone’s eyes carried a hint of complexity as they fell on Zheng Fa.

Seeing that Elder Monk Zhi Xu had already softened, Zheng Fa immediately cupped his hands and said, “Just now, Grandmaster Zhi Xu was also considering the Xuanyi Realm’s well-being, acting out of compassion—it was I who overstepped.”

No one really believed the “compassion” in that sentence, but everyone understood that this was Zheng Fa offering a way to save face.

The atmosphere in the hall immediately eased. Fairy Baihua smiled and spoke:

“Daoist Friend Zhi Xu bears the people of Xuanyi in mind.”

“Daoist Friend Zheng Fa stands his ground righteously.”

“Both earn my admiration.”

Hearing this, even Zheng Fa felt a bit convinced. Don’t be fooled by Yaochi’s alignment with Taishang Dao—this Fairy Baihua was terrifyingly adept at diplomacy! ȓÃNȪ₿ĘṤ

With her words, regardless of what others felt internally, the atmosphere in the hall became much more cordial.

With the sea domain now ceded to the Hundred Immortals Alliance, the most important territorial division of this alliance meeting was complete.

What followed were all minor matters—but among the minor matters, there was still a major one: signing the alliance agreement.

Zheng Fa sat beside a desk, where a scroll lay.

The scroll was made of shimmering brocade, inscribed within with dazzling golden spiritual ink, recording the results of the alliance meeting.

This piece was written by a female disciple of Yaochi, executed in one breath, ink flying freely.

The alliance agreement was long and full of fluff—Zheng Fa truly suspected that this disciple was Yaochi’s in-house scribe.

But in summary, there were four points:

First, the current main task of the alliance is to guard against the resurrection of ancient immortals and gods, purge unauthorized worship, and restrain sects within their domains.

Only after Fairy Baihua and the others explained did Zheng Fa understand: because Dao Fruits are undying, many ancient immortals and gods could still leave behind some inheritances.

Some people, naturally, began to cultivate their techniques and worship unknown deities.

This was often seen as a fortunate encounter in the Xuanyi Realm.

Now, with great tribulations looming and Xuanyi in chaos, mortals living in constant peril were even more eager to seek out wild gods to worship.

The second clause targeted the major Demon Ancestors, stressing that when dealing with them, the six factions must stand together and not undermine one another.

This clause was so pointed that many in the hall looked toward Zhi Xu and the others.

The third clause was relatively simple: Dao Fruit cultivators of the six factions must not attack one another, to avoid depleting strength.

This clause had a time limit—the exact duration would depend on the next alliance meeting, depending on the state of the Xuanyi Realm.

The final clause was quite harsh—

If anyone breaks the agreement, the whole world will act against the individual.

If a sect breaks it, the other five will act together to crush them.

Zheng Fa glanced at Wuzhi again, thinking this clause probably stemmed from the distrust caused by Wuzhi’s earlier betrayal.

He even felt that this agreement was rather crude—the time restriction on Dao Fruit cultivators not fighting seemed far too vague...

But then again, the alliance of six factions was born of necessity. The rifts between the Five Sects likely ran much deeper.

If not for the threat of ancient immortals and the major Demon Ancestors, this alliance meeting might not have even happened.

This crude agreement was, in truth, a sign of these sects’ mutual distrust, always ready to turn on each other.

Still the same line of thought—

This alliance meeting, rather than being a grand ceremony of unity, was more like a grand banquet to carve up the world.

And Zheng Fa, leading the Hundred Immortals Alliance, had sliced off a massive piece of that cake—

A truly massive piece. The sea domain of the Xuanyi Realm was vast beyond measure. Zheng Fa hadn’t even figured out the total area.

Now the map on the floor of the grand hall had been divided into six colors.

The white representing the Hundred Immortals Alliance, just from surface area, even surpassed Haori Mountain and Yaochi, ranking mid-to-lower among the six factions.

Though he knew the land mass on it was small, and the population sparse, seeing such a vast white area... Zheng Fa still felt a satisfying sense of expanding territory.

With the agreement finalized, Li Daoren of Taishang Dao was the first to leave, as if he didn’t want to waste another moment here.

Seeing this, Elder Monk Zhi Xu and Luo Sanxian of Haori Mountain also said their goodbyes.

Tianhe Sect was slower to depart—Sect Master Yan’s injuries had yet to fully heal.

Xie Qingxue glanced at Zheng Fa with a complicated look, holding the Qingping Sword and standing beside her master, as if guarding him.

Watching them fly farther away, Zheng Fa still felt a bit worried—he didn’t care much for Sect Master Yan, but he did have a decent relationship with Xie Qingxue, and feared something might happen to the Tianhe Sect.

“Sect Master Zheng need not worry, Sect Master Yan is likely fine.”

Behind him, a voice filled with laughter rang out. When Zheng Fa turned his head, he saw Fairy Baihua of Yaochi smiling at him.

As the host, she hadn’t yet departed.

Wait, no—technically speaking, this Xiaguang Island now belonged to him...

Why are you still here?

“What makes the Fairy say so?”

“It seems Sect Master Zheng doesn’t know Tianhe Sect well.” Fairy Baihua smiled. “The strength of their Dao Fruit lies solely in the sword. As long as the Immortal Sword remains intact, no one dares to provoke the tiger.”

Zheng Fa suddenly thought of the Qingping Sword and understood a bit. He bowed to Fairy Baihua and said, “Thank you for the reminder.”

These words might be common knowledge among the Five Sects, but to cultivators below rogue immortals, this was likely a well-kept secret.

“You’re too kind, Sect Master Zheng.” Fairy Baihua still lingered, smiling at Zheng Fa, “From now on, since your alliance will be managing the sea domain, we’ll be neighbors.”

“Best we watch over each other.”

Zheng Fa’s heart stirred.

The Western Continent had been divided between Yaochi and Leiyin Temple.

Leiyin Temple was probably stronger, taking most of the Western Continent and sitting across the sea from the Hundred Immortals Alliance.

Yaochi was weaker, with much smaller territory, but they did have a coastline.

More importantly, Yaochi... seemed wary of Leiyin Temple too.

They even followed the lead of Taishang Dao.

Now that relations between the Hundred Immortals Alliance and Leiyin Temple weren’t good either, could it be that this Fairy Baihua wanted to form an alliance?

“About Leiyin Temple...”

Fairy Baihua glanced at the others in the hall, waved her jade hand lightly, and the entire space was filled with the fragrance of a hundred flowers. Looking at the other Yaochi disciples, they each wore pleasant expressions, their eyes unfocused, as if they had fallen into an illusion.

The Tranquility Bamboo in Senior Sister Zhang’s hand shimmered with golden light, protecting her body, and a faint bamboo fragrance drifted to Zheng Fa’s nose, shielding both of their minds.

Fairy Baihua cast a deep look at the Tranquility Bamboo and sighed, “Now I understand why Leiyin Temple doesn’t want your Hundred Immortals Alliance to grow too strong. This Tranquility Bamboo is probably no ordinary Dao Fruit.”

From the way she said it, Dao Fruits vary in strength. Though Fairy Baihua hadn’t used her full power, her spell being broken by Senior Sister Zhang wielding the Tranquility Bamboo left her somewhat surprised.

Fairy Baihua became even more courteous toward Zheng Fa and said bluntly, “Yaochi and Leiyin Temple both reside in the Western Continent, and in the past there was no real enmity... but with the great tribulation approaching, Leiyin Temple harbors ambitions to swallow the West.”

“Some in my Yaochi have even begun cultivating Buddhist techniques...”

Zheng Fa was extremely shocked upon hearing this. In terms of Dao Fruit essence, this was practically rooting out one’s foundation.

No wonder even someone as graceful and diplomatic as Fairy Baihua had secretly begun struggling against Leiyin Temple.

It seemed the power gap between Yaochi and Leiyin Temple was indeed large.

Zheng Fa fell into brief contemplation.

Fairy Baihua was grasping at straws in desperation.

Originally, the Western Continent had two major powers. Taishang Dao was likely too far removed to intervene, and Yaochi would surely be suppressed.

But now that the Hundred Immortals Alliance occupied the sea domain, Yaochi and Leiyin Temple had gained a new neighbor—one with considerable strength—naturally, she wanted to find allies.

Seeing Zheng Fa remain silent, she reached out and conjured a white jade flask in her hand, saying, “I see Sect Master Zheng seems to like this Hundred Flower Spirit Tea…”

No doubt, although this woman was powerful, her posture was quite humble.

Partly due to her disposition, but also clearly due to genuine urgency.

Zheng Fa thought for a while and then spoke: “The alliance agreement has been set. I assume Leiyin Temple’s Dao Fruit cultivators won’t make a move?”

Fairy Baihua sighed, “Leiyin Temple is incredibly adept at beguiling the hearts of others. Now that they’re so powerful... if we don’t prepare early, how can Yaochi survive in the future?”

It was clear that Fairy Baihua was not optimistic about the alliance’s long-term effectiveness either.

Zheng Fa stared at the Hundred Flower Spirit Tea for a long while before saying, “This... to receive reward without merit makes me uneasy.”

“……”

Fairy Baihua’s expression stiffened, but then she heard Zheng Fa continue, “I actually have an idea.”

Looking at her, Zheng Fa said, “I’d like to buy the Hundred Flower Spirit Tea…”

“Buy?”

“Yes, buy.”

This Hundred Flower Spirit Tea had significant effects on the Spiritual Vision Technique, which was a crucial part of the Heavenly Gang and Earthly Fiend Transformation. Zheng Fa was genuinely interested in acquiring it.

Not just for himself, but for future disciples of Jiushan Sect who would cultivate the Heavenly Gang and Earthly Fiend Transformation.

If the Hundred Flower Spirit Tea wasn’t too expensive, he was indeed inclined to do business with Fairy Baihua.

Upon hearing this, Fairy Baihua only felt that Zheng Fa was answering the wrong question. She cut straight to the point, “That’s a small matter. As for collaboration…”

“Collaboration is certainly something I’m considering too.” Zheng Fa pressed his lips together slightly, “But I believe, with the alliance agreement just signed, Leiyin Temple likely won’t make any major moves right away.”

“We shouldn’t act too hastily.”

Fairy Baihua glanced at him, a trace of realization flashing in her eyes. She said, “You don’t trust us.”

“……”

Zheng Fa didn’t respond, clearly confirming her guess.

The relationships among the Five Sects were too tangled. Even if what Fairy Baihua said made sense, the truth was mixed with falsehood—he couldn’t see it clearly... so naturally, he didn’t want to get involved.

Fairy Baihua’s expression turned cold, and anger surfaced on her face, seemingly infuriated by Zheng Fa’s rejection.

She said nothing more, only twisted her wrist, making the jade flask in her hand vanish.

“Fairy... what about the Hundred Flower Spirit Tea...?”

“Not for sale!”

Watching Fairy Baihua leave in a huff, Zheng Fa could only shake his head.

Of course he regretted not being able to purchase the Hundred Flower Spirit Tea, but as the leader of the Hundred Immortals Alliance, he bore the lives of countless people and couldn’t afford to be careless.

What’s more, his current status far exceeded his cultivation level—he even felt an uneasy sense of unworthiness:

Now that the alliance meeting was over, he naturally returned to his usual cautious self.

How much truth or falsehood was in Fairy Baihua’s words—he truly lacked the intelligence sources to judge.

So naturally, he leaned toward caution.

…

With Fairy Baihua’s departure, the phenomena on Xiaguang Island faded away.

Xiaguang Island once again became a wasteland of withered grass and trees.

Zheng Fa glanced at the eager cultivators outside the island. A flash of spiritual light appeared in his hand as a Tongjian flew into the large ship from before.

He had made enough of a splash already. Dealing with those Dao Fruits had exhausted him mentally. Since he didn’t need to conserve spiritual energy anymore and didn’t want to deal with the other cultivators, he simply left with Senior Sister Zhang, turning into a rainbow light and flying off.

…

Seeing the Five Sects leave, the cultivators outside the island waited for a while, but finally couldn’t resist their curiosity. They approached Xiaguang Island to see if anything had changed.

Inside the ship, little girl Deng Yan stared blankly at the Tongjian in front of her. Zheng Fa’s voice rang in her ears: “Whichever sect of the Five Sects you want to join, you can use this to tell me... oh, except Leiyin Temple, probably not.”

She was stunned for a moment and then told her father.

When Deng Cheng heard this, he was naturally thrilled. Then someone on the island shouted, “The Five Sect Alliance… no, the Six-Faction Agreement!”

This alliance concerned the future of the Immortal Sects, so Deng Cheng no longer cared about the Tongjian in his daughter’s hand. He flew into Xiaguang Island and headed toward the gathering crowd.

At the center of Xiaguang Island, a newly erected jade stele stood five zhang tall.

The stele radiated spiritual energy—it was clearly a treasure—but none of the cultivators present dared to touch it, simply because it bore six vast and majestic auras!

Deng Cheng looked toward the front of the jade stele.

The front was divided into two sections—

One detailed the alliance agreement.

The other was a map of the Xuanyi Realm.

Deng Cheng first carefully read through the contents of the agreement and found it rather hollow.

But upon looking at the map, he couldn’t help but widen his eyes. He read it again, as if not daring to believe his own vision.

On the map, why did the territory of the Hundred Immortals Alliance appear so huge?

No wonder that person earlier didn’t say Five Sects, but Six Factions!

After this alliance meeting, what cultivators called the Five Sects of Xuanyi would likely be renamed the Six Factions of Xuanyi…

His heart trembled as he flew toward the Beihe Sect’s large ship, praying silently:

May that little ancestor of mine not drop the treasure Sect Master Zheng gave her!