I Studied Abroad in the Modern Times-Chapter 306Book 2: : Five-Element Orchid, Archaeological Choices

Book 2: Chapter 306: Five-Element Orchid, Archaeological Choices

Vol 2 Chapter 306: Five-Element Orchid, Archaeological Choices

The small deer on the painted screen was pure white jade in color, with slender and powerful limbs. It leaped down from the painting and bounded to stand before Zheng Fa.

In its deer mouth, it held a five-colored spiritual orchid, its petals adorned with dewdrops and roots still caked with soil, as if freshly picked from the mountains.

"This is..."

Zheng Fa turned to look at Xiao Yuying, somewhat puzzled by this performance.

Unexpectedly, Xiao Yuying countered with a question instead of answering: "The Jiushan Golden Core Method - hit a bottleneck, haven't you?"

"Fairy Xiao, you..." Zheng Fa was momentarily stunned, unable to conceal his surprise. "You really see through everything. I wouldn't call it a bottleneck, just some difficulties."

Indeed, his research on the Jiushan Golden Core Method had slowed recently.

The essence of this technique was to refine the spiritual material particles within the Nascent Soul and lifebound spiritual treasure, constructing within them a structure resembling a five-element cycle.

This five-element cycle should theoretically consist of both yang five-elements and yin five-elements.

Zheng Fa had already succeeded in condensing the yang five-elements, but couldn't properly form the yin five-elements.

This was why he periodically emerged from seclusion after dual cultivation sessions with Senior Sister Zhang - while dual cultivation enhanced cultivation, perfecting the technique required further research.

Without completing the Jiushan Golden Core Method, his advancement to Nascent Soul would be flawed, making subsequent perfection of the Heavenly and Earthly Fiend Transformations impossible.

Few knew about this issue, as Zheng Fa had only recently discovered the problem.

Moreover, he maintained good spirits - research naturally encountered obstacles to overcome.

A technique like the Jiushan Golden Core Method could serve as Tianhe Venerable's trump card. While smooth progress was ideal, realistically speaking, his current advancement already surpassed all predecessors.

Right, Tianhe Sect members?

Unexpectedly, Xiao Yuying seemed to have discerned this... or perhaps anticipated it long ago?

Regardless, he had no reason to hide it: "In the Jiushan Golden Core Method, the yin five-element sub-symbols seem unable to stabilize... Special methods may be required to condense the yin five-elements."

This had initially troubled him.

Upon reflection, he understood the probable reason - the five-element cycle concept originated from the Talisman Foundation Establishment Technique.

In that technique, there was an inherent talisman foundation - those two lotus flowers. Once the yang five-elements formed, the yin five-elements seemed to naturally exist as their mirror image. ＲÄ𝐍ỔＢʧ

But problems arose when applying this to the Jiushan Golden Core Method:

There was no mirror!

The Talisman Foundation Establishment Technique seemed to naturally contain this mirroring function, allowing yin and yang five-elements to form a complete system.

But the Jiushan Golden Core Method lacked this carrier.

Considering this, Zheng Fa turned back to Xiao Yuying: "Fairy Xiao, do you have some insight?"

Since she raised the question, whether through observation or prior knowledge, she must have purpose behind it.

"I have no particular insight," Xiao Yuying gently shook her head, then pointed at the five-colored orchid. "But this spiritual orchid should help you."

Zheng Fa looked at the jade deer - its large eyes with pure black pupils stared at him, as if urging him to accept the orchid.

Xiao Yuying's fingers lightly traced the words on the low table as if reminiscing while explaining:

"I once visited an ancient cultivator's cave dwelling. Based on its style, I believe its owner lived during the last era's end."

Zheng Fa trusted Xiao Yuying's judgment as a historian.

But the last era's end?

Wasn't that contemporaneous with Tianhe Venerable?

"That cave's cultivator reached at most Nascent Soul stage, but... he witnessed Tianhe Venerable's rise."

Xiao Yuying's words confirmed Zheng Fa's speculation.

"So this orchid relates to the Nine-turn Golden Core Method?"

This was fairly obvious.

Xiao Yuying mentioning both the Jiushan Golden Core Method and an ancient cultivator from the last era's end...

The connecting thread could only be the Nine-turn Golden Core Method.

Xiao Yuying nodded and continued:

"That cave owner was actually quite poor - seemingly exhausting all resources for a breakthrough that never came..."

Her tone carried inexplicable disdain, like a wealthy woman looking down on poverty...

"But he left many jade slips behind."

"One recorded a rumor:"

"During Tianhe Venerable's Golden Core stage, he apparently obtained a five-element orchid, later achieving fame as history's foremost Golden Core cultivator."

"Later, Tianhe Sect continued cultivating and acquiring five-element orchids... suggesting significant utility."

Zheng Fa pondered this.

Though just a rumor, Xiao Yuying's presentation contained many thought-provoking points.

Tianhe Venerable obtaining the orchid during Golden Core stage and subsequent fame didn't necessarily prove its connection to the Nine-turn Golden Core Method, but the timing aligned - he likely perfected that method during Golden Core stage.

Moreover, if Tianhe Sect persistently sought the orchids, it became more suspicious:

Based on Zheng Fa's understanding of Xuanyi Realm cultivators.

If merely a fortuitous encounter, Tianhe Venerable wouldn't have the sect continue searching - Golden Core stage treasures would become useless to him later.

But if required for cultivation techniques usable by descendants, the sect would maintain demand.

What techniques from Golden Core stage remained relevant to Tianhe Sect's methods?

Most prominently - the Nine-turn Golden Core Method!

Of course, this remained conjecture - merely one possibility.

Tianhe Venerable created multiple techniques, including lifebound treasure methods during Golden Core stage.

Looking up at Xiao Yuying, she nodded:

"That jade slip also mentioned rumors of Tianhe Venerable creating an exceptionally powerful Golden Core method,"

"Requiring a spiritual pill with five-element orchid as primary ingredient."

Zheng Fa slowly nodded, looking at the deer's orchid: "This is that five-element orchid?"

"Correct." Xiao Yuying also gazed at the flower, her tone tinged with emotion. "That Nascent Soul cultivator naturally sought the secret technique, somehow obtaining and cultivating one in his cave."

"Unexpectedly, when I entered, generations of orchids had survived."

"While he turned to bones long ago."

Xiao Yuying's expression turned serious as she added: "These orchids are now... nearly extinct in Xuanyi Realm."

"Extinct? That doesn't make sense."

Zheng Fa frowned.

By Xiao Yuying's account, these orchids were quite hardy - capable of stable generational propagation in proper conditions.

"I later investigated... Five-element orchid seeds are extremely rare in Xuanyi Realm. Most cultivators haven't even heard of this spiritual plant."

Zheng Fa suddenly looked up at Xiao Yuying: "Deliberately eradicated?"

"Likely so."

This implied the Five Sects' doing - only they possessed such capability.

This conversely revealed why Xiao Yuying was so certain about the orchid's connection to the Nine-turn Golden Core Method:

Only something related to forbidden knowledge like that method or Tianhe Venerable would prompt the Five Sects to so thoroughly eradicate a spiritual plant into endangerment.

Thus, this orchid became quite precious.

"Fairy Xiao, this orchid... is for me?"

"I'll give you one, but what I want in return isn't just one."

"Even..." Zheng Fa laughed, "ten or a hundred would be fine!"

Preserving endangered species and Xuanyi Realm's ecological balance was Jiushan Sect's specialty.

Was anything more endangered than unique heaven-earth spiritual roots?

Hadn't Zhenren Qian succeeded with those?

Xiao Yuying nodded, smiling, then gazed at the writing before saying: "Your approach... will make Jiushan Sect's future difficult."

Zheng Fa silently agreed.

Extremely difficult.

He'd never seen real success - perhaps now, he walked a path truly different from modernity, no longer following footsteps.

Future successes or failures would lack precedents to reference.

"If not necessary, I wouldn't choose this path."

Zheng Fa shook his head.

Were it not for Xuanyi Realm's current situation and Jiushan Sect's crisis, he truly wouldn't.

"If not necessary, I wouldn't help you either..."

Xiao Yuying echoed his words with similar bitter amusement.

"..." Zheng Fa looked at her.

"I'm also a cultivator." Xiao Yuying stood, meeting his gaze frankly. "Without spiritual energy's decline... I'd never stand with you."

This blunt honesty was characteristic.

Xiao Yuying wasn't the altruistic type.

Among Xuanyi Realm's three closest women:

Senior Sister Zhang was different - they shared heart and mind.

Xie Qingxue harbored great secrets, forced into cooperation after Zheng Fa's discovery.

Xiao Yuying differed.

Her mysterious background suggested significant connections and options. Free-spirited, she could likely leave Jiushan Realm despite any objections.

Meaning if she disapproved of Zheng Fa's actions, she could truly walk away.

Only spiritual energy's decline moved her.

In fact, the prouder one was of their talent, the more they cared about the decline - if one's cultivation ceiling was Golden Core, why worry about spiritual energy?

"If the Five Sects cause trouble later, you can say..." Xiao Yuying suddenly offered, "this forbidden Jiushan Golden Core Method has Xiao Yuying's involvement. Count me in for any consequences."

With that, she waved her sleeve, retrieving the painted screen.

The deer before Zheng Fa dissolved into strands of azure spiritual energy, fading away.

Then she extended her right hand toward him.

"Hand it over."

"What?"

"Archaeological... plans, proposals, whatever..." Xiao Yuying seemed to recall something, pursing her lips. "I think this is how you tricked me into joining Jiushan Sect originally."

Fairy Xiao saw right through him - Zheng Fa had indeed prepared an archaeological project list.

"Mu Qingyan provided several dozen leads, some annotated with potential dangers and valuable treasures..."

"Take a look, Fairy Xiao."

"Several dozen..." Xiao Yuying was speechless. "She really trusts you."

"Don't you trust me too?" Zheng Fa smiled slightly smugly. "Mu Qingyan's temperament and cultivation show promise - please keep an eye on her."

Dozens of ruins seemed excessive, but considering Mu Qingyan's "previous life" spanned millennia - one valuable ruin per century wasn't unreasonable.

Zheng Fa didn't believe Mu Qingyan shared these leads purely from trust.

Given her current cultivation, she couldn't benefit much from most ruins, let alone protect any gains.

Cooperating with Jiushan Realm let her acquire desired resources faster...

Though not entirely without trust - revealing these leads exposed some of her cards.

If Jiushan Sect betrayed her... she'd suffer.

Watching Xiao Yuying, then thinking of Mu Qingyan, Zheng Fa noted their odd connection.

One saw the past.

One saw the future.

Both now contributed to Jiushan Sect's archaeological endeavors.

Xiao Yuying nodded silently, but Zheng Fa understood her character - actions over words, yet always keeping promises.

Her nod gave him confidence in Mu Qingyan's safety.

"Other leads are ordinary - most caves seem Nascent Soul or Golden Core level..." Xiao Yuying reviewed before frowning. "But these three Haori Mountain-related sites might be problematic."

Zheng Fa was momentarily confused, then realized!

The Hundred Immortals Alliance's territory originally belonged to Haori Mountain - remnants of their cultivators were natural.

But now it was Alliance land!

Creating major ownership disputes...

Normally, Xuanyi Realm followed finders-keepers rules. With Xiao Yuying's expertise and Mu Qingyan's rebirth advantage, Zheng Fa held clear edges.

But Haori Mountain was one of the Five Sects - their rules overruled all.

Zheng Fa privately considered whether Mu Qingyan's claim that Haori Mountain and the Great Freedom Demon Emperor historically clashed related to this?

He certainly lacked the Demon Emperor's boldness - now was Jiushan Sect's development phase, avoiding Haori Mountain conflicts was wise.

Xiao Yuying's warning was timely!

"Then we'll avoid Five Sect-related ruins." Zheng Fa decided after brief consideration.

He knew Five Sect remnants likely held greater treasures and resources that could significantly boost Jiushan Sect.

But their current peace was too precious.

Better leave those buried for now - as the saying went: "Not strong enough yet!"

Xiao Yuying approved, storing the list before saying:

"I'll cross-reference other leads with known ruins..."

"Prioritizing those with high-level pill or artifact forging legacies."

...

Zheng Fa realized when Xiao Yuying truly committed to helping, she anticipated needs perfectly!

Jiushan Sect's industrialization most needed technology!

In Zheng Fa's view, Jiushan Realm's cultivation technology should combine modern approaches with local resources.

Simply put - modern thinking reforming Xuanyi's traditional methods.

Pill and artifact forging were most adaptable, currently Jiushan Sect's weaker areas.

Moreover... with the orchid issue:

Cultivating them wasn't overly difficult, but rumors suggested they were just primary ingredients - pill formulas and forging techniques were still missing.

The situation seemed hopeless.

Even the orchid's connection to the Nine-turn Golden Core Method remained unconfirmed, let alone its potential to help perfect the Jiushan Golden Core Method.

More intelligence was needed!

With this, Zheng Fa focused on the Creation Jade Slip, sending another fairy a similarly probing message:

"Fairy Xie, have you heard of five-element orchids?"