Cultivation: I Have Studied Abroad in the Modern World

Zheng Fa glanced at Elder Xiong and said, "How about consulting these disciples' ideas, Elder Xiong?"

Elder Xiong didn't outright refuse but gently declined:

"...Alliance Leader, I already have some ideas and would like to try them out first."

"If it doesn't work, I will take a look at your sect's Foundation Establishment disciples' insights in the Alchemy Dao."

Although he didn't dare confront Zheng Fa directly, he hesitated noticeably at the words 'Foundation Establishment,' clearly unable to suppress his discontent.

Zheng Fa listened without showing anger, merely nodded and talked about other matters before taking his leave.

Zhao Jingfan couldn't help but look at Elder Xiong worriedly.

"Go prepare the spiritual medicine again."

"Huh?"

"What's 'huh'? Afraid of offending Alliance Leader Zheng? If we refine the pill, then there's no offense!"

"But..."

"But what? While Alliance Leader Zheng is desperately trying remedies, he's not a petty person. If I make a contribution, he won't say anything." Elder Xiong seemed quite confident.

Zhao Jingfan opened his mouth, understanding that Elder Xiong's courage stemmed from noticing Zheng Fa's tolerance.

"Can it really be refined?"

"I didn't deceive Alliance Leader Zheng; I have some confidence," Elder Xiong smiled and whispered, "If the reference to those people's things is useless, it's one thing, but if useful, won't the credit have to be shared with them?"

"..."

Zhao Jingfan never expected Elder Xiong to be so petty.

"Let me tell you, apart from me, no one in the Jiushan Realm can refine this Spirit Pill, why be afraid?"

...

Perhaps there's someone else.

Not someone else, but Zhao Jingfan.

Zhao Jingfan was called to another alchemy room by Zheng Fa, staring blankly at Zheng Fa.

"Do you want me to help you?"

"Yes..." Zheng Fa nodded, explaining to Zhao Jingfan, "Hasn't Elder Xiong taught you hand-in-hand? Do you know the refining technique for this Spirit Pill?"

Zhao Jingfan, with a muddled mind, nodded regardless.

Zheng Fa said seriously, "Besides Elder Xiong's alchemy experiment, we will start the second alchemy experiment."

"..."

Zhao Jingfan remained silent.

Zheng Fa made this arrangement after deliberation.

Receiving reports from four Foundation Establishment disciples, he naturally understood the underlying conflict.

Honestly, within the Xuanwei Realm's perceptions, the disciple who suggested "ideas" was overstepping.

But Zheng Fa didn't blame him as he had nurtured the disciple, sometimes intentionally encouraging them to overstep.

Yet, Elder Xiong couldn't tolerate it.

This visit to the alchemy room was intended to mediate, trying to have Elder Xiong refine his experiment according to recorded things — which seemed challenging.

Most Nascent Soul cultivators, having lived for thousands or tens of thousands of years, are widely regarded within the Xuanwei Realm.

They are not only proud but often have fixed mindsets.

Zheng Fa knew he might persuade—or rather, pressure—the other party.

After careful consideration, he gave up.

"But the elder said he had a plan..."

Zhao Jingfan immediately provided inside information about his own elder.

Zheng Fa smiled, "Then I await the elder's good news, but we must also conduct the second experiment."

"Why?"

"I believe Elder Xiong certainly is striving, but I also know he's confident. Starting from one idea naturally cannot compare to trying two separate ideas."

Zheng Fa explained to Zhao Jingfan:

"Elder Xiong's success is of course good."

"If unsuccessful, I'd like to try improving in our Jiushan Sect's own way."

Zheng Fa's choice was simple—parallel experiment!

Improving the "Jiushan Golden Core Method" is the Jiushan Sect's most critical matter, relating to Zhao Fa's Nascent Soul formation and the enhancement of Jiushan Sect's Basic Great Method.

In the long term, it's about whether the Jiushan Sect can rapidly cultivate a large number of Nascent Souls.

All resources and manpower within the Jiushan Sect are centered around this, with the most crucial aspect being the elixir recipe research.

They have the resources for experiments with differing approaches and deserve to undertake both!

The first approach follows Elder Xiong's ideas, understanding and analyzing the recipe from a traditional Jiushan Sect Pill Master's perspective.

The second relies on observed records combined with Zhao Jingfan's learned methods for gradual improvement.

Simply put, it's the enhancement of the elixir recipe using the minimal chemistry knowledge learned by Zheng Fa.

From a personal perspective, Zhao Fa doesn't intend to prove Elder Xiong wrong or declare his method superior.

He merely wished to increase the chances of success.

With the entire sect awaiting the success of this experiment, he naturally didn't intend to use this as leverage for conflict.

Two approaches walking side by side surely steadies the endeavor more than one alone.

If this fails, perhaps the other will succeed?

For these reasons, Zheng Fa, after careful consideration, chose to let Elder Xiong experiment according to his ideas—perhaps Elder Xiong is indeed right.

Understanding Zheng Fa's intention, Zhao Jingfan inquired, "What can I do?"

"Our experiment also has to be based on Elder Xiong's current results, so you must teach these disciples to learn how to refine the current wasted pill."

To improve, naturally, one must learn the current foundation first to have the ability to speak of improvements.

Though those disciples recorded every one of Elder Xiong's techniques, having Zhao Jingfan, the disciple taught by Elder Xiong, provide guidance is naturally better.

From previous experimental processes, this Spirit Pill requires a Golden Core Realm Pill Master.

The Jiushan Sect currently lacks one.

Based on the judgment of Zheng Fa and Lady Xuanhua, leveraging the experience from the "Golden Core Project" and using Immortal Formation techniques with Foundation Establishment Pill Masters should meet the experiment's requirements.

Zhao Jingfan, after hearing this, was somewhat conflicted.

"Then, go ask Elder Xiong," Zheng Fa recognized his concerns, "If he agrees, come and help us. If not, we will conduct our research independently."

Zheng Fa did not insist.

Zhao Jingfan nodded, finally murmuring, "If he doesn't agree, I'll go plead with the sect leader."

Returning to his residence, Zhao Jingfan discussed the matter with Elder Xiong.

"Agree! Why wouldn't I agree? I'm willing to teach this Secret Technique to the Jiushan Sect!" Elder Xiong sat in his chair, a cold smile on his face.

"Now Alliance Leader Zheng wants to compare a bunch of Foundation Establishment disciples with me, a Nascent Soul Cultivator."

"If I don't dare, wouldn't that severely tarnish the Qingmu Sect's reputation in the Alchemy Dao?"

"Go teach them, teach them properly, without holding back!"

"Lest they say later that we won unjustly!"