Cultivation: I Have Studied Abroad in the Modern World

When it comes to the Shenxiao Mining Ship, Elder Han and Xie Qingxue fell into silence.

The Spiritual Material Transformation Factory on Heavenly Art Island completely revealed the foundations of the Jiushan Realm to them.

"According to the plan, the current spiritual material supply prioritizes the needs of Golden Core disciples..." Zhang reported to Zheng Fa without even needing to check the ledger, "Secondly, it is used for the construction of Heavenly Art Island and the manufacturing of Shenxiao Flying Boats."

"Though there are still some gaps, the commissioning of Shenxiao Mining Ships can help alleviate them."

Zheng Fa listened, slowly nodded, and asked: "In terms of cost?"

"Shenxiao Mining Ship has allowed us to significantly reduce the cost of collecting spiritual materials compared to the outside world."

"However, the conversion and synthesis of spiritual materials require Spiritual Energy and cultivators. Compared to natural spiritual materials, we only have some advantages in certain high-level spiritual materials. Overall, the cost is still slightly higher."

Zheng Fa could sense the helplessness in Zhang's tone.

Unlike Elder Han, he wasn't optimistic; the tactics of Haori Mountain indeed greatly affected the Jiushan Sect.

Initially, in the First 50-Year Plan, the source of spiritual materials for the Jiushan Sect was mainly based on natural spiritual materials. The technology for transforming spiritual materials was intended to be used only when manufacturing precious materials.

The reason was simple: cost.

Certain spiritual materials existing abundantly in the Xuanwei Realm actually aren't expensive, and synthesizing them isn't very cost-effective.

But now, there's no choice.

Due to Haori Mountain's blockade, Zheng Fa and his team quickly adjusted their plans to ensure that the development of Jiushan Sect isn't hindered despite trade restrictions.

Elder Han, seeing the two frowning, couldn't understand and couldn't help but ask:

"Regardless of costs, Haori Mountain has expended such great efforts against you, yet you're still able to ensure spiritual material supply... Doesn't that make their schemes a laughingstock...?"

"Shouldn't they be the ones worried?"

Hearing Elder Han's words, Zheng Fa looked up and saw some confusion on Xie Qingxue's face.

He smiled and said: "But Elder Han, merely ensuring spiritual material supply isn't sufficient for our Jiushan Sect."

From the First 50-Year Plan, if the Jiushan Sect aims to achieve preliminary industrialization, spiritual material consumption would surpass that of ordinary sects.

Establishing an industrial system itself requires extremely high cost investments.

Educated manpower, cheap raw materials, perfected technology, manufacturing plants, and machinery — each requires large-scale and long-term investments.

That's why Zheng Fa wants to integrate the Hundred Immortals Alliance and control its resources.

Frankly speaking, these small factions in the Hundred Immortals Alliance are part of the cost for industrialization in the Jiushan Realm — even with potential opposing cultivators within the Alliance, he had foreseen this.

Had it not been for the need to rapidly strengthen the Hundred Immortals Alliance, he wouldn't be this aggressive.

Honestly, the influence of Chongxuan Sect on their plans is far greater than Elder Han could perceive.

Elder Han was stunned, speechless for a long time.

Until returning to the guest courtyard, he finally said to Xie Qingxue:

"Zheng Fa... his ambition is far greater than we imagined."

"Hmm?"

Xie Qingxue looked at the old man. She knew this Sunset Sword Immortal well, aware that despite his foul mouth, he had great insight owing to his knowledge of many secrets.

She wondered why he suddenly made such a remark.

"To be honest, if I had inadvertently thwarted Haori Mountain's methods... I certainly wouldn't remain so calm like Zheng Fa."

"But he's not just content; he feels it's not enough!"

"No, it's not about being not enough; it's about not caring about Haori Mountain... He's concerned only if Jiushan Sect's current development faces any restrictions."

Elder Han spoke in a low voice.

Xie Qingxue slowly nodded, clearly understanding his implicit meaning — this shows that Zheng Fa has extreme confidence in the future of Jiushan Sect, believing that given enough time to develop, they won't fear Haori Mountain.

"You know, have you heard what the disciples on Heavenly Art Island were saying?"

"What did they say?"

"They were saying, in the future, they plan to drive Shenxiao Warships to attack Haori Mountain... You know, these words were spoken by several Foundation Establishment disciples."

Xie Qingxue was somewhat stunned.

She surely thought those Foundation Establishment disciples were being audacious...

What strength does Haori Mountain have? How could a few Foundation Establishment disciples underestimate it?

Yet, on the other hand, she exchanged a glance with Elder Han, both having the same question:

Would Tianhe Sect's Foundation Establishment disciples have such ambition?

Thinking of the somewhat declining Tianhe Sect, the two remained silent.

But is this really Tianhe Sect's issue?

Not even to mention Foundation Establishment, any cultivator outside the Five Sects never had such ambitions?

Clearly, these are disciples of Jiushan Realm... It defies common sense!

Elder Han finally broke the silence:

"There's also the mining ship, Shenxiao Warship, and even this Spiritual Material Transformation Factory... They might not be arrogantly presumptuous without reason."

At this point, Elder Han suddenly said: "I plan to apply to Zheng Fa to go to Heavenly Craft Pavilion."

Xie Qingxue nodded gently.

Knowing Elder Han still held that thought — leveraging kindness for reward.

In terms of spiritual materials now, the role of the Unrivaled Society isn't as significant anymore.

Hence, he can only think of ways on Artifact Refining to create more "favors."

"I'm considering, if nothing else works, I'll do more for Jiushan Sect; otherwise, in the future, don't even mention having Zheng Fa act to help the Sect Leader, that kid Yan Wushuang might still rely on Jiushan Sect's protection."

Elder Han spoke softly.

Xie Qingxue froze for a moment, understanding his unsaid subtext.

Though there was some wishful thinking in her heart, Elder Han also knew the likelihood of Zheng Fa risking his life to help Tianhe Sect was very low — no matter how grateful Zheng Fa was, he had the Jiushan Realm's many people standing behind him; it was impossible for him to risk it all for Tianhe Sect.