Xiuxian: I studied abroad in modern times

Chapter 543 The Dragon Lord's Invitation, A Crisis in the Seas
There is a newly built auditorium in Xuanwu Enclosure. Although it is called an auditorium, it is actually a separate suspended island with an area of ​​about 800 acres, which is enough to accommodate hundreds of thousands of people.

In the center of the auditorium, there is a white stone platform, three zhang high, with ninety-nine steps on each of the four sides.

Zheng Fa sat cross-legged on the platform, looking in all directions.

The three thousand disciples of the Nine Mountains Sect, led by Senior Sister Zhang and others, sat on various prayer mats.

These disciples are all above the Golden Core stage. Of course, they are not all the Golden Core disciples of the Nine Mountains Sect, but rather the elite among them. At the very least, they are all at the late Golden Core stage and have the potential to condense into Nascent Soul. Although the Yellow Court Scripture starts from the Foundation Building Method of Talisman Dao, it is still very profound and mysterious. Only those who have reached the Nascent Soul stage can truly begin to understand it. If a disciple's cultivation is not up to par, it is a minor matter if he cannot understand it. The real problem is that he may learn it but still have a cognitive obstacle.

Therefore, those who ultimately came to listen to this sermon were the three thousand most elite disciples of the sect.

Seeing that everyone was watching him, Zheng Fa's spiritual power stirred slightly, and three golden flowers floated in the air, illuminating the stage and the audience.

"This lecture will last for twenty-one days. For the first seven days, I will impart the essential secrets of the Yellow Court Classic before the Nascent Soul stage, mainly the Nine Revolutions Golden Elixir Method and the Transformation of Heavenly Gang and Earthly Fiends."

The disciples below the stage, both those at the Golden Core stage and those in the early Nascent Soul stage, all wore expressions of joy, clearly finding this part most useful to them.

"The middle seven days are dedicated to explaining the outline of the Huangting Jing's transformation into a spiritual realm, with the main content being the essential principle of the unity of the three methods."

The disciples in the mid-to-late Nascent Soul stage were the ones who were happy.

"The last seven days are for us to exchange ideas." Zheng Fa's gaze swept across everyone's faces. "If you have any questions or opinions, please feel free to speak them. There is no need to get up."

The disciples below the stage all bowed slightly, as if in a gesture of respect.

Zheng Fa pressed his thumbs together at the base of his ring fingers, forming a Dao seal, and said:

The general outline of the *Huangting Jing* states: "When form and spirit are both perfected and united in true unity, one cultivates both nature and life, penetrating the Yellow Court..."

As he began to explain the general principles, streams of purple energy flowed from his auspicious clouds and landed around the high platform.

The sermon's voice, as clear as a bell, echoed throughout the auditorium.

As if drawn by the sermon, streaks of colorful clouds sneaked into the room, filling it with dazzling brilliance.

The disciples below the stage, those with high comprehension, were already completely absorbed, and some even began to dance wildly.

Even if they didn't fully understand it at first, they listened intently, unwilling to miss a single word.

Yan Wushuang sat on the futon, not fully understanding what was being said. He had sufficient comprehension and cultivation, and even practiced the "Huangting Jing," but he had spent a long time cultivating at the Tianhe Sect in his early years, and many of his ideas differed from those of the Jiushan Sect. As a result, he found some of the ideas contradictory.

Therefore, he listened very attentively.

Which disciple in the school does not know the special nature of the *Huangting Jing*?
This kind of technique, if placed among the four sects, would undoubtedly be a sect-protecting secret. How could anyone be as generous as the sect leader?
But what they never expected was that Zheng Fa, halfway through his explanation, seemed to sense their doubts, paused, and then turned back to explain some of the difficulties they had just discussed.

This time, he didn't just talk:
Zheng Fa pointed forward with his right index finger, and a light screen appeared.

In the light screen, besides some texts of the "Huang Ting Jing", there was also a three-dimensional human figure.

As the scripture changed, corresponding parts of the human body lit up with a red glow, which was then magnified so that everyone could see it clearly.

Although Yan Wushuang was already accustomed to the Nine Mountains Sect's multimedia teaching methods, she still felt somewhat emotional at this moment:

This shows that the sect leader had truly prepared before giving his sermon.

It wasn't just about preparing these "course materials"; more importantly, Zheng Fa seemed to have long understood the difficulties in the "Huang Ting Jing" and deliberately explained them repeatedly in an effort to make people understand them.

As I said before, in other sects, disciples would be afraid that their sect would not teach such profound techniques.

However, in the Jiushan Sect, Zheng Fa seemed afraid that they wouldn't be able to learn the Huangting Jing, a Daoist scripture considered the most profound and subtle.

Fourteen days passed in a flash.

As the sermons subsided, the crowd remained captivated by the profound mysteries of the *Huangting Jing*, unable to tear themselves away.

It wasn't until two incense sticks had burned that everyone gradually came to their senses.

Many disciples looked at Zheng Fa with somewhat resentful expressions—they could almost be described as unsatisfied.

Zheng Fa chuckled inwardly and asked the crowd:

Do you have any questions?

One of the disciples immediately shouted, "Sect Leader, please continue for two more days!"

Upon hearing this, the other disciples immediately nodded in agreement, and voices of support arose from all sides.

"This time it will only last twenty-one days."

The audience immediately sighed in dismay.

"But I didn't say it would only be this once."

"Head?"

“I have discussed this with the elders of the sect, and I will be giving a lecture on the Huangting Jing every three months for the next few years,” Zheng Fa said with a smile.

"The gap in the middle of March is a good time for you to study the Huangting Jing and accumulate insights and questions."

Upon hearing this, the disciples beamed with joy.

"Besides me, the elders and elite disciples will also give lectures in the auditorium regularly." Zheng Fa then shared another exciting piece of news. "Or rather, any disciple can apply to the sect to give a lecture on this platform. The specific schedule will be announced by Jiushan University."

This is equivalent to a regular public lecture or an academic seminar.

The difference between this seminar and the regular teaching at Jiushan University is that it does not restrict the identity or topic of the preacher, allowing them to speak freely. There are also fewer restrictions on the listeners; anyone who is interested can come, making it more free.

In Zheng Fa's view, the Taoist studies of the Jiushan Sect have now reached a point where there are no predecessors whose methods can be learned from.

Only by leveraging internal brainstorming can we hope to innovate and bring forth new ideas.

He had no better solution than to loosen the academic atmosphere within the school.

Upon hearing this, the disciples below the stage no longer harbored much dissatisfaction; instead, they were filled with anticipation.

In the following days, Zheng Fa answered some of his disciples' questions—although he had prepared lessons, individual talents and backgrounds differed, and there were some questions he couldn't even think of.

Many disciples still have difficulties with the Huangting Jing.

Until the twenty-first day.

With no more questions from the disciples, Zheng Fazheng was about to announce the end of his sermon when his expression suddenly changed. He reached out and lightly tapped the air, and a portal the size of a head appeared at his fingertips.

A golden invitation flew in through the gate.

The gold plaque depicts five dragons, radiating a precious glow; it is clearly a rare and magical treasure.

"What is this?"

"I'm puzzled," said Senior Sister Zhang from the audience.

Zheng Fa took the gold letter in his hand and looked at it. He was a little surprised, but then he laughed and said, "This is a visiting card from the Dragon Lord of Shuyu."

"Better greetings?"

Senior Sister Zhang, Uncle Pang, and the others sat on the prayer mats, looking at each other with some confusion, just like Zheng Fa.

The Jade Dragon Lord has visited the Nine Mountains Realm countless times, but has he ever been this formal before?

It's truly puzzling that they've gone to the trouble of sending a visiting card that looks valuable at first glance.

“Lord Shuyu will visit in three days, so this sermon will end here.”

Upon hearing this, all the disciples and elders below the stage spontaneously stood up from their prayer mats and bowed deeply to him, saying, "Thank you for teaching us, Sect Leader."

Zheng Fa also stood up on the platform, cupped his hands in greeting to the four directions, and replied, "I am waiting for you all to come up to this platform."

……

The Jade Dragon Lord stood on the seabed, frowning, and shouted at the empty waters, "This is my territory, Dragon King, you've gone too far." No one responded.

"The mighty Dragon King of the Azure Sea is actually hiding his true nature, a coward who dares to do something but not to take responsibility?"

A laugh rang out.

A whirlpool rose from the seabed, and the figure of the Azure Sea Dragon King stepped out of it, showing no shame and exuding an even more imposing aura.

The Dragon Lord Shuyu's expression grew even colder as he demanded, "Dragon King, you have used your magical power to invade my Xuanwei Sea. Do you intend to become my enemy?"

"It was you who chose to be my enemy. You refused to marry my son, Shuyu. Did you really think that my Cangming Dragon Palace would be bullied by you?"

Lord Shuyu laughed in anger: "You think I can't say no?"

"Of course you can refuse a marriage alliance," the Cangming Dragon King shook his head and said, "but you have to give me the Xuanwei Sea."

"Xuanweihai, why do you think I refused the marriage alliance? So that's what you were after all."

The Dragon Lord Shuyu's expression grew increasingly cold.

The reason she chose the Nine Mountains Sect over the Azure Sea Dragon King was not only because of the three dragon eggs in the Nine Mountains Realm and the grandeur of the Nine Mountains Sect, but also because she had seen through the Azure Sea Dragon King's intentions.

The Xuanwei Sea is the original sea area of ​​the Xuanwei Realm. Not only is it vast in area, but it is also the current center of the ocean. The newly formed North Sea and the yet-to-be-existed South Sea are located to the north and south of the Xuanwei Sea.

Whether it's communication between seas or the desire to unify the oceans, the Xuanwei Sea is of paramount importance.

"You understand? You don't understand!" The Dragon King of Cangming seemed even angrier than her. "The great change of Xuanwei is imminent. Golden Immortals may emerge at any time. You, a mere True Immortal, do you think you can hide in the sea and not care about worldly affairs?"

These words left Lord Shuyu speechless.

"If our two sides were to unite in marriage, I would unify the seas and have a chance to attain the Golden Immortal realm. At that time, my dragon clan would naturally become a powerful force, while you could sleep at the bottom of the sea for the rest of your life without anyone caring!"

The Azure Sea Dragon King's aura grew even stronger, and he was utterly heartbroken: "Who knew you would be so ignorant of the bigger picture? You are truly a sinner of my dragon race for all eternity!"

The Dragon Lord of Shuyu spoke up: "Since the Dragon King understands the bigger picture and is wholeheartedly devoted to the Dragon Clan, why don't I just become a Golden Immortal?"

The Azure Sea Dragon King was speechless.

"The Dragon King cares so much for my dragon clan, so why are you unwilling to protect my three children?"

Seeing the speechless face of the Azure Sea Dragon King, the Jade Dragon Lord sneered inwardly.

Do you really think she's stupid?
She had long been aware of the Dragon King of the Azure Sea's character, and now, setting aside their kinship, she saw him even more clearly—it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that this man prospers by following the crowd and perishes by defying them.

Looking at the face of the Azure Sea Dragon King, the Jade Dragon Lord knew that further words would be of no use.

The matter of refusing the marriage is really a minor matter, and the Azure Sea Dragon King probably doesn't care much about this insult.

But he was determined to get Xuanweihai.

In the Dragon King's eyes, he was probably blocking his path to becoming a Golden Immortal, and could be considered a mortal enemy.

In this matter, right and wrong are as insignificant as a feather.

Her unwillingness to relinquish the Xuanwei Sea means... it's a fight to the death.

Just as the two were silent, the expression of the Jade Dragon Lord suddenly changed, and he looked at the Azure Sea Dragon King.

She could sense that other areas of the Xuanwei Sea were being harassed by others.

The seawater that was originally under her control was being refined by others, and the aquatic creatures loyal to her were either killed or defected to others.

Seeing her unpleasant expression, the Cangming Dragon King smiled smugly: "Dragon Lord, you really don't listen to reason and are asking for trouble. Do you think you can stop my Cangming Dragon Palace all by yourself?"

Shuyu Dragon Lord pursed his lips, but had to admit that Cangming Dragon King was right.

Her control over the seas gave her complete peace of mind in dealing with others.

But Heaven and Earth are impartial, and this talent is not unique to her; it is similar to that of any ancient dragon clan.

In this way, in the struggle against the Cangming Dragon Palace, she would no longer have the advantage of terrain, and might even be at a disadvantage.

When other families work together, she's all alone, so she's destined to suffer.

She ignored the Azure Sea Dragon King, her figure flickered twice, and she fled towards an unusual place.

Thanks to the dragon's supernatural powers, she arrived at an underwater canyon more than 20,000 miles away in almost an instant.

This canyon is also the border between the territories of the Jade Dragon Lord and the Azure Sea Dragon Palace.

Above the canyon, the second prince of the Cangming Dragon Palace stood in the water, gathering spiritual energy into a golden ball of light in his hand to cleanse the seawater, hoping to encroach on the territory of the Jade Dragon Lord.

Upon seeing her chasing after him, the Second Prince immediately showed a hint of nervousness on his face.

Just as the Jade Dragon Lord was about to make a move, he felt the water ripple around him, and the Azure Sea Dragon King arrived in the blink of an eye.

This Dragon King was like a leech, sticking to her relentlessly!
But she also understood that in this way, she really couldn't do anything to the Cangming Dragon Palace!

Both are true immortals, and their supernatural powers are equally matched. It's hard to say who will win, but it's unlikely that either of them can kill the other.

The Azure Sea Dragon King likely understood this as well, which is why he only used the method of gradual encroachment.

He let the other four dragons refine the sea area, while he kept a close eye on the Jade Dragon Lord, preventing her from making a move.

Seeing her in a dilemma, the Cangming Dragon King stroked his long beard, while the second prince grinned and increased his magical power. In front of the Shuyu Dragon Lord, he seemed even more excited.

"Does the Dragon King truly disregard kinship?"

"It's too late to talk about kinship now!"

Upon hearing this, the Dragon Lord Shuyu gave the two of them a deep look, then left without saying a word.

Seeing her like this, the second prince seemed uneasy and asked, "Father, does this woman have some other tricks up her sleeve?"

"Methods? It's nothing more than finding Zheng Fa..." the Cangming Dragon King said conceitedly, "If we were on land, I would naturally give Zheng Fa some leeway, but in the sea, what do we have to fear?"

Hearing this, the second prince gained more confidence and nodded repeatedly.

When the Dragon Lord of Shuyu returned to his Dragon Palace, he looked at the dragons carved on the stone walls and his expression changed from hesitation to determination.

She slowly walked into the hall, set up an incense table, and placed an imperial seal in the center of the table.

After lighting three incense sticks and bowing nine times to the seal, the Jade Dragon Lord solemnly put the seal away and headed towards the Nine Mountains Boundary.

As they flew to the point where land and sea met, a loud shout came from the air:
"Is it the imperial carriage of Lord Shuyulong?"

Following the sound, she saw Master Pang of the Nine Mountains Sect standing on the shore, seemingly having been waiting for her for a long time.

"Are you waiting for me?"

"We are waiting for the Dragon Lord."

Lord Shuyulong looked at Uncle Pang, puzzled.

"The Dragon Lord first presented a visiting card, showing the utmost courtesy. The Sect Leader was deeply impressed and therefore ordered me to come and welcome him."

Upon hearing this, the Dragon Lord Shuyu's expression softened considerably, and his bad mood of the past few days improved significantly.

"Moreover, my Nine Mountains Realm has recently moved to a different location."

"Changed location?"

Uncle Pang did not answer, but simply waved his hand, and his natal magic weapon, the Five Dragons Heavenly Palace, stood in mid-air. He laughed and said, "You will know once the Dragon Lord arrives."

But the Dragon Lord didn't move. Uncle Pang turned his head and broke out in a cold sweat—the Dragon Lord was staring at the five dragons.

(End of this chapter)