Xiuxian: I studied abroad in modern times

Chapter 557 The Hidden Currents of the Sun, Borrowing Treasures from the Nine Netherworlds
The situation in the Nine Mountains Boundary, the Heavenly Palace, and the three city markets within Haori Mountain was being broadcast live on the light screen.

Watching Lu Yan leave with satisfaction, and seeing the long queue in front of the pancake stall, everyone was speechless.

"This...this was trained by Junior Nephew Yuan?"

Uncle Pang stammered, looking completely surprised.

"It is indeed thanks to Master Yuan," Elder Han chuckled.

The blue phoenix on the beam spread its wings, glided to Zheng Fa, and transformed into human form.

Senior Sister Yuan puffed out her cheeks, her neck still held high, and she looked at Zheng Fa with a sidelong glance. From her posture to her expression, there were only four words to describe her—Hei Zi, speak up!

"Senior sister is truly talented."

Zheng Fa was completely convinced. Everyone was cultivating Qi and immortality, but Senior Sister Yuan was the most outstanding, especially in cultivating the "wok hei" (a type of smoky aroma)...

Senior Sister Yuan, puffing out her pregnant belly, said arrogantly, "You think you're the only ones who know how to do research?"

Old Han nodded in agreement, sincerely praising, "Master Yuan gave us more than one secret recipe. Now our Intelligence Division..."

He thought for a moment, seemingly finding it difficult to describe, and then turned to Senior Sister Zhang: "Master Zhang, if the sect is in trouble, we can offer some assistance."

Zheng Fa was astonished: "...Is it really that profitable?"

The Intelligence Division is a huge money sink, yet it still has a surplus.

"To make things easier, we use cheap snacks, so the cost is really low. Also... many of the ingredients are supplied by the sect, making them even cheaper."

This explains why, although they are small vendors, they have supply chain advantages thanks to the backing of Jiushan Agriculture.

Compared to other small vendors, this is simply outrageous.

Simply put, even if these people don't engage in intelligence gathering, they can still make a lot of money by running a chain of operations.

"Did it work?"

The Dragon Lord Shuyu watched with great interest for a long time before finally unable to resist asking a question out of curiosity.

"The effect... is hard to say." Old Han pointed to the light screen and explained, "For example, in the inner three city markets, 99% of cultivators cannot enter, but our people can, and they can obtain more information than others."

"But they are not from the three races after all, so they can only see the surface."

Shuyu Dragon Lord frowned and said, "Your transformation techniques are so powerful, why don't you just impersonate someone else?"

"This one……"

Old Han glanced at Zheng Fa, and seeing Zheng Fa nod, he explained:

"This is for the safety of our disciples, and it is also a concept that distinguishes our Nine Mountains Sect's Intelligence Division from other sects."

"Is the disciple safe?"

“The people of the three clans hold high positions and wield great power. Countless eyes are watching them. To impersonate them, it’s not enough to simply change the appearance of the cultivation method; one must also imitate their daily habits. The requirements for disciples are too high.”

Upon hearing this, the Jade Dragon Lord said, "I remember that the Immortal Sect was heavily infiltrated by the Demonic Sect before."

“That’s true,” Elder Han explained, “but the Demonic Sect never hesitates to sacrifice the lives of its disciples.”

Inside the hall, the Blood River Ancestor nodded and said, "Back then, of the disciples sent by the Great Freedom Sect to the Immortal Sect, it was good if only one out of ten survived. If they wanted to climb to a high position, it was purely a matter of chance. Out of a thousand people, perhaps one or two would succeed."

"This...is indeed a life-threatening job."

It is certainly true that the Blood River Ancestor was originally from the Great Freedom Demonic Sect.

Back then, there were quite a few spies from the demonic sects within the immortal sects, but on the other hand, this was the result of an entire era and hundreds of thousands of years of work by the various demonic sects.

The Nine Mountains Sect doesn't have the time, and it's even less willing to waste the disciples they've painstakingly trained.

"Wouldn't that delay intelligence gathering?"

"This is the philosophy of my Nine Mountains Sect's Intelligence Division, no, it is the philosophy of the Sect Leader."

"The sect leader's philosophy? What philosophy?"

Shuyu Dragon Lord looked at Zheng Fa, and heard Elder Han's explanation in his ear:

"Our Nine Mountains Sect Intelligence Division actually focuses more on collecting publicly available data, and believes that even with only publicly available data, a large amount of intelligence can be extracted."

"Public data?" Lord Shuyu was even more confused.

"For example, we collect data on market prices, foot traffic in the market, the volume of magical artifacts shipped by Haori Mountain, disciple welfare, and all sorts of other data."

"What does this mean?"

"Shuyulongzhu asked in surprise."

"It can explain a lot of things," Elder Han began to explain. "For example, in Haori Mountain, after the chaos in the Milky Way, there was a period of time when the prices of elixirs and magical artifacts skyrocketed."

"Of course, Hao Ri Shan Dao Guo is trapped by Tian He Sect, so of course they will rush to buy supplies."

"However, since last year, prices in Haori Mountain have dropped again, with a decrease of up to 40%."

The Jade Dragon Lord's expression shifted slightly, and he seemed to understand what Elder Han meant: "You mean, Haori Mountain has attained a Dao Fruit?"

"That's one possibility, but what's certain is that there have been changes at Haori Mountain's top management, and they have more confidence."

The Dragon Lord Shuyu seemed to find this reasonable and pressed for an answer, "Anything else?"

"There's another thing, Haori Mountain Market has a lot more... Demonic Sect style goods."

"The style of the Demonic Sect?"

"For example, Gu worms, blood pills, and various bloodline-related pills," Old Han shook his head and said, "I don't know where they come from."

"On the contrary, because we are becoming increasingly dominant in the weapon crafting market, they seem to be producing fewer magical artifacts and treasures, and there is even a shortage of production. As a result, the price of magical artifacts in the market has been rising."

"So, Haori Mountain might have made contact with some Demon Ancestor? Perhaps, the Dao Fruit that put the three races at ease is actually from a Demon Ancestor?"

"That's hard to say," Old Han said with a frustrated look. "Our people have limited identities, and this kind of intelligence can't be deduced from publicly available data."

"Incredible." Before Zheng Fa could speak, the Dragon Lord Shuyu sighed sincerely, "These things are not secrets to most people, but... I have never seen anyone else who could deduce so much information from them."

"Actually, yes. Although those merchants didn't pay special attention, they were aware of it. Sometimes, they even knew more than the disciples of the sect," Elder Han said frankly. "My intelligence department also consulted many merchants in the market. It's just that the major sects trust magic more. I only came up with this method because the sect leader reminded me."

Despite Han Lao's gaze, Zheng Fa remained humble, as such things were indeed commonplace in modern times.

The cultivators of the Xuanwei Realm are not stupid; they are essentially path-dependent. On the other hand, this method cannot completely compensate for the lack of information.

He was more concerned about what Elder Han had mentioned about the Demon Ancestor.

“Demon Ancestor, Haori Mountain, Lu Yao, Nine Luminaries Heaven…” Zheng Fa frowned. “A complete mess. Is there any more information?”

"We can't glean much information from the rest, but Lu Yan is a rather special person."

"Ok?"

“Our people joined Lu Yan to find a backer. Lu Yan has a very high status. He is a direct descendant of an elder of the Lu clan. Although his own cultivation is only at the Golden Core stage, he has an older sister who has already reached the Yang Spirit stage. The siblings have an excellent relationship.”

Recalling Lu Yan's imposing presence in the market, everyone nodded. Zheng Fa also remembered that he had met this Sister Lu Yan when he went to Haori Mountain—she was indeed a genius disciple.

“We’re thinking that once we figure out Lu Yan’s personality and relationships, we might be able to impersonate him,” Old Han said. “It’s a bit risky, but we’re pretty confident right now.”

Zheng Fa nodded.

They care more about their disciples' lives, but they won't really hold back. If they're confident, impersonating a key figure is also an option.

But that's a story for another time. The current question is whether Zheng Fa should go to Jiuyaotian.

“I think we should be cautious. If there is a Demon Ancestor…” Uncle Pang frowned and said, “There are only two possibilities: Lu Yao, or a Demon Ancestor related to Lu Yao. Haori Mountain may be even more dangerous than before.”

This is true.

When Zheng Fa went to Haori Mountain last time, there was only one person there, Yun Zhenxian.

Shu Yulong opened his mouth, but seemed to be hesitant to speak, as if he was worried about something.

Zheng Fa also knew that she still thought it was best to go.

After all, without dealing with the Fusang Tree, it would be difficult for him to improve his cultivation, not to mention any potential opportunities.

However, since he was new to the area, the Dragon Lord Shuyu did not want to argue with Uncle-Master Pang.

"Whether I go or not, I still need to ask someone."

"Who?"

“The Nine Nether Emperor.” Uncle Pang paused for a moment, then suddenly realized, “We should go and ask him.”

The Jade Dragon Lord exclaimed with delight, "We should not only ask, but if we can get some life-saving methods from the Nine Nether Emperor, then we will be absolutely safe."

Uncle Pang chuckled: "A way to save your life? That's easier said than done. The sect leader would need a silver tongue."

Zheng Fa transformed into a rainbow, passed through Haori Mountain, and headed straight for the underworld.

Since this concerns the Demon Ancestor, it would be better to ask Emperor Jiuyou, who was a participant in the Demon Ancestor's era.

He arrived at the edge of the underworld, where a white mist still shrouded the area, with some dark shadows moving about in the mist, but not a sound could be heard.

Zheng Fa took out the Nine Netherworld Edict and loudly proclaimed, "Your Majesty, Zheng Fa requests an audience."

The talisman emitted a cold, black light, and the white mist in front of it parted to the sides, from which a person stepped out.

"Sect Leader Yan?"

"What sect leader Yan? Just call me Yan Changge."

Zheng Fa paused for a moment, then spoke up: "Wu Shuang and I have always treated each other as equals, so why don't I call you Uncle Yan?"

Yan Changge paused, turned back to look at Zheng Fa, and a slight smile appeared on her lips: "Okay."

After a while, he asked, "How is Wushuang?"

"Didn't Uncle Yan contact him?"

"He and I don't talk much."

Zheng Fa nodded slightly and didn't ask any more questions. He simply said, "I'm giving him the Zhuxian Sword. Of course, if he's not capable enough, he'll have to give it up in the future."

"The Immortal Slayer Sword..."

Yan Changge seemed to recall the time when he was restrained by the Zhuxian Sword at the Tianhe Sect. His expression became somewhat complicated for a moment. After a long while, he nodded and said, "Thank you."

"It's because Senior Brother Yan is exceptionally capable."

Yan Changge didn't speak, but just shook his head and smiled.

"Uncle-Master Yan, what's the situation in the Underworld?"

"chaos."

Upon hearing this question, Yan Changge's face fell: "The cycle of reincarnation has just begun, and the remnants of souls from all realms are gathering in the underworld. We need to determine the good and evil deeds of the other party in their previous life, and we also need to arrange their reincarnation. We don't have enough manpower."

"Is the Emperor also busy with this?"

Before Zheng Fa came, he contacted the Nine Nether Emperor, but did not receive a reply, so he came directly to his door.

Yan Changge's eyes seemed to show some apprehension, but he simply said, "I'll take you there and you'll see."

Zheng Fa followed Yan Changge all the way to the top of Yinshan Mountain.

The Nine Netherworld Emperor, dressed in black, sat cross-legged with his eyes closed.

Yan Changge bowed and said, "Your Majesty, Zheng Fa has arrived."

The Nine Nether Emperor opened his eyes, and just as he was about to speak, he suddenly looked up at the sky.

In the sky, a golden fist with distinct knuckles, like a burning meteorite, crashed down towards the underworld.

The Nine Nether Emperor seemed unfazed, shooting out a beam of black and white light from his fingertip, shattering the fist, before turning his gaze to Zheng Fa.

"This is……"

"The test from Leiyin Temple."

"Testing?"

"They neither want me to straighten out the cycle of reincarnation, nor do they want to rescue their own disciples, so they have been testing my Netherworld." The Nine Nether Emperor sneered, "What's more, I have uprooted their roots."

"Your Majesty, are you a Taiyi..."

“I’m not afraid, but there are others in the underworld.”

Yan Changge looked embarrassed and said in a low voice, "It is our incompetence."

The Nine Nether Emperor shook his head and looked at Zheng Fa: "You came here to ask about Lu Yao?"

"Your Majesty, has the Primordial Demon Ancestor been resurrected?"

"I do not know."

"do not know?"

"Logically, anyone who dies should have their soul return to the underworld, even if they are a Dao Fruit cultivator. But the Primordial Demon Ancestor did not, and neither did the Demon Emperor."

Upon hearing this, Zheng Fa frowned.

This is not good news.

If Haori Mountain is now backed by the Primal Demon Ancestor, Zheng Fa would never go there—Lu Yao's methods are completely different from those of other Demon Ancestors, and Zheng Fa isn't that stubborn.

"Then may Your Majesty take a look at these items and see which Demon Ancestor's style they belong to?"

Zheng Fa took out two Gu worms, five pills, and a magic artifact made of white bone from his storage bag.

These were all purchased by disciples of the Nine Mountains Sect from the Haori Mountain Market.

The Nine Nether Demon Ancestor glanced at it and suddenly stood up.

"Where did you get this elixir?"

It was clear that the Nine Nether Demon Ancestor was extremely agitated.

"This appeared in Haori Mountain Market, Your Majesty, do you recognize it?"

"Of course I know him!" The Nine Nether Emperor's eyes flashed coldly.

"This Gu worm is in the style of the Gu God."

"The magical artifact is the legacy of the White Bone Demon Ancestor."

"And this elixir is... a stroke of luck."

Zheng Fa immediately understood why the Nine Nether Emperor had lost his composure; it involved an old case:
The slander of Venerable Tianhe by the Demon Ancestor of Creation can be considered the direct trigger for the chaos in Tianhe.

After the chaos in the Milky Way, these demon ancestors seemed to have even hunted down the Nine Nether Emperor.

Among them, this Creation Demon Ancestor is probably someone whom the Nine Nether Emperor deeply hates.

Given the Nine Netherworld Emperor's personality...

"They're hiding in Haori Mountain? Haori Mountain, indeed!" Emperor Jiuyou looked in the direction of Haori Mountain. "No wonder I haven't found a trace of them all these years."

He stood up, his face showing the frustration of wanting to go out and seek revenge, yet being trapped in the underworld.

After a long while, he looked at Zheng Fa and said, "I can't get out."

Zheng Fa nodded.

"You can go."

"..."

"Don't worry." The Nine Nether Demon Ancestor took out a gray jade talisman from his hand and said, "This talisman has the power of one of my attacks and can also guide you back to the Underworld. Even if you face a Golden Immortal, your life will be in no danger."

My silver tongue was completely useless...

Zheng Fa did not accept the jade talisman, but instead looked troubled: "It's not that I don't want to help the Emperor, but there might be three Demon Ancestors on Haori Mountain right now, this matter is too dangerous..."

"...Do you think Haori Mountain would let you go? Do you think I don't know you came here for Haori Mountain!"

The Nine Nether Demon Ancestor interrupted him directly.

Zheng Fa smiled innocently and did not refute.

The Nine Netherworld Emperor stared at him for a long time, then sighed, "You're so shameless, the successor of the Heavenly River..."

Zheng Fa felt a little ashamed.

"We really found the right one."

(End of this chapter)