I Studied Abroad in the Modern Times

Chapter 83: Letting Go

Seventh Young Master was half-right—his mother had indeed cried.

Watching him standing in the distance, his gaze dim, Zheng Fa sighed and quietly said to the Madam, "Why put on such a front?"

These two... their awkwardness was enough to make even Zheng Fa feel conflicted.

One had joined Qingmu Sect and spent his time sniping at the world, but all he truly wanted was to make his mother proud and hear a few words of praise.

The other, having likely cried endlessly in private, now couldn’t bring herself to look her son in the eye despite her joy.

It was painfully clear they were mother and son.

The Madam blinked in surprise before smiling sheepishly and whispering, "Crying in front of one’s child... it’s so undignified."

Perhaps because Zheng Fa’s newfound status in Jiushan Sect had changed their dynamic, or perhaps because she knew he’d already seen through her, the Madam seemed more open. "I was holding it in, truly. But the moment I saw that fool, I couldn’t help myself."

No matter how impressive Zheng Fa’s performance at the Immortal Talent Conference had been, it wasn’t enough to make the Madam overly eager to curry favor with him. It was simply an excuse—a pretense to mask her genuine feelings for her son.

"Still, I won’t deny that I do want to curry favor with you." Having admitted to her most vulnerable thoughts, the Madam seemed more relaxed. "Even Zhang Zhenren says you’re the greatest talisman prodigy of the millennium. When you join the Hundred Immortals Alliance, that fool of a son of mine might have to rely on you one day."

"Seventh Young Master is clever and genuine. He’ll do well in Qingmu Sect."

"He may have some wit, but his judgment is awful..." The Madam’s words grew more heartfelt as she critiqued her son. "If he were conniving, I’d be less worried. But he’s softhearted and sharp-tongued, too timid to be a villain and too foolish to be a hero. How will he navigate the Hundred Immortals Alliance in the future?"

"..." Zheng Fa had no rebuttal for this.

"Let me say this..." The Madam hesitated, then continued with determination. "Take this as the shameless plea of a mother. I ask nothing of you but that, should he offend someone or face mortal peril, you remember the kindness shown today. I would gladly repay it even at the cost of my life."

Zheng Fa could sense how low the Madam had lowered herself after the Immortal Talent Conference. Her posture was humble, and her gaze was filled with apprehension as she spoke.

He thought for a moment before replying, "I have one request."

"I understand. As long as the Zhao family stands, and as long as I live, not a single hair on your mother or sister’s head will be harmed," the Madam promised.

"Oh, then make that two requests."

"Ah?"

"Turn around and praise Seventh Young Master," Zheng Fa said.

"..."

---

Leaving the Zhao Estate, Sun Daoyu walked with a furrowed brow, frustration weighing heavily on him.

The wager didn’t matter—his side had lost to Senior Sister Zhang often enough.

But Zheng Fa’s emergence worried him greatly.

One Senior Sister Zhang was already difficult to contend with.

Now there was Zheng Fa, a talisman prodigy of the millennium? Sun Daoyu couldn’t help but feel anxious about the future of their faction.

It wasn’t until he returned to the Chen family residence and saw Zhou Qianyuan waiting for him that he felt slightly reassured.

Although Zheng Fa’s talent in the talisman arts was unparalleled, Zhou Qianyuan was no slouch.

With his single spiritual root and Gengjin Dao Body, Zhou Qianyuan was considered top-tier talent even within the Hundred Immortals Alliance.

Once he joined Jiushan Sect and received proper training, he could easily hold a position of leadership and provide strong support for their faction.

"Junior Brother, don’t be disheartened," Sun Daoyu said. "You only lost to Zheng Fa in the talisman assessment today. Once you enter Jiushan Sect, your spiritual roots and Dao Body will far surpass him in practicality."

Zhou Qianyuan glanced at him and replied, "I’m not disheartened. Losing is losing—I’m not someone who can’t accept defeat."

"Good!" Sun Daoyu’s spirits lifted instantly. "Your mindset is commendable. Even our master was concerned that you might become arrogant from too much success. But now, seeing how grounded you are, we’re all greatly impressed!"

Sun Daoyu was genuinely overjoyed. As their master had often said, Zhou Qianyuan’s temperament was far more important than a single Foundation Establishment technique.

Combining this mentality with his remarkable talent, Sun Daoyu’s hopes for Zhou Qianyuan only grew stronger.

"Don’t worry. Once you’re in Jiushan Sect, our master will teach you everything he knows, and we senior brothers will spare no effort to assist you. In time, you’ll surpass not only Zheng Fa but even Senior Sister Zhang!"

"Spare no effort to help me?" Zhou Qianyuan’s eyes lit up. "Senior Brother, I do have one pressing matter!"

"What is it?" Sun Daoyu pounded his chest. "If I can help, I’ll do so!"

"When I first met Senior Brother Zheng, I may have been a bit rude..." Zhou Qianyuan smiled. "Do you know what Senior Brother Zheng likes? I’d like to make amends."

"…Who is Senior Brother Zheng?"

"Zheng Fa, of course! I’ve heard his talent in talisman arts is astounding, and he’s also skilled at teaching. You know I’ve always been passionate about talismans, so I hold him in great esteem."

Sun Daoyu’s face turned green.

He knew his junior brother was somewhat obsessed with talismans, often prioritizing them over cultivation. Otherwise, why would Zhou Qianyuan participate in the talisman assessment despite already securing a token?

"...You do realize Zheng Fa is part of Senior Sister Zhang’s faction?"

"Yes."

"And you know Senior Sister Zhang’s master opposes ours?"

"Yes."

"And yet you want to—"

Sun Daoyu felt on the verge of collapse. He and their master had pinned their hopes on Zhou Qianyuan becoming a peerless genius who could elevate their faction’s standing. Yet here he was, planning to make amends with their rival?

Zhou Qianyuan frowned. "Didn’t you say I should be able to rise above petty rivalries? Shouldn’t I let go of such divisions?"

"...Junior Brother, you don’t have to take all my advice to heart."

---

Zheng Fa, unaware of Sun Daoyu’s struggles, was currently receiving instructions from Senior Sister Zhang.

"Take out your token," she said.

Zheng Fa produced the black token and handed it over. She examined it and nodded. "Do you know how to use this?"

Zheng Fa shook his head.

"It’s a waypoint. In three days, you’ll officially join the sect. A ship will come to fetch you—but only if you activate the token first."

"How do I activate it?"

"Money."

"..." The straightforward and unexpected answer left Zheng Fa momentarily speechless.

"One hundred taels of silver, or ten taels of gold—it will activate automatically," she explained, a faint smile in her eyes.

That wasn’t a small sum.

"Is Jiushan Sect that short on funds?" Zheng Fa couldn’t help but ask.

It baffled him why an immortal sect would need gold or silver.

"The money isn’t for Jiushan Sect; it’s a fee for the disciples who come to fetch you—a sort of delivery charge. Lower-ranking disciples still use gold and silver, as most have family ties in the mortal world and may need to return occasionally."

...How mundane.

Senior Sister Zhang continued, "One last thing—bring as much money as you can."

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