I Studied Abroad in the Modern Times

Chapter 89: Choosing a Technique

After receiving his identification token, Zheng Fa followed Han Qi out of the Administrative Hall and toward the Scripture Pavilion.

He noticed that Han Qi’s expression remained unusually complex. Ever since hearing about Zheng Fa’s monthly allocation of 100 talisman papers and two portions of spirit ink, the senior brother had seemed unsettled, as though the reward was excessively generous.

“Junior Brother Zheng, I don’t think you fully grasp what I meant when I said spiritual materials are expensive,” Han Qi finally said, as if addressing the unspoken question in Zheng Fa’s eyes.

Zheng Fa nodded, encouraging him to elaborate.

“In Jiushan Sect, a single portion of spirit ink costs at least one spirit stone, and 100 talisman papers are worth roughly the same.”

Doing some quick math, Zheng Fa realized that his monthly allowance was worth three spirit stones—three times the standard stipend.

“How much is one spirit stone worth in gold?” Zheng Fa asked.

“The Administrative Hall buys spirit stones at 200 taels of gold each…”

“Only fools sell to the Administrative Hall!” Han Qi sneered. “That 200 taels rate is from a thousand years ago. In the market, you’re lucky to find one for 400 taels.”

“That expensive?”

Zheng Fa, who came from a humble background, was floored by the staggering prices.

“It gets worse! Spirit stones are always in short supply,” Han Qi explained. “Any halfway decent spiritual material or treasure requires spirit stones to purchase. Gold is just a substitute for us lower-ranking disciples because there aren’t enough spirit stones to go around.”

Zheng Fa quickly understood the implications. The immortal sects essentially operated on a dual currency system:

Spirit stones were the primary currency, but their scarcity, caused by the decline in spiritual energy, had forced the use of gold as a secondary currency. However, with spiritual materials also in short supply, their prices skyrocketed alongside spirit stones, leaving most disciples struggling to afford them.

The Scripture Pavilion wasn’t far from the Administrative Hall. After a short walk, the two arrived.

Contrary to Zheng Fa’s expectations, the building was modest—a simple, three-story structure, more functional than ornate. Still, there was plenty of foot traffic coming and going. РάΝőꞖƐś

“Take out your identification token,” Han Qi advised. “With it, as an outer disciple, you can select one Qi Refinement technique for free.”

Excited, Zheng Fa followed Han Qi inside.

At the entrance, a young man in his twenties sat behind a wooden desk. Spotting the newcomers, he stood up with a welcoming smile.

“A new disciple?” he asked warmly. “Here to choose a technique?”

“Yes,” Zheng Fa replied.

“I can tell at a glance that you’re gifted and have exceptional potential! With the right technique, you’re bound to become a pillar of Jiushan Sect!”

The man’s effusive praise made Zheng Fa wary—it felt less like genuine admiration and more like someone sizing up a fat sheep.

“And?” Zheng Fa prompted, sensing there was more to the pitch.

The man’s expression turned serious, as though he was deeply concerned. “Jiushan Sect has an overwhelming number of techniques, and if you choose the wrong one, it could hinder your path to the Dao!”

“So what are you suggesting?”

“Well, I’ve worked in the Scripture Pavilion for over three years and know the strengths and weaknesses of every technique here. If you’d like my help in picking the perfect one, I’d be happy to assist—for a small token of friendship, of course.”

Zheng Fa glanced at Han Qi, who seemed unusually fascinated by a cloud outside the window, pretending not to hear the conversation.

Got it. Another “tradition.”

“How much is this friendship worth?” Zheng Fa asked.

“Fifty taels of gold,” the man replied confidently.

“Ridiculous!” Han Qi, suddenly snapping out of his “reverie,” stomped his foot. “Fifty taels? Do you have no shame? It used to cost ten! Even I only charged fifteen back in the day, and I thought that was outrageous!”

Zheng Fa raised an eyebrow at Han Qi.

“You used to work here?”

“I did!” Han Qi admitted. Turning to the other man, he added scornfully, “And don’t tell me inflation justifies this nonsense!”

“Fine, suit yourselves,” the man said, his smile fading as he returned to his desk.

Han Qi grabbed Zheng Fa’s arm and led him deeper into the pavilion. “Let’s just pick something ourselves.”

“Thank you, Senior Brother,” Zheng Fa said sincerely, now fully aware that Han Qi’s outburst had been on his behalf.

“Senior Sister Zhang asked me to take care of you. Do you think I’d let you get ripped off?” Han Qi huffed. “These new workers are ruining the rules! The sect’s atmosphere worsens by the day.”

Weren’t you part of that “atmosphere” too? Zheng Fa thought but didn’t voice.

To his surprise, the first floor of the Scripture Pavilion was lined with shelves of physical books rather than jade slips. It didn’t take long to figure out why—jade slips required a certain level of spiritual perception to read, which Zheng Fa didn’t yet possess.

“What’s your spiritual root?” Han Qi asked.

“Fire and wood dual roots.”

“This way.” Han Qi led him to a specific set of shelves. “For Qi Refinement, the best techniques align with the five elements. Fire and wood dual roots are excellent since wood enhances fire. You’ll want a fire-based technique for the best results.”

“Do you have any recommendations?”

“Plenty,” Han Qi said, clearly familiar with the collection. “For alchemy, there’s the Flame Sun Art. For artifact crafting, try the True Fire Scripture. For combat, the Infernal Flame Demon Method is unmatched—it’s the most powerful and popular choice.”

He listed several more, leaving Zheng Fa overwhelmed.

“Senior Brother,” Zheng Fa finally said, “I’m not focused on power. Is there one that’s safe and easy to cultivate?”

Han Qi stared at him in disbelief.

“What?”

“I just don’t get it. Your personality is nothing like Senior Sister Zhang’s. How did she take a liking to you?” Han Qi asked bluntly, clearly implying that Zheng Fa was too timid for his taste.

“...So, is there one?”

“The Crimson Sky Technique.”

After skimming through the recommended books, Zheng Fa confirmed that Han Qi’s descriptions were accurate. Each technique had its strengths, but the Crimson Sky Technique stood out for its balanced and steady nature. Though it lacked additional perks, it minimized the risk of deviation and offered decent cultivation speed.

“This one!” Zheng Fa decided, taking the Crimson Sky Technique.

From his pocket, he pulled out ten taels of gold and handed it to Han Qi.

“What’s this for?” Han Qi asked, surprised.

“Tradition.”

“Junior Brother, you’re too kind!” Han Qi grinned, pocketing the gold. “Senior Sister Zhang clearly has great taste after all!”

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