I Studied Abroad in the Modern Times

Chapter 66: Learning From the Past

The Eldest Young Lady stared at her mother, stunned, as if questioning whether she had heard correctly.

“You heard right. He’ll marry into the family and be your husband,” Madam Zhao confirmed.

“Mother, what’s so remarkable about Zheng Fa? Is it just because Senior Sister Zhang praised his talent in talismans?” The Eldest Young Lady’s voice was filled with confusion.

More than her mother suggesting marriage, she couldn’t understand why Madam Zhao valued Zheng Fa so highly.

Her marriage held far greater significance than that of any other Zhao family daughter. As the legitimate daughter of the Zhao family and an inner disciple of the Qingmu Sect, a Foundation Establishment cultivator, her choice of spouse wasn’t trivial.

Madam Zhao sighed. “It’s too fast.”

“Too fast?”

“When I first heard of Zheng Fa, he was just a fatherless farmer. I couldn’t even remember who he was,” Madam Zhao began.

“Later, he became your brother’s study attendant. Seeing how differently your brother treated him, I thought of disciplining him to ensure he wouldn’t become a bad influence.”

The Eldest Young Lady listened intently. Among all the people she had encountered since returning home, Zheng Fa had left the deepest impression.

“I had Instructor Xu teach him Linghe Shen, thinking to humble him. But to my surprise, he mastered it in no time. Only then did I learn he had guidance from a Nascent Soul cultivator.”

“That…” The Eldest Young Lady frowned. “He does seem to have some fortunate encounters.”

Madam Zhao shook her head. “At the time, I thought that no matter what plans the Nascent Soul cultivator had for him, they wouldn’t truly value him. After all, why would someone of such talent remain in our Zhao family as a mere study attendant? Still, with his potential, he could one day assist you and your brother.”

“But now he has even caught Senior Zhang’s attention, who claimed his talent in talismans rivals her own.” Madam Zhao turned to her daughter. “Do you know how long it took him to rise from a farmer to this point?”

“How long?”

“Less than four months. If there’s truth to the concept of destiny, he embodies it.”

“…”

“I intended to cultivate his loyalty, but he isn’t the submissive type. I thought of keeping him in line for the benefit of the Zhao family… but Senior Zhang’s evaluation of his talent exceeded my expectations. His potential isn’t something we can control. We must draw him closer to truly benefit our family,” Madam Zhao explained.

“But doesn’t my brother have a strong bond with him?”

Madam Zhao’s expression turned disdainful. “That fool? Marrying him to you costs me a daughter. Relying on your brother would cost me the whole family.”

“…”

“Your brother’s friendship with him can’t compare to kinship. Besides, only by marrying into the family does he truly become one of us,” Madam Zhao said firmly.

“Then why must it be me?” The Eldest Young Lady frowned. “He still serves the Zhao family. Marrying any of my younger sisters would be a great honor for him.”

“You still don’t understand what I mean by ‘too fast,’” Madam Zhao sighed. “If we propose now, it’s a favor. If we wait any longer, it could be seen as an insult. Besides, I genuinely believe he’s a good match for you. Pairing him with one of your sisters would be a waste. Right now, he may see this as a blessing, but in the future?”

The Eldest Young Lady remained silent, her reluctance evident.

“I’m not trying to use you as a pawn. With spiritual energy declining, the Zhao family has struggled to produce outstanding disciples since our ancestor passed away. I know how difficult it’s been for you in the Qingmu Sect.” Madam Zhao’s gaze softened as she looked at her daughter. “You know your brother’s personality. Once he enters the Immortal Sect, he won’t help you; he’ll need your help. Thinking of the pressure you bear already breaks my heart.”

“Zheng Fa has exceptional talent and a mature disposition. His only flaw is his lowly background. Marrying him now, while he’s still unknown, allows our family to support his rise as a talisman master. He will surely feel grateful, and in the future, he’ll provide you with ample cultivation resources, freeing you from hardship.”

Madam Zhao’s tone was earnest, but the Eldest Young Lady remained silent.

“I know he’s just a study attendant now, and marrying him is a slight to you. But look to the future. Didn’t you write in your letters that talent matters more than status in today’s Hundred Immortals Alliance?”

After a long pause, the Eldest Young Lady finally spoke, her voice low. “Mother, I know you’re thinking of me. But while I’m no Senior Zhang, wholly devoted to cultivation, I have no thoughts of romance either.”

Seeing her daughter’s resolute attitude, Madam Zhao could only sigh.

After some thought, the Eldest Young Lady added, “If you truly value him and fear waiting too long, why not propose marriage now? Match him with one of my sisters who is of suitable age.”

Madam Zhao shook her head in resignation. “So be it. Just don’t regret it later.”

…

In her courtyard, Senior Sister Zhang flipped through a neatly bound collection of problems, a satisfied smile on her face.

Zheng Fa, looking utterly drained, gazed at the booklet and thought of the past few days spent memorizing and solving endless questions. A wave of bitterness surged in his heart.

Senior Sister Zhang glanced at him, seemingly sensing his emotions. She waved a hand and brought out the Immortal Token, placing it in front of Zheng Fa.

The smooth jade surface of the token reinvigorated Zheng Fa as he picked it up, its cool and delicate touch grounding him.

“This is the Immortal Token from the Jiushan Sect. Passing the Immortal Talent Conference with this will earn you the right to join the sect,” Senior Sister Zhang said, observing his expression without surprise. “But I must warn you about one thing.”

“What is it?”

“From the moment you take this token, you can no longer hide.”

Zheng Fa looked at her, puzzled.

“In the Hundred Immortals Alliance today, every resource is fought for. Being cautious is fine, but there, you must showcase your talent and ability,” Senior Sister Zhang said, her gaze stern.

“Thank you for the advice, Senior Zhang.” Zheng Fa hesitated, then asked, “Senior Zhang, you often mention the Hundred Immortals Alliance. What’s the relationship between it and the Jiushan Sect?”

Senior Sister Zhang pondered for a moment before asking a seemingly unrelated question. “Do you know how many times spiritual energy has declined in the Xuanyi Realm?”

“How many?”

Zheng Fa was startled. A single decline seemed catastrophic enough for cultivators—let alone multiple.

“Records mention at least five instances, spanning tens or even hundreds of thousands of years,” Senior Sister Zhang said, raising a hand. “The specifics of the first three are unknown, at least to me.”

“But the last two I’ve read about. During the penultimate decline, a powerful demonic sect believed that the abundance of life consumed too much spiritual energy. They unleashed endless slaughter, and the Immortal Sects waged war. By the end, barely one in ten thousand survived.”

Zheng Fa’s expression darkened. The aftermath of spiritual energy decline was more horrifying than he had imagined.

“During the most recent decline, a peerless genius sought a new path for the Xuanyi Realm. He gathered all its cultivation resources, reaching an unprecedented realm of True Immortality. His plan was to shatter the constraints of this world and create a new one.”

“Did he succeed?”

“He failed.”

Zheng Fa sighed. “Still, his ambition was remarkable.”

“He was also notoriously temperamental. Before attempting his feat, he destroyed nearly 90% of the realm’s sects,” Senior Sister Zhang added.

“…That’s tragic.”

“Thus, the Hundred Immortals Alliance was founded on the principle of unity among Immortal Sects. It aims to reduce conflict and seek a new way to combat the decline of spiritual energy.”

Zheng Fa nodded appreciatively. “It seems they’ve learned from history.”

“It’s unclear if they have, but we certainly did,” Senior Sister Zhang said coolly.

“We?”

“The Hundred Immortals Alliance is an association of small and medium sects. During the penultimate decline, we were the ones massacred. During the last, we were the ones whose resources were plundered.”

“…”

“You asked about the Hundred Immortals Alliance’s origins. Four words: huddling together for warmth.”

As Zheng Fa clutched the Immortal Token, it felt uncomfortably cold, like his heart.

Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!