Book 2: Chapter 184: Teaching Syllabus, Foundation Establishment Pill Engineering |
Vol 2 Chapter 184: Teaching Syllabus, Foundation Establishment Pill Engineering
A few days later.
After analyzing the diagrams of the eight types of Foundation Establishment Pills, Zheng Fa and the others had largely confirmed their earlier theory—the purpose of the pill was to create new particles.
“The analysis of Yin-Yang Fusion is done too.”
Cheng Yun, the young man brought by Team Leader Yang, walked over and said to Zheng Fa.
Analyzing Yin-Yang Fusion wasn’t easy.
It required the equipment and personnel that Cheng Yun’s team had specifically brought in to set up a lab.
Cheng Yun opened the laptop in his hands.
On the screen were various data graphs.
“This one is the particle generation chart.”
“This one shows the changes in electromagnetic field intensity.”
“……”
Zheng Fa nodded slightly as he looked at the graphs, then turned to Cheng Yun and asked:
“Do you have any conclusions?”
“This is definitely a fusion process, a controllable one.”
At this point, Cheng Yun looked a little dazed. He smiled wryly and said, “The professors we consulted are on the verge of losing their minds…”
“Huh?”
Cheng Yun shrugged, as if unsure how to explain.
Wu Ge, the middle-aged man who had come with him, chuckled and said, “Director Zheng, I don’t think you can imagine... what it feels like to wake up one day and realize your dream has come true…”
At this point, Team Leader Yang couldn’t hold back either:
“Director Zheng…”
She shot Zheng Fa a look, and the two stepped into a room before she handed over a stack of documents.
“Controllable Nuclear Fusion Development Proposal.”
Zheng Fa glanced over the contents of the file and immediately understood what she was getting at—
If before, the government had been wary yet respectful of the nursing home because of its spiritual plants and Zheng Fa’s own combat capabilities...
Then the demonstrated Yin-Yang Fusion was something else entirely.
“Director Zheng… I believe you understand the significance of controllable nuclear fusion better than I do.” Yang seemed to know Zheng Fa well by now, speaking more bluntly. “I recall you mentioned before that expanding spiritual energy is extremely difficult.”
Zheng Fa nodded.
Currently, modern spiritual energy still came solely from himself.
Naturally, its range was extremely limited.
It didn’t even reach the foot of the mountain.
“But controlled nuclear fusion is different… we have plenty of ways to transmit energy.”
Zheng Fa got the point. “You’re thinking of building a nuclear fusion power plant on Hongshan?”
Yang nodded, watching Zheng Fa with expectation.
Zheng Fa furrowed his brows slightly.
She looked a little disappointed but didn’t dare press further. In fact, she seemed even more respectful than before.
Because previously, they were afraid Zheng Fa might go around assassinating people.
Now…
They were worried he might cause an explosion…
Ever since the Yin-Yang Fusion technique had been verified, both Zheng Fa’s and the nursing home’s value and deterrent power had jumped several levels.
“Team Leader Yang, you know I’ve never been against cooperation, but…”
Unexpectedly, Zheng Fa continued.
“If the only way to achieve controlled nuclear fusion is through Yin-Yang Fusion, what do you expect me to do? Sit in the nursing home all day boiling water for you?”
“……”
“Even if I form a Foundation Establishment Pill, I’m not going to be your generator.”
Yang nodded awkwardly, realizing Zheng Fa was a bit displeased.
Zheng Fa glanced again at the project proposal and suddenly laughed. “Now this guy’s thinking is flexible.”
Yang followed his gaze and saw Cheng Yun’s name on the plan.
In the document, Cheng Yun had casually proposed using a magical tool to replicate the structure of a Foundation Establishment Pill, creating a cultivation-based version of a nuclear fusion device.
“You mean… a magical tool?”
Zheng Fa nodded. “If, in the future, we figure out how to produce spiritual materials, then this could be a great approach.”
Cheng Yun didn’t know anything about magical tools, so he’d only mentioned the idea in passing without elaborating.
But Zheng Fa was genuinely intrigued—
In the modern world, the idea had obvious issues: without spiritual materials, crafting magical tools was nearly impossible.
But in the Jiushan Realm—or the Xuanyi Realm at large—while spiritual materials were valuable, they were at least available.
If he built something like this in the Jiushan Realm—no, he wouldn’t even need a magical tool, just a formation...
The Jiushan Realm could leap straight into modern society.
……
On the way down the mountain, Team Leader Yang kept glancing back at Cheng Yun, her eyes thoughtful.
“Director Yang?”
“I think Director Zheng has a bit of a soft spot for you…”
Cheng Yun curled his lips. “He’s not trying to take me in as a disciple or anything…”
“You don’t get it.” Yang sighed quietly. “This man follows rules very strictly. He doesn’t act on personal feelings. Take the nursing home, for example—he’s closest to Professor Bai and Tang Lingwu, but he still only teaches based on the current contribution point system.”
“He respects Elder Hou a lot too, but there’s no favoritism.”
“You’re saying…”
“Once this project is done, you’ll probably be able to exchange it for some cultivation techniques.”
Cheng Yun’s eyes lit up.
“And also…” Yang suddenly added, “you can expect a promotion soon.”
“Huh?”
“Huh what? Director Zheng might not act on personal preferences, but we do!”
“……”
……
Jiushan Realm.
Zheng Fa had gathered Senior Sister Zhang, Senior Sister Yuan, and three Nascent Soul elders.
He first shared with them the findings from his research on Foundation Establishment Pills in the modern world.
“New particles?” The group was stunned. “What are particles?”
“They’re…” Zheng Fa began to explain. “It’s a long story. I have some books on the topic. Once you read them, Master and the others should get a rough idea.”
Senior Sister Zhang nodded and said:
“So what you mean is, the Foundation Establishment Pill… is used to create something new?”
Zheng Fa confirmed, “It’s just a theory. I haven’t cultivated to the Foundation Establishment stage yet, so for now it’s all speculation.”
And that was exactly why Zheng Fa wanted to explore the secrets of the Foundation Establishment Pill with them—
If he got this wrong, Zheng Fa could end up screwing himself over.
He thought for a moment and said:
“I’ve always seen cultivation as a path of life evolution.”
“Before, Senior Sister Zhang said that the Foundation Establishment Pill often signifies completeness—that is, needing nothing from the outside.”
“I didn’t understand it at the time, but now I think… it’s precisely because the pill can produce matter and energy that people say it needs nothing external.”
Senior Sister Zhang nodded:
“Yes, after forming the Foundation Pill, it’s said one attains a body with no leakage, can go without food or drink, gains the ability to fast… it actually aligns with your theory.”
As she said this, the others were stunned.
None of them had ever thought about why the Foundation Pill had such miraculous powers. But now that she’d brought it up, it did make a lot of sense.
Zheng Fa continued:
“From this, I believe in cultivation, the stage from Qi Refining to Foundation Establishment is a major phase.”
“Qi Refining is when the body stores spiritual energy; Foundation Establishment transforms that energy into physical form; the Foundation Pill then uses that form to create new matter…”
At this point, Zheng Fa’s tone was quite certain.
Then, with a speculative expression: “Nascent Soul must be constructed from that new matter. As for Soul Formation, so far all we know is it involves spiritual energy circuits…”
“The Nascent Soul… does indeed feel like another version of myself.”
Senior Sister Zhang nodded thoughtfully: “What you’re saying… I actually can’t find any flaw in it.”
Uncle Huang scratched her head, feeling like this scene seemed very familiar.
She glanced at Uncle Pang and the Sect Master beside her.
Both of them were staring wide-eyed at Zheng Fa.
And suddenly she understood—"I’m still me, but I’m no longer alone!"
Her expression instantly calmed.
Uncle Pang nudged her sleeve and sent a voice transmission: “Zheng Fa is really still at the Foundation Establishment stage?”
“……”
“Why do I feel like when I was at that stage, I was just messing around?”
“Drop the ‘feel like.’”
“……”
…
The others weren’t having trouble understanding Zheng Fa and Senior Sister Zhang’s discussion. On the contrary, as Nascent Soul cultivators, they all fully grasped what he was saying.
And honestly…
They thought Zheng Fa was right!
“I can’t find any fault with it either,” the Sect Master said after thinking it over, shaking his head. “You… haven’t even formed a pill yet, and you’re already explaining the essence of it…”
The way he looked at Zheng Fa was complicated.
There was pride, excitement.
And also worry and hope.
“Soon, I’ll hand the position of Jiushan Sect Master over to you.”
He said suddenly.
“Master?”
Zheng Fa was surprised.
The Sect Master continued: “My lifespan is nearing its end, and I plan to take a shot at Soul Formation. I doubt I’d accomplish much if I stayed as Sect Master.”
“I’ve long wanted to pass the role to you. I was just waiting for you to form your pill… so I held off.”
“But now that you understand the Foundation Pill this deeply, I doubt forming it will be difficult for you.”
Hearing this, Zheng Fa glanced at the two uncles nearby.
Neither of them looked surprised.
They clearly already knew what their master intended.
“What are you looking at?” Uncle Pang laughed. “If he doesn’t hand over the position, would Jiushan Realm even still be called Zheng’s?”
With that said, Zheng Fa was left speechless.
Still, this was different…
If his master passed the Sect Master position to him, he’d be able to rightfully implement his reforms in the Jiushan Sect.
So…
“You want to give all the disciples of Jiushan Sect a comprehensive exam?”
The Sect Master raised an eyebrow, suddenly feeling some regret.
Zheng Fa nodded firmly.
“What will you test?”
“First exam is mathematics, second is talisman techniques,” Zheng Fa said. “I believe these are the foundational knowledge of immortal techniques.”
Having been in the Xuanyi Realm this long, Zheng Fa had observed one thing—talisman diagrams were the backbone of everything!
He considered his earlier classes less than successful, and had reflected on it deeply.
Was it his own problem?
Who was he—he was the master of Jiushan Realm, Senior Sister Zhang’s close comrade, someone about to become Sect Master while still at the Foundation Establishment stage.
How could it be his problem?
Were the things he taught flawed?
Even less likely—Hertz, Faraday, and Maxwell would be considered Demon Ancestors in the Xuanyi Realm!
Who would doubt the legacy of a Demon Ancestor?
Finally, he remembered something his high school homeroom teacher used to say: “You guys are the worst class I’ve ever had!”
So, the conclusion of his reflection—it's the students who suck!
Time to turn up the pressure.
“How do you want to run the exams?”
“For the math exam, Senior Sister Zhang and I will write it together.”
“For the talisman exam, Uncle Pang can help too.”
Zheng Fa already had it all planned.
“Only through exams can we teach based on aptitude…”
The Sect Master and the others exchanged glances, all looking a little guilty.
To be fair, they’d also taught in the Talisman Hall before—back then, they didn’t care whether the students could follow or not.
They just taught whatever they wanted to teach.
That was the standard lecture style in the Xuanyi Realm…
In Zheng Fa’s view, that style was more like a university seminar—not useless, but not suitable for students with weak foundations.
With that in mind—
Zheng Fa took a few education syllabi from his storage bag and handed them out to the group.
Senior Sister Zhang flipped through hers and looked at Zheng Fa with a strange expression.
Uncle Pang read aloud softly:
“Foundational Yuan Talismans (Core Curriculum)
Subject Requirement:
Topology level—Good or above”
……
“Thunder Techniques (Elective)
Subject Requirements:
Foundational Yuan Talismans—Good or above
Electromagnetism—Excellent or above
Cultivation Level—Above Qi Refining
……”
“Topology (Required)
Subject Requirements:
Advanced Mathematics—Good or above
……”
Uncle Pang flipped to the back and finally understood—Zheng Fa had categorized nearly all the immortal techniques and then written these lines.
“You’re trying to… take things step by step?”
“Yes.” Zheng Fa explained, “After the exam, I’ll place them into classes based on their scores, according to this syllabus.”
At the core, this was a cultivation training program.
The essence of individualized instruction is understanding your students—so he wanted to start with a big exam.
Speaking of which, he was still a little unsure of himself.
“These are all just my initial thoughts, especially some of the subject requirements—they’re based on my own estimates… I ask Master and Martial Uncles to offer corrections.”
“Corrections?”
Unexpectedly, Uncle Pang gave a surprised laugh, then suddenly said, “Well, then I’ve got a few things to say.”
“Yes!”
“You had thoughts like these, and you didn’t revolt against your master earlier? Didn’t snatch the Sect Master position from him?”
“……”
“He could run the sect? You know he doesn’t have the ability, right?”
“Delaying progress!”
Zheng Fa was speechless. “Uncle… I’ve just been figuring things out as I go.”
Honestly, he didn’t have much experience in education—he’d just seen more of the world, so he had more ideas than the cultivators of the Xuanyi Realm:
At the very least, when it came to universal education, these cultivators couldn’t hold a candle to Zheng Fa.
He looked toward his master and saw the old man nodding in agreement with Uncle Pang’s remarks.
After the scolding, Uncle Pang pointed at the syllabus, and several new lines of text appeared:
“Linked Talisman Method:
Subject Requirements:
Talisman Studies—Excellent or above
Cultivation Level—Above Foundation Establishment
”
“Uncle?”
Zheng Fa was a bit surprised—the Linked Talisman Method was practically Uncle Pang’s signature skill.
Then he heard Uncle Pang mutter, “This technique… feels like something that should be passed down…”
“……”
He looked over at the Sect Master, who said, “I’ve already passed on the Formation Talisman Method to you. Arrange it as you see fit.”
Uncle Huang on the side didn’t seem to care much.
She shook her head. “I don’t want to teach. I’m not good at it. Fleeting Radiance isn’t something suitable for teaching to everyone anyway.”
Zheng Fa agreed with that point.
Senior Sister Zhang had remained silent, frowning as she examined the syllabus.
“Wuyi?”
She suddenly looked up and asked Zheng Fa:
“This Golden Core Engineering listed here—what does that mean?”
Everyone paused and turned to look at the syllabus in her hands.
It read:
“Golden Core Engineering
Subject Requirements:
Cultivation Level—Foundation Establishment (Full Completion)
Talisman Studies—Excellent or above
Thunder Techniques—Excellent or above
”
“Golden… Core… Engineering…” Uncle Pang was also puzzled. “What’s with the word ‘engineering’?”
“Engineering is the application of mathematics and various fields of knowledge. Through such application, we aim to use the least material and manpower, in the shortest time, to produce the best possible results.”
Zheng Fa explained patiently.
“…Say it in words we understand.”
“Optimize the Core Formation process, and mass-produce high-quality Foundation Establishment cultivators.” Zheng Fa replied.
Seeing the elders’ stunned expressions, he added, “Still don’t get it?”
“We get it,” Uncle Pang said slowly, “But it’s the same as not getting it…”
“Optimizing the Core Formation process is one thing…”
“Mass-produce high-quality Foundation Establishment cultivators?”
He looked at Zheng Fa, as if trying to confirm whether his martial nephew was joking.
Zheng Fa just smiled at him.
This was the biggest gain from his trip to the modern world—
Understanding the nature of the Foundation Pill wasn’t all that useful in itself, but it gave rise to an entire new discipline—Golden Core Engineering.
Stripping away all the esoteric concepts, a Foundation Pill was essentially a machine that used spiritual power and various techniques to produce specific, special forms of matter.
The so-called “impurities” in the pill weren’t, as Zheng Fa had previously thought, radioactive byproducts of fission—but rather particles that didn’t align with the requirements of the cultivation method.
Logically speaking, the key to refining high-quality Foundation Pills was simply improving the process and purifying the output.
He had asked Team Leader Yang to find experts in nuclear engineering with this exact idea in mind—and they had already produced some results.
Those results just needed to be verified in the Jiushan Realm.
…
“Junior Brother Zheng, you’re trying to use this Golden Core Engineering course to spark enthusiasm for learning among the disciples?”
Senior Sister Zhang suddenly said.
Zheng Fa smiled. As expected, she understood him best.
Golden Core Engineering sounded simple, but Core Formation was anything but.
The process consumed a vast amount of spiritual power, required extremely refined control of that power, and thus placed high demands on the soul.
On the other hand, to even begin optimizing the process required strong scientific thinking.
In short, to study this subject, Jiushan disciples would have to complete most of the foundational courses listed by Zheng Fa—
The problem was, they couldn’t afford not to study them.
Who wouldn’t want to form a high-quality Foundation Pill?
Seeing his smile, the others understood—Zheng Fa really was deeply invested in education.
Senior Sister Zhang nodded, then suddenly reached out and added a few more lines to the syllabus:
“Talisman Foundation Establishment Technique:”
“Learning Requirements:
Qi Refining stage cultivator
Foundational Yuan Talismans—Excellent or above
”
Uncle Pang looked at the updated syllabus and suddenly sighed. “After several eras in the Xuanyi Realm, I don’t think there’s ever been a sect more generous than ours…”
Senior Sister Zhang, however, spoke up:
“Junior Brother, you’ll need to keep an eye on the consumption of spiritual materials.”
Zheng Fa nodded, understanding what she meant.
Cultivation wasn’t something that could be sustained by knowledge alone.
In fact, spiritual materials were even more critical.
With that in mind, Zheng Fa suddenly turned to her and asked:
“Senior Sister, do you think it’s possible to use a magical tool to replace the function of a Foundation Pill?”
“Hmm?”
Until now, Zheng Fa had only considered building a nuclear fusion power station in the Jiushan Realm.
But hearing Senior Sister Zhang’s words suddenly sparked another idea—could this thing be used to produce spiritual materials?
When he said this, Senior Sister Zhang’s face showed a flicker of surprise, and the three elder cultivators nearby revealed even more shocked expressions.
“How would one produce spiritual materials?”
“It’s just a theory of mine for now…” Zheng Fa’s tone carried some uncertainty. “The key question is—what exactly is the difference between spiritual materials and ordinary ones…”
In his view, the Xuanyi Realm and the modern world shared such similar material structures.
So, spiritual materials should essentially be composed of certain particles as well—just ones that somehow reacted with spiritual energy differently.
That led Zheng Fa to a thought—if a Foundation Pill could create particles, then couldn’t it also be used to create spiritual materials?
If that idea succeeded, it might even benefit the modern world—where spiritual materials were even scarcer than in the Xuanyi Realm.
After hearing his explanation, Uncle Pang suddenly said, “…That Golden Core Engineering course—sign me up!”
“Uncle…” Zheng Fa froze for a second, then said a little awkwardly, “Your… talisman studies score might not quite be up to par.”
“……”
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