Book 2: Chapter 210: Technical Support, I'm Next |
Vol 2 Chapter 210: Technical Support, I'm Next
As he watched Xiao Yuying leave, Zheng Fa turned back toward the deep pit in the ground. The three-legged cauldron at the bottom was covered in cracks, as if it would shatter at the slightest touch.
The spiritual flame had gone out, and Senior Sister Yuan sat pale-faced, meditating to recover her spiritual energy.
The disciples from the Artifact Crafting Team looked dejected, heads hung low, not daring to look at Zheng Fa or the others.
But Zheng Fa spoke up, “You all did a good job.”
A few disciples looked up in confusion, only to find that Zheng Fa's expression held no real anger.
They knew full well that the Jiushan Realm wasn’t exactly flush with resources right now.
A failed attempt meant a significant waste of materials.
How could they not feel uneasy?
Zheng Fa truly wasn’t angry.
Not because he bought into the whole “failure is the mother of success” cliché, but because, from his perspective, failure in a first trial was pretty much expected—success would’ve been a stroke of luck.
Objectively speaking, the Jiushan Sect lacked enough accumulation, and these people still had skill gaps… If the External Pill were really that easy, it wouldn’t be called a Secret Method in the first place.
Zheng Fa took the previous experiment notes from Senior Sister Zhang, then turned to the group and said, “Senior Sister and I discovered a few issues earlier, likely the cause of the cauldron’s rupture. Come take a look with us.”
The disciples glanced at each other, noticeably more relaxed, and gathered around to review and discuss the pros and cons of the previous test.
Zheng Fa didn’t say much, but he listened attentively. Gradually, the disciples grew bolder and brought up more insights.
Off to the side, Senior Sister Zhang and Martial Uncle Pang exchanged glances and couldn’t help but show a hint of relief—Zheng Fa hadn’t said much, but the disciples’ morale had completely shifted.
…
Leaving the artifact team to discuss among themselves, Zheng Fa walked over to Senior Sister Zhang and looked at the meditating Senior Sister Yuan.
Senior Sister Yuan slowly opened her eyes and heard Zheng Fa ask, “Senior Sister, how are you?”
“Tired!”
She blinked, scrunched up her face, and pouted, then tilted her head up and looked at Zheng Fa with big puppy eyes.
Zheng Fa chuckled softly, reached out, and patted her little round head.
Senior Sister Yuan squinted happily and grinned like a goof.
Senior Sister Zhang said from the side, “Can we trust what Xiao Yuying said?”
Zheng Fa thought for a moment and replied, “I don’t really trust Fairy Xiao’s people skills, but I do trust her judgment…”
Hearing this, Senior Sister Zhang nodded slightly after a bit of thought.
Xiao Yuying’s messy social circle was partly due to her sky-high standards—so if she was willing to recommend someone, that person likely had real skill.
“But she also said hiring that person wouldn’t be cheap…” Senior Sister Zhang added, frowning. As the head of the Administrative Hall, she had a clearer picture than anyone of the Jiushan Realm’s finances.
They had budgeted for the Golden Core Engineering Project…
Martial Uncle Pang cut in, “An Artifact Crafting Master… the issue isn’t about money. It’s about whether we can get them at all. That Five Dragons Palace of mine? I had to wait years for her to have time to craft it.”
Zheng Fa added, “Senior Sister, if we can exchange a reasonable amount of money for corresponding knowledge and time, I think it’s worth it.”
Senior Sister Zhang nodded gently.
Then she noticed Zheng Fa motioning toward the group of disciples. “For us, it’s not just about technical support for the Golden Core Project. These students also need a teacher who can answer their questions.”
Her expression lit up in realization. She knew Zheng Fa’s top priority was always talent cultivation in the Jiushan Realm.
What Zheng Fa wanted in hiring a master wasn’t just a cauldron.
It was about nurturing this group of disciples.
…
Since they were waiting on Xiao Yuying, Zheng Fa and the others weren’t in a rush.
Half a month passed before she returned—with someone in tow.
Zheng Fa was surprised at the sight:
The newcomer was a woman. Or more accurately—a stunning, mature beauty.
She wore a bright red silk dress, her hair adorned with a purple-gold hairpin, and both wrists sparkled with jade-gold bracelets.
As she walked, her jewelry jingled, exuding radiant spiritual light—she looked even more lavish than Xiao Yuying.
Most striking of all… her skin was flawless like jade, and her figure was voluptuously curvy like a gourd. She was nothing like the artifact masters Zheng Fa had imagined.
In his mind, artifact crafting was more like blacksmith work—technical, gritty.
Seeing such a glamorous “blacksmith” threw his expectations out the window.
But Martial Uncle Pang seemed to recognize her. He stepped forward and greeted her, “Are you Madam Xuanhua?”
The woman gave a slight nod, clearly unfazed by being recognized.
She glanced at Xiao Yuying, who simply pointed to Zheng Fa.
“Sect Master Zheng, I’ve heard much about you,” said Madam Xuanhua with a smile.
“You flatter me, Madam.”
Zheng Fa, seeing Martial Uncle Pang’s reaction, immediately knew this woman must be someone notable.
“I heard you’re working on crafting an External Pill?” Madam Xuanhua got straight to the point. “Do you have the method?”
“We do.”
“Good.” She replied briskly. “I came because of Yuying, but my price is non-negotiable. To put it plainly—you’ll either prepare three sets of materials, or pay the equivalent in spirit stones.”
Zheng Fa raised a brow. Xiao Yuying had already warned him this woman wouldn’t come cheap.
Still, he hadn’t expected it to be this steep. Essentially, she was asking for three times the cost…
As if anticipating his hesitation, Madam Xuanhua smiled faintly and said, “This is my usual rate. Take your time. I’ll wait a day.”
With that, she nodded at the crowd. Her jade bracelet lit up, and out popped a five-courtyard residence—complete with mountains, water, and even a spiritual vein, instantly raising the ambient spiritual energy.
Martial Uncle Pang’s face showed a flicker of quiet envy.
Madam Xuanhua flew into the courtyard, which settled mid-mountain—clearly giving them time to discuss.
…
“Madam Xuanhua…” Martial Uncle Pang began, “That’s always been her rate. And besides, she’s nearly impossible to hire.”
Zheng Fa nodded and turned to look at Xiao Yuying, realizing that her presence was likely the key to bringing Madam Xuanhua here.
“Fairy Xiao, if I may—what’s your connection to Madam Xuanhua?”
“When I get treasures or materials from hidden realms, I need someone to process them…”
Got it.
High EQ: Business partner.
Low EQ: Fence.
One digs it up, the other cleans it out…
“Martial Uncle Pang, what do we know about her background?” Zheng Fa asked.
“She’s a Nascent Soul-level Artifact Master, been famous for over a thousand years. Her fees are steep, but her skills are unmatched… I once spoke to the Grand Elder of Chongxuan Sect about her—he said he couldn’t compare.”
That caught Zheng Fa’s attention.
Chongxuan Sect was one of the Nine Major Sects in the Hundred Immortals Alliance, known for artifact crafting. Their Grand Elder was also a Nascent Soul Artifact Master.
For such a figure to admit inferiority—this Madam Xuanhua must be truly elite.
Then Xiao Yuying added, “There’s another reason I brought her…”
“Oh?”
“She only deals in spirit stones.”
Zheng Fa paused, and she explained, “I’ve worked with her for years. No matter what I find in hidden realms—treasures, materials—she never asks questions, never pries.”
“Even with a tight confidentiality agreement…” she trailed off.
But Zheng Fa understood.
With so many powerful figures and secret techniques in the Xuanyi Realm, no contract was foolproof.
Professionals with principles were a much safer bet.
“Thank you, Fairy Xiao.”
She’d clearly considered the special nature of the Golden Core Engineering Project, which was, truth be told, grounded in modern knowledge…
He was genuinely grateful.
Still, he hesitated—her fees did exceed their budget.
“Oh, and once she’s paid, she’s very easy to work with…” Xiao Yuying added. “Almost anything you ask, she’ll do.”
Zheng Fa blinked. Suddenly, he understood why Madam Xuanhua was expensive and so sought-after.
Professional skills, integrity, and customer service… all maxed out.
“Agree to her terms!” he declared, glancing at the Artifact Crafting Team disciples. He didn’t hesitate anymore.
…
Once Zheng Fa accepted Madam Xuanhua’s conditions, her attitude changed dramatically.
“This environment won’t do! The spiritual energy’s too thin, and the setup’s all wrong.”
She pointed at the pit, listing out all the changes they’d need to make.
“Your materials are off too. Some lack spiritual energy, some aren’t pure enough. You’ll need to restock.”
“Your Qingluan Spiritual Flame isn’t bad, but you need to control the heat better…”
Zheng Fa listened and took notes.
She rattled off a list of adjustments, then nodded. “Once your materials are prepped, I can start in three days.”
Zheng Fa found himself sincerely impressed.
Everything she pointed out seemed minor—but it’s often the small things that define craftsmanship.
Their previous failure might have been caused by just a few—or even one—tiny oversight.
The difference between a master and the rest might just lie in the details.
He thought for a moment, then asked, “Madam, if you have time, could you give some guidance to our Jiushan Sect disciples?”
Madam Xuanhua gave him a look, saying nothing.
Not yes, not no.
“Just a few pointers in passing…” he added.
She seemed to remember the promised spirit stones… and gave a small nod.
…
And that’s when she started to regret it!
Outside the courtyard halfway up the mountain, a line of over ten Artifact Crafting Team disciples stood respectfully at Madam Xuanhua’s door, clearly waiting to seek her guidance. Martial Uncle Pang twitched the corner of his mouth and looked back at Zheng Fa.
“You sure Madam Xuanhua won’t get mad?”
“…If she gets mad, we’ll deal with it then.” Zheng Fa grinned. “I asked Fairy Xiao about her… as long as the spirit stones are paid, she’s usually pretty patient.”
After all, even a bad-tempered cultivator wouldn’t be able to work with Xiao Yuying’s sharp tongue otherwise.
“…Right.” Martial Uncle Pang was speechless.
He thought to himself—Madam Xuanhua probably had never met a customer like Zheng Fa before… someone who used people to the limit.
“Martial Uncle, these disciples are still at a low level. The questions they ask won’t touch on anything too advanced… nothing that’ll offend Madam Xuanhua.”
Zheng Fa had arranged all this after consulting Xiao Yuying and understanding Madam Xuanhua’s personality.
Their questions were basic and simple—something Madam Xuanhua could answer without even thinking.
No way would it seem like Jiushan Sect was trying to steal her secret methods.
Besides, like he said before:
If she does get angry, he’ll just pull the disciples back.
If you’re not capable and also too thin-skinned, expecting someone to voluntarily come teach you?
In the Xuanyi Realm, if you want knowledge, a little shamelessness is a small price to pay.
Martial Uncle Pang thought it over. “I guess it’s because we still have some standing.”
Zheng Fa smiled and nodded.
This move only worked when your strength was close enough to theirs—otherwise, if they flipped the table, you couldn’t hold it down.
Seeing him agree, Martial Uncle Pang sighed, “I doubt she’ll ever take another commission from us again!”
…
“I feel like I’ve been ripped off,” Madam Xuanhua grumbled from her chair, throwing a side-eye at Xiao Yuying as she kept muttering, “This never ends!”
She was seriously worn out.
These Jiushan Sect disciples?
Every one of them talked sweet as honey, compliments flowing like free water.
They were also super observant—whenever she looked even slightly annoyed, they’d immediately bow out politely… only to show up again the next day.
To sum it up: relentless but tactful.
Clearly someone had coached them.
She’d lost her temper with Zheng Fa before, but he’d apologized immediately, going on about how pitiful Jiushan Sect was, how desperate the disciples were for knowledge…
From top to bottom, all the same act!
Xiao Yuying watched on with a faint smile, clearly enjoying the show.
“Seriously though, what’s with Zheng Fa? Does he just have no shame?”
Xiao Yuying thought for a moment and realized—that was Zheng Fa’s superpower.
Madam Xuanhua kept complaining, but hadn’t truly blown up.
It wasn’t just because the disciples were weak.
It was also because of Zheng Fa’s spirit stones—and Jiushan Sect’s rising influence.
Other Sect Masters or Nascent Soul cultivators?
You think they couldn’t come up with this idea?
Of course they could.
They just weren’t willing to lower themselves for a bunch of Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment disciples.
Their pride was too precious.
But then she recalled what she’d seen and heard in Jiushan Realm…
And suddenly, she realized—for Zheng Fa, this behavior actually made total sense.
…
“So… you’re working with Jiushan Sect now?” Madam Xuanhua asked.
Xiao Yuying nodded.
Zheng Fa hadn’t restricted her movement much, but since she’d only just started learning Electromagnetism and Mathematics, she spent most of her time in Jiushan Realm.
Madam Xuanhua looked puzzled. “Did that Zheng Fa cast some kind of charm spell on you?”
Xiao Yuying shot her a glare.
“Or is it the stirrings of romance?”
“…”
Madam Xuanhua chuckled mischievously, her eyes full of teasing. Finally, she sighed, “You, of all people, settling down? I never thought I’d see the day.”
Xiao Yuying wanted to explain, but after thinking about it, she didn’t even know where to begin.
Then she heard Madam Xuanhua growl, “I don’t care what kind of spell this Jiushan Sect has cast. I’m only here this time because of you. Once I finish crafting the External Pill, I’m out!”
“…”
“If I ever come back, I’m an idiot!”
…
Maybe she really was fed up, because Madam Xuanhua soon began crafting the pill.
As the spiritual flame in the cauldron slowly dimmed, the silver glow in Zheng Fa’s eyes gradually faded as well.
A deep blue, round External Pill flew out of the cauldron and landed in Madam Xuanhua’s hand.
She smiled proudly and handed the freshly crafted Boundless Sea External Pill to Zheng Fa.
Zheng Fa reached out and took it.
The outermost layer of the pill was wrapped in what was known as Pill Fiend Aura—actually the essence of Heavenly Gang and Earthly Fiend Qi.
Inside was a blinding blue-white core, its light piercing through the dense outer aura, shooting out delicate rays in every direction.
Anything deeper was hidden from view.
After watching the entire pill-crafting process, Zheng Fa confirmed some of his theories—and changed a few long-held assumptions.
What he confirmed: he and Cheng Yun had been broadly right about how to make an External Pill.
What he revised: his old assumption that a Golden Core’s reaction would be highly volatile.
But from what he saw in the Boundless Sea External Pill… the process was actually incredibly stable.
The Heavenly Gang and Earthly Fiend Qi was consumed extremely slowly, and the immense energy supposed to erupt inside the pill?
It was completely bound and contained—barely any leakage.
The level of control far exceeded his expectations.
Next to him, Martial Uncle Pang took one look at the External Pill and gasped, “Madam, your skill is incredible! This pill’s power is almost on par with a mid-grade Golden Core.”
Madam Xuanhua smiled smugly.
Her ability really was top-notch.
Ordinary External Pills could barely match a low-grade Golden Core, maybe even lower if poorly made.
But her pill? Easily surpassed the norm.
Now, Zheng Fa didn’t feel bad about paying three times the price…
In fact, he almost felt guilty—it was honestly a bargain.
…
“Now that the pill’s done, I’m leaving,” Madam Xuanhua said bluntly, clearly uninterested in further dealings.
Zheng Fa paused, then suddenly asked, “Madam, there’s one more thing I’d like to consult you on…”
At the word consult, Madam Xuanhua’s face darkened instantly.
She stared at Zheng Fa for a long time, took a deep breath, then turned to Xiao Yuying. Only after a long silence did she finally say, “One last time!”
“One last time,” Zheng Fa agreed.
He pulled out a jade slip and handed it to her.
Inside were some optimizations he and Cheng Yun had made for the Boundless Sea External Pill—streamlined methods and simplified crafting techniques.
Zheng Fa wanted her to review them because of her expertise, and she’d already signed a confidentiality contract.
Madam Xuanhua accepted the jade slip and immersed her Divine Sense into it.
Slowly, her expression shifted through various stages:
First confusion.
Then puzzlement.
Then sudden realization.
And finally—genuine admiration.
She looked up at Zheng Fa, stared for a while, opened her mouth, and finally asked:
“Who came up with this method?”
She didn’t even realize it, but her tone held a trace of reverence.
“It was developed in-house by our Jiushan Sect.”
Madam Xuanhua fell silent. She still seemed doubtful—but had no idea how to argue it.
“May I ask, Madam—do you see any issues with the method?” Zheng Fa asked.
She thought for a bit and answered honestly, “From what I can see, there’s nothing wrong.”
Zheng Fa nodded, satisfied with that.
At least the theory held up.
Whether it could truly work would be proven through testing. But for now, he and the disciples had already gleaned a great deal of knowledge from Madam Xuanhua.
“Thank you for your guidance, Madam.”
He kept his promise and didn’t ask anything further. He bowed in farewell.
Madam Xuanhua looked like she wanted to say something—but didn’t. She paused, glanced at Xiao Yuying, and finally bid everyone farewell.
…
Xiao Yuying walked her part of the way out. Along the way, Madam Xuanhua’s expression kept shifting—deep in thought.
Then suddenly, Xiao Yuying’s voice drifted over:
“Was there some kind of charm spell on that jade slip? Why are you so spaced out?”
“…”
“Falling in love, are we?”
“…”
Watching Madam Xuanhua fumble to respond, Xiao Yuying grinned and said bluntly:
“If you’ve got the guts—just keep it in.”
Madam Xuanhua opened her mouth to speak, but before she could, Xiao Yuying softly said two words:
“I did.”
Then she glanced at Madam Xuanhua and added with a teasing smile,
“But I couldn’t hold it in.”