I Studied Abroad in the Modern Times

Vol 2 Chapter 56: Master and Servant

Inside the exam hall.

The students sitting around Zheng Fa turned to glance at him the moment they heard the sound of his pen being set down lightly on the desk.

Their expressions were nearly identical—utter despair.

"Bro, it’s only been an hour, and you’re already done? Again?!"

Even the proctor, a female teacher, couldn’t help but walk over and glance at his exam paper.

Seeing that it was completely filled out, she slowly walked away without saying anything.

The Final Exam

For Zheng Fa, the college entrance exam was no longer difficult.

Especially after his cultivation advanced—his memory, reaction speed, and mental clarity had all improved significantly.

As long as the test didn’t contain obscure or highly complex problems, he could finish it in under an hour and still have time to double-check his answers.

Since it wasn’t yet time to submit his paper, Zheng Fa leaned back slightly and began to contemplate his future plans.

What Comes After?

For the past five years, he had studied with extraordinary dedication—

In Xuanyi Realm, he would memorize textbooks while toiling under the scorching sun in the fields.

In the modern world, he had isolated himself, hardly stepping outside, sacrificing entertainment, and cutting himself off from distractions.

This exam was the culmination of all those years of effort.

But university?

That was a different matter altogether.

He had no obligation to attend.

The things that most people cared about, he simply did not—

He didn’t need a diploma to gain status or wealth in the modern world.

As Tang Lingwu once said:

"I don’t need a degree."

For Zheng Fa, the goal of attending university was simple—

On a smaller scale, he wanted to truly learn how to conduct research, organize an efficient laboratory, and maximize the potential of the retirement home project.

On a larger scale, he wanted to train his scientific mindset, develop a deeper analytical approach, and ultimately decipher the true essence of the Dao.

Because Zheng Fa had always known—the greatest advantage modern knowledge could give him was the way it shaped his thinking.

He wanted to learn more.

Of course, there was also another reason—

Attracting more scholars to join the retirement home.

Cultivation and Research

At present, Zheng Fa cultivated the Lingshan Method, and the urge to establish the retirement home had only grown stronger.

Additionally, The Talisman Dao Foundation Establishment Method was now facing two major research challenges:

1. Deciphering the Two Unknown Sub-Talismans (Type A & Type B)

The Three-Sub-Talisman Law had revealed an entirely new layer of complexity.

After studying Lin Bufan’s blood, Zheng Fa had formed two possible hypotheses about Type B sub-talismans:

Hypothesis 1: Type B sub-talismans act as “directional markers.”

One of Lin Bufan’s sub-talismans might be linked to the Demon Ancestor.

The other might be linked to himself.

This aligns with Tang Lingwu’s theory—that some talismans serve as interaction nodes, similar to how computer hardware interfaces with the system.

Problem: If this is true, then the number of possible sub-talismans is infinite, because too many things could be "directional markers."

Hypothesis 2: Type B sub-talismans function like "fundamental interaction forces."

Instead of being randomly assigned, they might represent essential forces of the world—

Similar to how modern physics defines the four fundamental forces.

Advantage: If true, this would make the system elegant and structured.

Disadvantage: It’s purely theoretical—there’s no evidence yet.

2. Understanding the True Nature of Yin-Yang Talisman Patterns

Yin and Yang were said to be interdependent, but Zheng Fa had yet to truly grasp their essence.

It was a puzzle that had haunted him for a long time.

Nearing a Breakthrough

At this point, Zheng Fa had reached the sixth level of Qi Refining.

If his current cultivation speed remained consistent, he estimated that by August, he would reach the seventh level of Qi Refining—

Which meant he could start properly implementing the Lingshan Method.

The Final Exam Ends

When Zheng Fa walked out of the exam hall, he was surprised.

Tang Lingwu wasn’t waiting outside.

For the past two days, every time he had finished an exam, he had seen Tang Lingwu standing at the gate, waiting for him.

But today—the final day of the exam—she was nowhere to be seen.

Instead, the person picking him up was Old Bai.

An Unexpected Escort

"What are you looking for?"

Old Bai noticed Zheng Fa scanning the area and patted him on the shoulder.

"What, am I not good enough to pick you up?"

Zheng Fa shook his head but said nothing.

He simply followed Old Bai onto the bus.

Post-Exam Atmosphere

The bus rocked gently as it moved through the streets.

It was filled with students who had just finished their exams—

Most of them looked relaxed, chatting excitedly in small groups.

"So, how’d you do?" Old Bai asked.

"Not bad."

"Think you’ll get into Jingcheng University?"

At those words, the entire bus fell silent.

Several students turned to stare at them, their expressions full of disbelief—

"This guy… really dares to dream, huh?!"

Zheng Fa nodded.

"Yeah, should be fine."

This time, the students didn’t just stare at Old Bai—

They turned to stare at Zheng Fa instead.

"Is this guy for real?!"

A Silent Ride

After that, Zheng Fa and Old Bai didn’t say another word for the rest of the bus ride.

The atmosphere was too awkward.

When they finally got off, they exchanged a look—

Then both burst into laughter.

"Alright," Old Bai said, "so when do we head to Jingcheng? After you get the admission letter?"

"The retirement home takes priority," Zheng Fa replied.

"We should go early."

"When exactly?"

"I still have some things to handle at home. Let’s leave in early July."

"What kind of things?"

"Just loose ends. I need to thank the teachers and staff who helped me over the years."

"Also…"

Zheng Fa paused.

"I need to visit my parents' graves."

To be honest, Zheng Fa still wasn’t sure what his relationship with this body truly was.

But these were the parents who had raised this body.

Whether he had inherited their memories or not, they had done him a kindness.

Now that he was about to leave his hometown, it was only right—**both emotionally and logically—to visit them.

"…Alright."

As they silently walked through the Qingshui High School residential area, Old Bai suddenly said,

"Come eat at my place. I already cooked."

Zheng Fa turned to glance at him, then nodded.

An Unexpected Gathering

As soon as Zheng Fa stepped into Old Bai’s home, he was surprised—

Not because Tang Lingwu was there.

But because Professor Tian was there too.

In the kitchen, Tang Lingwu stood at the stove, gripping a spatula like a soldier holding a weapon.

Beside her, Professor Tian stood with an amused expression, seemingly giving instructions.

When they entered, Professor Tian walked out to greet them.

But Tang Lingwu, for some reason, stayed hidden in the kitchen, almost as if she were shy.

A Home-Cooked Celebration

"Professor Tian, what brings you here?" Zheng Fa asked.

"Old Bai said you just finished your exams, and that in most families, that calls for a celebration. So he wanted to do the same for you."

Professor Tian grinned, then added:

"But... this man doesn’t know how to cook!"

"So he called you over?"

"I just happened to be free."

She waved her hand dismissively, her laughter booming and carefree.

Zheng Fa shot a glance at Old Bai, who was standing off to the side, grinning sheepishly.

Clearly, this wasn’t just about celebrating—

Old Bai had once again found a roundabout way to advocate for Professor Tian.

Still, Zheng Fa couldn’t deny that he was touched.

For someone he had only met once, Professor Tian had willingly taken the time to cook for him.

Even if she didn’t know he might be able to cure her illness, it still showed her sincerity.

"Then… what about her?"

Zheng Fa glanced toward the kitchen, where Tang Lingwu was still hiding.

Professor Tian gave him a knowing look, her voice laced with playful amusement.

"That girl? No idea what happened, but she suddenly developed an interest in cooking."

Her tone, however, suggested that she knew exactly what was going on.

A Meal Worth Remembering

By the time dinner was served, Zheng Fa finally understood why Old Bai had invited Professor Tian—

Because she could really cook.

Even a simple plate of stir-fried greens carried a delicate balance of sweetness and umami, with none of the bitter, grassy taste that often came with improperly prepared vegetables.

"Professor Tian, your cooking is better than anything I’ve had at a restaurant!"

Tang Lingwu praised sincerely.

Given her wealthy background, this was no small compliment.

Professor Tian simply laughed, her voice hearty.

"The research facility I worked at was in the middle of nowhere."

"There weren’t even any restaurants nearby."

"So I had no choice but to teach myself."

The Hierarchy Problem

"You wait a second."

Old Bai suddenly pointed at Tang Lingwu and Professor Tian, his face filled with confusion.

"You call me ‘Grandpa Bai’…"

"But you call her ‘Aunt Tian’?"

"That doesn’t make sense! The generations are all mixed up!"

"You got a problem with that?"

Professor Tian’s eyebrow twitched, her voice carrying a slight edge.

Even her usually carefree laughter disappeared for a second.

Old Bai immediately shut his mouth.

Zheng Fa, meanwhile, noticed something interesting—

Tang Lingwu had already grown incredibly close to Professor Tian in such a short time.

It seemed she had a knack for earning the affection of elders.

The Secret Dish

Zheng Fa casually observed Tang Lingwu throughout the meal.

And soon, he noticed her small, sneaky movements.

She had quietly pulled the plate of scrambled eggs with tomatoes closer to herself.

Using her hand as a shield, she ate the dish alone, taking bite after bite.

Her face twisted slightly as she chewed, a hint of frustration in her expression.

Even without tasting it, Zheng Fa could tell what was wrong—

The tomatoes were undercooked, making them too firm.

The eggs were overcooked, making them rubbery.

And worst of all—way too much salt.

No wonder she looked so disappointed—

She had put in so much effort, but compared to Professor Tian’s cooking, her dish had too many flaws.

Zheng Fa reached out and rescued the plate from her grasp.

"It’s too salty!" Tang Lingwu panicked.

Without looking up, Zheng Fa kept scooping food onto his plate, casually replying:

"It’s fine. I like salty food."

Tang Lingwu froze, then slowly smiled to herself.

From across the table, Old Bai narrowed his eyes.

He chewed on a bite of stir-fried greens, then turned to Professor Tian.

"Did you put sugar in this dish?"

"…No."

"Then why does everything suddenly taste so sweet to me?"

Xuanyi Realm

Zheng Fa stood in front of Lin Bufan, studying the black jade ring on his right hand.

This was Lin Bufan’s Soul Seal.

With a single thought, Zheng Fa could end Lin Bufan’s life instantly.

On the bed, Lin Bufan lay pale-faced, his gaze distant and uncertain.

He still seemed unsure if he had made the right choice today.

A Formal Submission

"Please, my lord… grant me a new name."

His voice was low and respectful.

He was smart—

Now that the master-servant bond had been established, it was customary in Xuanyi Realm for the master to rename their servant.

Zheng Fa thought for a moment—

Then shook his head.

"I don’t really care."

"Besides, your uncle’s surname was Lin. It wouldn’t feel right to erase that connection."

Lin Bufan’s gaze trembled slightly.

The uncertainty in his eyes faded, replaced by a hint of relief.

It seemed Zheng Fa’s refusal to rename him had reassured him—

At least his new master wasn’t needlessly cruel.

After a long pause, Lin Bufan finally spoke.

"Then… I’ll change my name to Lin Fan."

"You once said—"

"Don’t."

"…?"

Seeing Lin Bufan’s confused expression, Zheng Fa remained silent for a moment.

Then, he sighed and muttered—

"That name… is cursed."

"……"

Back to Business

"Anyway."

Zheng Fa reached behind him and pulled out a white porcelain bottle.

"You want to do it yourself this time?"

Lin Bufan looked at the even bigger bottle compared to before.

Then he looked at Zheng Fa.

His eyes gradually filled with doubt once again.

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