"Junior Zhou’s article may have limited use to us, but for many disciples, it offers a superb approach to spell-fighting."
Zhou Qianyuan’s Gold Water Thunder is more powerful than the average Thunder Skill, yet does not require a high level of proficiency.
It has quite high applicability.
"Are you thinking of rewarding him?"
"How to reward?" Zhang, responsible for the Affairs Hall, naturally assumed Zheng Fa came to see her to grant good deeds to Zhou Qianyuan.
"Sister, I have an idea... It’s actually quite challenging to judge the value of such research."
Without needing further explanation from Zheng Fa, Zhang immediately said, "Are you planning to let the disciples purchase this research?"
Zheng Fa nodded with a smile, "Yes, just like the internal cultivation techniques, letting disciples purchase with good deeds is certainly a way."
Their thoughts were fairly straightforward:
Let the market determine the value of the research.
If many learn it, the research naturally holds value.
"However, I have another idea." Zheng Fa then conveyed his true intentions, "Like Junior Zhou’s work, it actually consists of two parts, one is the theory of Gold Water Thunder, and the other is the practice of Gold Water Thunder."
The theory of Gold Water Thunder refers to Zhou Qianyuan’s overall thinking.
The practice of Gold Water Thunder naturally includes the spells Zhou Qianyuan developed.
"These cannot be conflated; the theory of Gold Water Thunder might lead to the development of many other Thunder Skills."
Zhang agreed; Gold Water Thunder is a combination of Gold Element Thunder Skill and Water Element Thunder Skill. This combination is nearly limitless; suitability is the only concern.
"Later, if someone develops a new Thunder Skill based on this theory, and if they earn a lot of good deeds, Junior Zhou would actually be at a disadvantage."
Zhang looked at Zheng, knowing that he probably had some ideas when he said this.
"I want to establish a citation standard, or rather, publish a journal."
Zhang furrowed her brows.
This was something Zheng had planned before.
However, at that time, Jiushan disciples were relatively naive, akin to truants from compulsory education.
This time, Zhou Qianyuan brought him such a pleasant surprise, reminding Zheng of this matter, and Zhou Qianyuan’s performance also made him realize that at least some disciples had developed innovative capabilities after this period of study.
"On one hand, not everyone is like Junior Zhou, daring to come to me; it would be better to establish a specific channel."
Zhou Qianyuan, after all, was favored by Master Pang and familiar with Zheng Fa, and dared to directly submit his findings to Zheng Fa.
But he also understood that as his cultivation grew and his authority increased, others would probably become more cautious.
Just like when he was in school.
"On the other hand, I hope through the journal to establish something..."
"Citation standards, or citation counts," Zheng Fa explained, "In the future, if someone achieves new results, they must clarify which previous results were used, and part of the good deeds they earn should also be shared with the people they cited."
"This... is quite interesting."
Zheng was actually borrowing some modern institutions.
Honestly, this was for fairness and actually to encourage Jiushan disciples to focus more on fundamental principles:
One can imagine that many disciples would only purchase spells, without examining the theory.
Eventually, everyone might focus on spells and lose interest in the fundamental principles.
But like with Gold Water Thunder, a principle that could give rise to endless spells—those research cultivators who study principles would naturally be less disadvantaged.
"This citation count could also be used to determine the value of research, serving as a supplement to our system of evaluating research results."
This was Zheng Fa’s ultimate goal:
To find an objective standard for evaluating research results, providing a reference for the Hall of Heroes and various rewards in the future.
Previously, they awarded based on their evaluation of the results.
Though he wasn’t selfish, there were always times when he could be mistaken.
"This... journal?" Zhang seemed to find the name a bit strange, paused, then asked, "What’s the name?"
Zheng Fa thought for a moment, then said: "Immortal Dao."
Zhang glanced at him gently, silently, not surprised he chose such a name.
As Zheng Fa and Zhang discussed various matters about the journal, Zheng suddenly felt something, waved his hand, and a Communication Talisman flew in from outside the realm.
He looked at the talisman and his brows lightly furrowed, with a somewhat surprised and grave expression.
Zhang inquired concernedly.
"Master Cheng Kong sent it; they went to Chen County."
Zhang didn’t speak, just looking at Zheng.
"Master Cheng Kong says there seems to be something strange in Chen County; Great Freedom Demon Sect has gathered several Divinity Transformations there, heavily guarded."
"Several Divinity Transformations?"
"Just how many, Master Cheng Kong isn’t clear."
Not just Zhang, but even Yuan, who was off to the side snacking, couldn’t help but turn shocked to look at Zheng.
They all knew Great Freedom Demon Sect was formidable.
But in one county, more than one Divinity Transformation.
That’s somewhat terrifying.
"Master Cheng Kong means, this isn’t just a matter of me seeking revenge... he can’t possibly ignore these people."
This was quite understandable.
By entering the Xuanwei Realm as a Divinity Transformation, one has to pay a price.
These Divinity Transformations of the Great Freedom Demon Sect gathered together definitely have some purpose, and it’s certainly not playing mahjong...