I Studied Abroad in the Modern Times

Chapter 17: Ghost Painting

Zheng Fa struggled to act as though he hadn’t noticed Chief Instructor Xu’s dark expression.

“You know nothing!” Chief Instructor Xu scolded Gao Yuan harshly. “Those martial arts techniques from the outside schools may seem impressive, but once you’re past your prime, they lose their edge. Worse still, if you don’t train properly, they’ll cut your life short!”

Zheng Fa understood the point.

The same martial art, when practiced well, could enhance physical abilities.

But techniques like the Pine Crane Stance, which offered an additional lifespan boost, were especially precious.

In his heart, another thought emerged: Gao Yuan might need 30 years to gain 20 years of life.

When Chief Instructor Xu assessed his potential through bone examination, he said it was exceptional, even better than Gao Yuan’s. Would that mean Zheng Fa might not need the full 30 years?

Even more importantly, he could return to the modern world!

Using Gao Yuan’s simple lifespan calculations, it seemed he wouldn’t be at a loss either way.

…

Perhaps annoyed by Gao Yuan, Chief Instructor Xu personally guided them for a while before leaving them to practice on their own, heading off to play with firearms again.

Zheng Fa and Gao Yuan remained in place, diligently practicing the Pine Crane Stance. Even Gao Yuan, who initially showed some disdain, now practiced with great focus.

Zheng Fa couldn’t help but compare peers from the Xuanyi Realm and modern times in his mind. Back in modern schools, most classmates would slack off.

In contrast, someone like Gao Yuan, despite being of servant background, had academic titles, family wealth, and wasn’t from an ordinary household in this world. Naturally, he cherished his opportunities.

Standing in the prescribed posture for a while, Zheng Fa began to feel a warm current coursing through his body, making his bones tingle and his breathing grow steady and deep.

Chief Instructor Xu returned to check on Zheng Fa’s progress, nodding with satisfaction. “I told you, you have excellent potential. You’re picking this up quickly!”

Zheng Fa clearly saw Gao Yuan’s movements stiffen slightly, as if he were feeling a bit anxious.

Chief Instructor Xu noticed as well but only glanced at Gao Yuan without offering praise or reprimands before walking away.

As the instructor’s figure receded, Gao Yuan’s face showed visible frustration.

For their first session with the Pine Crane Stance, Chief Instructor Xu didn’t let them practice for long—less than half an hour—before sending them away.

“Gradual progress! The worst thing in martial arts is rushing!”

Zheng Fa was already exhausted and, as they left the training ground, felt so hungry that even the bluestone slabs on the ground looked like matcha cake, tempting him to take a bite.

Having barely had enough to eat in this world, Zheng Fa realized the truth in Chief Instructor Xu’s saying that proper nutrition was critical for martial arts training.

When they returned to their shared quarters, Zheng Fa sat on his bed, feeling faint.

Gao Yuan noticed his expression right away. “Hungry?”

“Yes. How do we get food around here?”

“House rules. We’re part of the Seventh Young Master’s retinue, so his maids should bring our meals. We’re supposed to fetch it after that.”

“And do you think they’ll actually do it for us?” Zheng Fa asked pointedly.

“They might not… In fact, they probably didn’t. I’ll head to the kitchen myself!” Gao Yuan declared, displaying the connections he had as the child of the Second Branch’s steward. “Madam allocated rations for us. They wouldn’t dare refuse me!”

With that, Gao Yuan stormed out, shouting over his shoulder, “Wait here. I’ll bring yours too!”

Watching Gao Yuan’s departing figure, Zheng Fa chuckled. His roommate might have some petty quirks, but overall, he was a decent guy.

…

It took Gao Yuan nearly half an hour to return with the food box. By then, Zheng Fa’s stomach was in knots from hunger.

“The people in the main kitchen claimed Madam gave no orders! They just wanted to pocket our ration money!” Gao Yuan said angrily. “I had to find my dad to make them admit the truth!”

Hearing this, Zheng Fa looked up and thanked Gao Yuan. “I owe your dad for this. Without him, I wouldn’t even have this meal.”

“Don’t mention it! This was ours to begin with!” Gao Yuan replied, waving his hand dismissively.

The food box contained a generous meal.

The top layer had two large bowls of meat and a bowl of vegetables.

The middle layer was packed with rice.

While the dishes didn’t look particularly appetizing, the portions were hearty.

Zheng Fa wasted no time, wolfing down his meal.

As he ate, his gaze inadvertently fell on the bottom layer of the food box. It was supposed to be empty, yet a corner of paper stuck out from between the layers.

Gao Yuan noticed his gaze and instinctively flinched, as though he didn’t want Zheng Fa to see it.

That was when Zheng Fa understood—this guy hadn’t just been fetching food.

Lowering his head, Zheng Fa continued eating without saying a word, as though nothing had happened.

Still, Gao Yuan seemed restless, eating with noticeable distraction.

…

For the next two days, Zheng Fa settled into a strict routine.

Every morning, he stood outside the Seventh Young Master’s courtyard as punishment, accompanying the Seventh Young Master to Mr. Shen’s lessons.

Afternoons were spent practicing the Pine Crane Stance with Chief Instructor Xu.

Zheng Fa’s progress was slightly faster than Gao Yuan’s, but Chief Instructor Xu had remarked that while Zheng Fa learned quickly, he started late. Without a stroke of luck, he wouldn’t achieve mastery in the Pine Crane Stance.

Evenings were busy for Zheng Fa.

After dinner, he memorized the classics from Mr. Shen’s lessons, recalled knowledge from modern textbooks, and even practiced calligraphy for half an hour daily.

Gao Yuan, on the other hand, was different.

He would retreat to their room, secretly poring over something.

Zheng Fa occasionally glimpsed a few sheets of paper in Gao Yuan’s hands, likely the same ones hidden in the food box.

Whenever Zheng Fa entered, Gao Yuan would hurriedly stash the papers away.

Once, Zheng Fa caught a fleeting look—complex patterns and chaotic lines that defied comprehension.

Despite only seeing it briefly, the sight left him dizzy.

It was clear that Gao Yuan, who stared at these papers daily, was even more overwhelmed.

That evening, when Zheng Fa entered their room, he found Gao Yuan sprawled lifelessly on his bed, the precious papers scattered across his blanket.

The whole scene screamed despair and defeat.

“What’s wrong?”

Gao Yuan stared blankly, unwilling to respond.

Finally, he sat up abruptly, shouting, “I don’t want to be a study attendant anymore! I’m done with this nonsense!”

Zheng Fa blinked, his gaze shifting to the scattered papers. “Do these help you keep your position?”

“Do you even know what the Seventh Young Master spends all day reading?” Gao Yuan gestured toward the papers. “It’s all these cursed symbols!”

Zheng Fa picked up one sheet and examined it. The chaotic patterns seemed to lack any discernible order.

“What does the Seventh Young Master want with these?”

“Talismans. These are said to be talismans from the Immortal Sect!”

Hearing that, Zheng Fa couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe. Even these childlike scribbles now seemed full of mysticism.

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