No Money to Cultivate Immortality?

Feng Yuhan’s voice grew stronger and sharper as he spoke, his gaze locked fiercely onto True Lord Magneto.

Just then, Director Gao stepped in. “Teacher Feng, this project isn’t just a matter for the Artifact Refinement Department. Zhang Yu is a student we’ve been nurturing in the Civil Engineering Department. For the sake of winning the competition, we’ll fully support him. We won’t allow Zhang Yu to be humiliated in the arena.”

As he spoke, Director Gao walked over to stand beside True Lord Magneto.

Feng Yuhan looked at the two standing side by side and said slowly, “Gao Chongguang, you’re really going all in, huh? What kind of spell did Magneto cast on you? Aren’t you afraid of the consequences?”

True Lord Magneto replied, “The Civil Engineering and Artifact Refinement Departments have always cooperated closely. One of our students, Feng Tingting, has already transferred to the Civil Engineering Department for a dual degree and will also assist in the competition. This kind of collaboration will only deepen in the future.”

Director Gao added calmly, “Our department also has Mo Shangjin, who’s mastered Heavenly Kunlun Mountain-Moving Might. Once he recovers from his injury, he can jump in to support at any time and ensure Zhang Yu’s safety.”

Feng Yuhan frowned and said, “You’re saying all this, but how do you guarantee Immortal Soldier University or Demon-Beast University won’t escalate their efforts?”

“In the end, increasing cost and risk for such uncertainty… it’s simply unnecessary. No matter how much you lower the risk, it can’t compare to keeping Zhang Yu safe and sound here in University City.”

“The best option is to stay in the lab. As long as he stays in the lab, there’s no chance anyone can lay a hand on him.”

As the two sides reached an impasse, Zhang Yu suddenly spoke up. “Teachers, I have an idea. It might ensure my safety on the field.”Feng Yuhan shot him a cold glance, ready to rebuke him for interrupting the discussion among teachers.

As for having Zhang Yu prove his combat strength—he found that suggestion completely meaningless.

What would even count as strong enough? What level of combat or construction capability would guarantee Zhang Yu wouldn’t be sullied on the field?

In Feng Yuhan’s view, Zhang Yu couldn’t prove anything—nor guarantee anything.

Then Zhang Yu said, “I can surrender.”

Feng Yuhan was taken aback.

Zhang Yu continued, “I can surrender extremely fast.”

“The moment something feels off, I’ll surrender immediately.”

“Even if we lose the match, I won’t give the enemy a chance to humiliate me.”

With a sincere expression, Zhang Yu said, “I understand that not being disgraced is more important than winning this match.”

Director Gao chimed in, “Back when we fought Vajra University, it was Zhang Yu who took the lead in surrendering and was the first to run off the field. This student really does have a sense of responsibility and decisiveness in such matters.”

At that moment, Zhang Yu’s Foundation Establishment Field suddenly activated, and a string of glowing text appeared before everyone:

“Foundation Establishment cultivator Zhang Yu has chosen to cease battle and withdraw from the competition. Cease all attacks immediately or bear the consequences.”

Zhang Yu explained, “This is a custom Foundation Establishment Field I paid for.”

“The control can be handed over to Teacher Gao. If he senses anything off, he can instantly trigger the Field and pull me from the match.”

“If I withdraw and the enemy still tries something, the referee will intervene, and the teachers can teleport in to protect me.”

True Lord Magneto said lightly, “I’ll be watching the match in person. I can shield Zhang Yu at any time—no extra budget needed.”

Director Gao added, “And I’ll be there too. Isn’t that enough to ensure safety, Teacher Feng?”

True Lord Magneto said, “It’s the same off the field. As long as Zhang Yu’s personal information is kept secure and communication channels remain stable, we can teleport in at a moment’s notice. There’s no risk.”

“And these precautions don’t cost much but bring huge potential gains—like showcasing the project, boosting our stock prices, and even winning access to the military-grade armor design blueprints.”

Seeing Feng Yuhan frown and remain silent, True Lord Wanhua laughed. “Look at you all, going back and forth like this—you’ve already figured out a solution.”

“Magneto, Aoki, go finalize the plan and send it to the Research Office for review.”

“Feng, get the approvals sorted as soon as possible. Tomorrow at the latest.”

“If anyone still has concerns, speak now—don’t cause delays later.”

Feng Yuhan said, “The plan works, but if he keeps surrendering or constantly needs rescuing, what good is it for publicity? It could even backfire and drag down the project and stock prices.”

“Also, Magneto and Aoki—you’re both on school time. Isn’t leaving work to protect Zhang Yu a misuse of resources? Isn’t that a loss for the university?”

“So here’s my suggestion—if he surrenders in the next match, it’ll prove the risks outweigh the gains. In that case, don’t send Zhang Yu out again.”

True Lord Wanhua nodded. “Feng has a point. You both have work to do—can’t spend all your time babysitting him. Let’s go with that.”

Facing True Lord Wanhua’s calm but firm gaze, both True Lord Magneto and Director Gao nodded in agreement.

True Lord Wanhua then turned to Zhang Yu, smiling faintly. “You’re a sharp young man. I like talking to the young and to the smart. Not like some fossils stuck in their ways, waiting around to die.”

No one in the room followed up on this jab. Everyone knew that even those “fossils” were likely Nascent Soul cultivators. Wanhua could say it, but no one else dared.

He sighed. “This opportunity was fought for by True Lord Magneto and True Lord Aoki.”

“But remember—winning or losing is nothing. Losing your dignity is everything.”

“Do your best. I look forward to seeing what you’ll do.”

…

After Zhang Yu and the others left, a mysterious smile crept onto True Lord Wanhua’s face.

On a hidden interface visible only to him, a stream of messages had arrived through the Spiritual Realm Network—not long ago.

They were from the Seven Sentiments Lord of Heavenly Sword Sect University.

Seven Sentiments Lord: I bought your Civil Engineering Department’s Zhang Yu.

Seven Sentiments Lord: Name your price.

Wanhua: Don’t talk nonsense. Students aren’t my property—how can you buy them?

When no reply came, Wanhua chuckled faintly. “Let’s see how long you can hold out, with that Extreme Sentiment Swordsmanship of yours.”

Then a new message appeared.

Seven Sentiments Lord: I’m coming to see you.

Wanhua’s brows twitched. “Coming to see me?”

His gaze sharpened, countless lights flickering in his eyes. But both Heavenly Sword University and Wanfa University appeared calm.

Then his expression shifted slightly. “So it’s… the sixth layer you’re talking about?”

…

On the way down from the 666th floor.

True Lord Magneto thought to herself, “That brat Feng Yuhan probably hasn’t given up yet—he’ll try to wrest control of this project.”

Then Director Gao suddenly said, “Magneto, did you notice anything odd today about how the God-Lord and Feng Yuhan were speaking? Or how they looked at me?”

Zhang Yu’s steps paused slightly.

But True Lord Magneto replied casually, “Really? Must be your imagination.”

Director Gao frowned. “But…”

Magneto interrupted, “No buts. You’d better start drafting Zhang Yu’s support plan. He’s your student—push this forward fast.”

Then she sent a private message:

Magneto: Have you spoken to Zhang Yu about that disciple under the Seven Sentiments Lord?

Gao: I sent him some news reports.

Magneto: I’ve got something else to do later. You take the chance today and talk to him. Make sure he cuts contact soon.

So after parting ways, Director Gao was silent for a moment before saying, “I heard you’re close with the Seven Sentiments Lord’s new disciple?”

Zhang Yu nodded. “Yeah, Bai Zhenzhen was my high school classmate.”

Director Gao, recalling the intel he gathered the day before, slowly said, “You read those reports I sent, right? The Seven Sentiments Lord knows many sword techniques, most famously the Seven Sentiments Swordsmanship and the Extreme Sentiment Swordsmanship.”

“The Seven Sentiments Swordsmanship enhances power through emotional fluctuations.”

“But Extreme Sentiment Swordsmanship is even more terrifying. It’s said to channel sword energy through intense emotions.”

“The exact principles are a tightly guarded secret. But her disciples’ histories are notorious—killing wives, husbands, even parents and children... Not once or twice.”

Zhang Yu said firmly, “Bai Zhenzhen and I climbed up from the first floor of high school together. She’s different.”

Director Gao shook his head helplessly. “People change. The more wealth and cultivation they gain, the faster they change.”

Zhang Yu replied, “You’ve known True Lord Magneto for centuries. Has she changed?”

Director Gao said, “You don’t get it—Magneto is different.”

Zhang Yu countered, “So is Bai Zhenzhen.”

Inwardly, Director Gao fumed, “This brat… has he been blinded by her Nascent Soul status?”

Zhang Yu thought to himself, “Old Gao, you couldn’t even handle Magneto—don’t try to teach me.”

Director Gao continued, “Aren’t you close with Wen Wuya too? He’s a Nascent Soul disciple as well. Train more with him and stay away from Bai Zhenzhen.”

“They’re both Nascent Soul disciples—Wen Wuya is way better than someone walking a path of darkness.”

Zhang Yu didn’t respond, but seeing Gao’s annoyed expression, he held his tongue.

…

Meanwhile, back in his office, Feng Yuhan pulled out stack after stack of student profiles.

He brooded, “That Magneto woman… always obsessed with experiments, acting however she likes in projects, way too controlling.”

“She’s fine for research, but she has no idea what our Research Office deals with.”

“She needs to be reined in—can’t let her run wild on every major project.”

As these thoughts churned, his eyes scanned the profiles, occasionally pulling some aside.

“The real issue is that she holds the experimental data.”

“If more students can resonate with Nascent Soul Yin Artifacts and show results, then who cares about Zhang Yu?”

With that, Feng Yuhan resolved to select more candidates and send them to Daoist Tianzhang—so they could generate new results as soon as possible.