Chapter 15: Central Tower
Hearing the words "Golden Core Immortal," Zhao Tianxing in the car gave a slight start, then scoffed. "How could the daughter of a Golden Core Immortal come to Songyang?"
Zhang Yu nodded slightly beside him. He knew that beyond the Qi Cultivation stage came Foundation Establishment, and only then did one reach the Golden Core realm. To attain such a level required graduating from a top-tier high school, securing admission to one of the nation’s elite universities, and then rising through a major sect—climbing perhaps dozens of floors in Kunxu’s hierarchy.
A person like that—born into such a lineage—would start life at least on the second floor of Kunxu. Why would she come all the way down to the first-floor city of Songyang?
The driver chuckled softly, as if savoring the chance to show off. "Not only is Li Xuelian coming to Songyang," he said slowly, "it's said her father, Xinghuo Immortal, actually hails from this very city. Now that he’s retiring, he’s returning here to spend his golden years in peace."
Zhang Yu frowned. A Golden Core immortal returning to a beginner’s village to retire? That sounded absurd.
The driver continued, "This art exhibition isn’t just about Li Xuelian’s paintings. There’s also rumored to be a Celestial Martial Arts Diagram—painted personally by Xinghuo Immortal himself. Legend says it conceals a legendary martial art."
"Among those attending," he added, "many aren’t here to meet Li Xuelian. They’re here to study that diagram, hoping to unlock the secret of that ancient technique."
...
Songyang Central Tower — 999th Floor
Zhang Yu stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, staring down at the endless sea of clouds swirling beneath him. This was his first time standing at such a height, gazing over the entire city from above.
He adjusted the new security uniform he now wore, a quiet wave of awe washing over him.
Ever since entering Central Tower, Zhang Yu had felt like he’d stepped into another dream world.
If his suburban neighborhood still bore faint resemblance to his former life, then Songyang High School’s infrastructure had already begun to outshine the world of his past. And now, before him—Central Tower—was beyond anything imaginable.
The sheer scale of its 999 floors, the invisible currents of spiritual energy pulsing through its halls, the advanced Daoist technologies woven into its walls—every detail screamed fantasy.
Recalling how, under the power of his Daoist ritual, he’d been instantly transported to the 999th floor in mere seconds—without a single scratch—Zhang Yu couldn’t help but marvel once more.
"Same city, different worlds," he mused. "Ordinary people live in the suburbs. Cultivators gather in the city center. And this tower? It’s the true playground of the ultra-rich."
"Three realms, all within one city—yet as distant as three separate worlds."
Just then, Zhao Tianxing’s voice came from behind.
"Zhang Yu, the team leader sent us to patrol. We should get going."
Zhang Yu turned. Zhao Tianxing stood there in his security uniform—same as his—but unlike Zhang Yu, who wore it with calm confidence, Zhao Tianxing looked tense, fidgeting like a nervous child.
He felt like a clown. Every glance from passersby seemed to carry a mix of disdain, mockery, and condescension.
But Zhao Tianxing was overthinking. Wearing the uniform didn’t make him a real security guard—no, it made him invisible. A background figure, barely more noticeable than the potted plants.
Zhang Yu clapped him on the shoulder. "Stand tall. We’re security for Central Tower, not delivery boys. What are you afraid of?"
Feeling eyes turn toward them at Zhang Yu’s voice, Zhao Tianxing flinched. "I know, I know—just keep your voice down, Zhang Yu. Don’t draw attention."
The art exhibition was massive—spanning over a thousand square meters—complete with free drinks and a buffet-style meal service. To Zhang Yu, it felt less like an art show and more like a high-end gathering.
And the legendary Celestial Martial Arts Diagram? It was still hidden behind a curtain, to be unveiled only when Li Xuelian herself arrived.
Zhang Yu and Zhao Tianxing were assigned to patrol a quiet corner of the venue.
With the exhibition still not officially open, their patrol was relaxed—no ritual backlash at all.
After all, the ritual power within Zhang Yu only activated when fulfilling a wish. His path to fulfillment wasn’t through temporary jobs, but through studying, training, getting into university, working hard, and earning money—ultimately serving the Dark God’s purpose.
Temporary work like this? It was just part of the process. The ritual wouldn’t force him to abandon his goals.
In fact, this idle wandering felt far more peaceful than the grueling self-cultivation of the past few days.
Then, as they approached the dining table, they saw a group of waiters setting up plates and arranging decorations.
Zhang Yu glanced over. "Is that... seafood?"
Zhao Tianxing squinted at the platters—abalone, lobster, shrimp. "Yeah. Marine life. I saw something like that with my mom once. One pound costs three or four ten-thousand each."
"Still, in Central Tower? It makes sense."
Zhang Yu had eaten seafood plenty of times in his previous life. But in Kunxu—especially the first layer—marine life was a rare treasure. The original Zhang Yu had never seen it in person, only online. The entire 20-million-square-kilometer first layer of Kunxu had no oceans.
So these creatures must either be imported from higher layers of Kunxu—or grown in artificially created oceanic environments by elite institutions.
Hearing Zhao Tianxing mention the price, Zhang Yu blinked. "That expensive?"
"Seriously? What’s the benefit? Does it boost spiritual energy?"
No wonder he was thinking that way. In this Daoist world—whether the old Zhang Yu or the new one—everyone was obsessed with growth. Every aspect of life—clothing, food, housing, travel—was tied to cultivating power, refining body and spirit, strengthening one’s will.
"Benefit?" Zhao Tianxing paused, then shook his head. "No idea. Just tastes good."
"Just... tastes good?" Zhang Yu stared at the platters, stunned.
Just as the two were quietly observing the feast, a cool, clear voice cut through the air behind them.
"Security guards. You’re supposed to be patrolling. What are you doing sneaking around here?"
Zhao Tianxing jumped, whirling around. "We weren’t doing anything—"
But then he froze.
Zhang Yu turned calmly, smiling. "Hey, isn’t it you, Zhenzhen? What a coincidence—did you come to the exhibition too?"
Zhao Tianxing, realizing the intruder was his classmate, felt his uniform grow heavier. His body twisted awkwardly, as if he were desperately trying to hold in a bowel movement.
The thought of his classmates finding out he was working as a security guard—of being labeled poor, a wage slave, broke—sent a wave of panic through him. His social standing would plummet.
Bai Zhenzhen stared at Zhang Yu, expressionless. "I didn’t expect you two to skip decades of life’s detours and end up here, doing security."
Zhao Tianxing waved his hands frantically. "No, no! I’m just here with Zhang Yu!"
Zhang Yu suddenly slapped Zhao Tianxing’s shoulder. "Why are you so nervous? You’re making 800 yuan an hour—enough to buy a commoner’s ten days of food and drink. How many people would envy that?"
"Uh…?" Zhao Tianxing blinked, stunned. He’d never thought 800 yuan an hour was impressive.
But then he noticed the silence from Bai Zhenzhen. A cold chill crept up his spine.
He’d always seen her as distant—icy, unapproachable. The top student in the grade, only ever seen eating with Zhang Yu and Zhou Tianyi. His circle had tried inviting her a few times, but she’d never responded.
To him, she was a genius—brilliant, but cold and aloof.
Now, seeing her standing there, silent and unreadable, he was certain she was angry.
"Zhang Yu must’ve said something stupid," he thought, twisting nervously, desperately trying to think of something to say.
Then Bai Zhenzhen spoke, cold as ice: "You make 800 an hour?"
"Yeah," Zhao Tianxing said, still confused.
At that moment, a voice called from the other side of the table.
"New guy! Come help carry the dishes—what are you waiting for?"
Bai Zhenzhen turned to them. "I’ve got to go. We’ll talk later."
But in her mind, she seethed: Damn. Security guards make 800 an hour? I only make 500. I should’ve become a security guard instead.
Zhao Tianxing’s eyes widened. "Wait… Bai Zhenzhen’s working here too?"
"Surprised?" Zhang Yu said, already recognizing her uniform. "Everyone’s working, aren’t they?"
He didn’t see anything unusual. Given Bai Zhenzhen’s financial situation, working a side job was perfectly normal.
But the fact that she could maintain her position as top student while working? That sent a chill through him.
"Zhenzhen’s talent is truly extraordinary. Among all the disciples of Songyang Gate, I doubt anyone comes close—except maybe me."
(End of Chapter)
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