https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-172-Second-Round-Grouping-Ye-Lingshao-s-Battle-Intent/13686644/
Chapter 173: Zhang Yu's Production Tool
“We’ve learned that you have an outstanding loan payment due next month, and we’re currently running a special installment promotion with reduced processing fees…”
Bai Zhenzhen hung up the phone, her heart sinking as she thought about the over two thousand yuan in interest she’d need to pay next month—while her bank account held less than ten thousand. She felt utterly drained, unable to even lie down and rest.
“Sigh… Sure, passing the first round of the Foundation Establishment Exam was great.”
“But all the money’s gone now.”
The pressure of repayment, the brutal competition in the exam, the uncertain future—these burdens instantly erased the joy she’d felt after passing the exam and acquiring Wan Jian Wu Zhong Jue for free.
Though she’d managed to keep up with basic cultivation expenses by tutoring students, just barely scraping by while repaying her debt, the thought of her rivals in the Foundation Establishment Exam made her realize: her current foundation was simply not enough.
“To keep progressing at this pace, we need to throw money at it—more money! More money! Even more money!”
“How am I going to make big money when I get back?”
After a long pause, Bai Zhenzhen shared her worries with Zhang Yu.
Then, a sharp, determined expression flashed across her face. “Yu-zi, what if we just officially join the Anxue Alliance and take part in faction wars to earn money?”
At this point, Bai Zhenzhen had reached the level of a senior high school student—late-stage Qi Condensation, bolstered by Zhen Linggen’s enhancement and several refined 10th-tier Techniques, not to mention her mastery of Wan Jian Wu Zhong Jue. Her words carried an eerie, deadly weight.
Zhang Yu frowned. “Joining faction battles… officially getting involved in gangs?”
He hesitated. “Won’t that involve killing people?”
Bai Zhenzhen nodded solemnly. “Yes, killing is definitely…”
“Sigh.” She exhaled. “Even though the Anxue Alliance guarantees protection, what if the compensation ends up costing more than what we earn?”
You’re worried about that? Zhang Yu stared at her, exasperated. Even after living here nearly a year, he still struggled to keep up with the mindset of Kunxu natives.
Bai Zhenzhen continued, “Then… what if I undergo a Technique enhancement? Or sell the knowledge we’ve learned this time?”
“That kind of high-value material should fetch a fortune, right?”
Her eyes gleamed with greed.
Zhang Yu understood immediately—she was thinking of selling pirated copies of Wan Jian Wu Zhong Jue.
He groaned. “What’s wrong with you? You’re getting more and more reckless. That Technique is priceless. If we get caught, we’re finished.”
Bai Zhenzhen shrugged, matter-of-fact. “We’re poor. What safe, high-paying jobs are even available to us? And if it weren’t for this breakthrough, we wouldn’t even have a chance at a high-risk opportunity.”
Zhang Yu sighed again, defeated. “Let me think about it.”
He’d originally thought that with increased strength, he could earn more through tutoring. But after witnessing the power of the Xian Du students, he now realized: money was still never enough.
So he decided to consult someone—someone he knew could help.
A moment later, while Bai Zhenzhen was in the restroom, Zhang Yu woke Fujie up.
“Huh…?” Fujie groaned, stretching lazily. “So, you passed the first round of the Foundation Establishment Exam, right?”
Zhang Yu nodded, then explained the situation.
Fujie’s eyes lit up instantly. As a veteran Evil God with years of deception under her belt, she immediately sensed Zhang Yu’s anxiety about the upcoming exam.
This kid won’t last long, she thought. He’ll inevitably hunt down my colleague to unlock more potential.
She understood completely. Just hearing Zhang Yu’s description of the Xian Du students—especially No. 23 and No. 11—was enough to make her shiver. Their power was clearly leagues ahead.
When Zhang Yu brought up his money troubles, Fujie said without hesitation:
“Staying deep in the Dark Tutoring Realm is indeed a solid path.”
“But Techniques enhancement and refinement? That’s too deep for your current level. You’re not ready.”
Zhang Yu asked, “What about becoming a top-tier teacher for the Anxue Alliance? With our current strength, how much could we earn?”
Fujie replied, “Even as a top teacher, you’d still face faction conflicts.”
“Rival teachers challenging you, local gangs attacking you, corporate security forces hunting you down…”
“The more famous and wealthy you become, the greater the danger. The stronger you must be to survive.”
Again, not strong enough? Zhang Yu realized he was back where he started.
Then Fujie added, “But honestly, given your innate potential—if it were further unlocked, I’d say you’d pass the Foundation Establishment Exam even without making a fortune.”
“Instead of risking your life in faction wars while still weak, why not focus on boosting your potential first?”
Zhang Yu knew what she meant—she was talking about hunting down her colleague to unlock his power.
This time, he didn’t object. He only asked, “To hunt your colleague, we need intel. How do you plan to do it?”
Fujie’s eyes sparkled. “The Shadow Pest he planted last time? I’ve completely absorbed it.”
“The command embedded in it was to send a message the moment you log into the Way of Inquiry Hall.”
“If we follow Yu Xinghan’s trail again—just like last time—and log into the Ling Realm’s Way of Inquiry Hall—”
“I can send a fake message to lure him out.”
“Once he shows up, we’ll figure out his identity and strength… then track him down and crush him.”
Zhang Yu frowned. “But even with Yu Xinghan’s help, logging in costs 100,000 yuan.”
“Where am I supposed to get that kind of money?”
Fujie smirked. “You’re still training, still working. When will you ever save up? The next exam is only two months away.”
“I’ve already thought of a way to earn some pocket money.”
Zhang Yu raised an eyebrow. “What’s that?”
Fujie grinned mysteriously. “You’ve got something unique about you—something that can fetch a high price.”
Zhang Yu blinked. After a moment of silence, his face turned pale. He leaned in, whispering, “Are you… seriously suggesting you cut me off and sell my… that?”
For a split second, the first thought in Zhang Yu’s mind was: How much can that even sell for?
He mentally groaned: Damn it, Zhang Yu! What’s wrong with you?! You’re turning into this?! Selling your own flesh and blood for a few coins? Where’s your shame? Where’s your pure, noble Earth soul?
Ah, well… how many Earth-born people survive here without going mad? I’m just making a temporary compromise on the path to immortality.
Just as he was wallowing in self-loathing, Fujie said dryly, “Are you insane? Who said anything about selling that?”
Zhang Yu relaxed slightly—but then felt even more shame when he realized this Evil God was actually judging him for his moral standards.
Fujie continued, “That’s not the point. You’re a production tool—a golden goose that lays eggs. Why would you dig up the roots and sell it?”
You damn… Zhang Yu realized he’d overestimated her moral code. He frowned. “So you want me to… go sell myself?”
“Sell my body?”
“Would that make more money than tutoring?”
Fujie sighed, exasperated. “That kind of low-skill work? It’ll never pay more than tutoring.”
“I’m talking about selling your essence—your vital energy, your protein.”
“Wait… what?” Zhang Yu was stunned. “That can actually be sold?”
Fujie nodded. “Of course. It depends on whose protein and who’s buying.”
“Right now, you’re showing incredible progress—clear signs of rare potential. Hongta Pasture would be interested in your bloodline and genetics.”
“And you already know someone there—your classmate from Hongta High School. Get them to put in a good word.”
She chuckled. “As for whether Hongta Pasture can actually benefit from your protein? Probably not.”
“Your power comes from me awakening your potential—not your bloodline or genes.”
…
Protected Zone. Breeding Base – Hatching Room.
Xiong Wenwu, in the middle of meditation, felt his phone vibrate. He opened it and saw a message from Zhang Yu.
Zhang Yu: I want to sell my …
Zhang Yu stared at the message from Xiong Wenwu.
Xiong Wenwu: You didn’t get sterilized, did you?
Zhang Yu: I had a reversal surgery.
Xiong Wenwu: Oh.
Xiong Wenwu: I don’t accept.
Zhang Yu fumed. “Look at that! He won’t even take it!”
Fujie said calmly, “Calm down. This is a gray zone in Hongta. Just follow my lead and keep talking to him.”
Zhang Yu sent another message.
Zhang Yu: What I meant was—can you help me connect with Hongta Pasture? Let me know if they’re interested.
Zhang Yu: I’ll send you my physical data from last month’s exam.
Zhang Yu: Top-tier male high school student. Please ask your company if they’re interested.
After a long silence, Xiong Wenwu replied.
Xiong Wenwu: Tomorrow at 8 a.m., 32nd floor of Hongta Tower in the city center. Find Manager Xiong Haohan—he’ll talk to you.
Zhang Yu: Thank you so much!! Once I make more money, I’ll definitely repay you.
Back at her seat, Bai Zhenzhen watched Zhang Yu’s excited expression and asked, “Yu-zi, did you win the lottery?”
Zhang Yu chuckled. “A Zhen, do you know what sets me apart from you?”
Bai Zhenzhen blinked. “Huh?”
Zhang Yu smirked. “I’ve got a production tool. You don’t.”
After hearing his explanation, Bai Zhenzhen stared at him with pure envy. “So your worthless root actually is useful.”
The next morning, Zhang Yu arrived at the 32nd floor of Hongta Tower. After stating his purpose at the front desk, he was led to a small conference room to wait.
(End of Chapter)
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