https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-214-The-Most-Profitable-Path-in-the-Dark-Tutoring-Realm/13686717/
Chapter 213: Hidden Crisis, Dark Tutoring
On one side, Zhang Yu had just been satisfied. On the other, Bai Zhenzhen spoke up: “I remember the school has all sorts of cultivation equipment—maybe even relics? Can we borrow some?”
Zhou Chichen let out another helpless sigh, his face twisted in what looked like physical pain. “What exactly do you want?”
Bai Zhenzhen grinned. “The Xuanlei Lightning Acupuncture Set.”
“Hey, that imported Second Layer relic—it’s a rare gem. Can I borrow it for a bit?”
She’d been eyeing this very set for ages. Back then, though, she couldn’t afford even a single rental fee.
Zhou Chichen sighed again. “The Xuanlei Lightning Acupuncture Set may be outdated—scrapped from the Second Layer—but here in Songyang City, it’s still a rarity.”
He grimaced. “Even if I wanted to propose lending it to you for free, it would cost a fortune.”
He rubbed his temples. “If it weren’t for the fact that I owe both of you so much right now, I’d never have done this.”
“One hundred hours per month—this is my absolute limit.”
The Xuanlei Lightning Acupuncture Set consisted of 999 intelligent silver needles capable of discharging stored electricity. It could stimulate flesh and nerves down to the most microscopic level, delivering unparalleled body-refining effects. For Bai Zhenzhen, who already wielded Thunderous Martial Energy and possessed a Zhen Linggen, this set would not only allow her to refine her body with constant electric pulses but also replenish her Martial Energy, dramatically accelerating her technique cultivation.
Even better, the set came with a basic artificial spirit—an AI that automatically applied different needle techniques, unlocking various levels of refinement.
Fujie commented: “It’s been retired at the upper levels, but here in Kunxu’s First Layer, it’s still solid gear. Once you get it, Zhang Yu, you can use it too—boost your neural reflexes and explosive power.”
“Though, keep in mind—this basic spirit is network-connected. Without payment, you can’t access the premium refinement techniques developed by the company.”
“If you had a top-tier artifact craftsman, you could disconnect it, erase the spirit, and unlock the advanced features manually.”
“Don’t even think about it. Besides, you’re just borrowing it.”
“Oh, and one more thing—the set consumes a lot of power. Don’t forget to charge it at school.”
Bai Zhenzhen added: “Then I’ll just leave it at school to charge.”
Zhou Chichen nodded. Given how much he’d already sacrificed, a little electricity cost was nothing.
But inside Zhang Yu’s mind, a question flickered. He typed on his phone: “Come to think of it, why do these relics need charging? Can’t we just use lightning?”
Fujie glanced at the screen and chuckled. “Lightning charging?”
“Have you seen how many times it rains—or how often thunder strikes—in Songyang City?”
“Every weather pattern is pre-planned by the Eight Great Righteous Gods. Changing the climate? That’d cost a fortune.”
“And even if you could, the lightning here carries massive xiantao elements and energy. You think it’ll just strike you for free? Don’t be naive.”
Zhang Yu felt a wave of disbelief. He suddenly remembered—hadn’t he noticed thunder or rain for ages? Back then, he’d been too weak, too poor. The world of Kunxu had kept so many secrets from him.
Now, after discussing everything with Zhou Chichen, both Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen realized they’d squeezed the man dry. There was no more room to negotiate.
Still, they were satisfied.
Freedom of class schedules. A sparring partner in the form of a real martial arts teacher. Full access to every technique at Songyang High School.
An Ling Realm slot for refining their Dao Heart. A Grief Spirit Root compatible with the Grief Fermenting Technique. The Xuanlei Lightning Acupuncture Set. And each of them had received 1.5 million in cash.
Zhang Yu thought to himself: With Zhou Chichen’s help, my chances of passing the Foundation Establishment Qualification Certificate exam just skyrocketed.
Zhou Chichen, exhausted, said: “If there’s nothing else… shall we sign the contract?”
Fujie interjected: “Wait—before that, ask Deng Bingding. Get her approval.”
“Remember: this is how you handle things with Zheng Shen. Always consult her when money’s involved.”
“And don’t forget—tell her you two received three million. That’s what you’re giving her.”
Zhang Yu froze mid-tap. A wave of reluctance washed over him.
Fujie grinned. “Don’t worry. She won’t take it.”
Skeptical, Zhang Yu sent a message to Deng Bingding, explaining the agreement.
She replied: I understand.
Then Zhang Yu tried again—this time suggesting he transfer the 3 million to her.
Deng Bingding shot back: What are you talking about? Don’t make things worse for me. Keep the money. Zheng Shen upholds Kunxu, governs the world, for the sake of billions. Don’t ever say things like that in front of me again.
Fujie said: “Heh. Zheng Shen’s transactions are all monitored. They only accept Affinity Charms—nothing else. Ordinary transfers? They’re watched.”
“She knows you don’t have an Affinity Charm. Just express your gratitude. That’s enough to raise your favor.”
Zhang Yu typed: So did the Zhou Family give her an Affinity Charm too?
Fujie shook his head. “An Affinity Charm? That’s just a small token. The real value lies in the cash returned to the Spirit Department. That kind of financial performance—that’s what matters to Deng Bingding.”
After finalizing the contract in the Mediation Room, Zhou Chichen exhaled, visibly relieved. He immediately sent a message to his father, updating him.
Then he turned to Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen. “The money’s been transferred. I’ll send someone to escort you back to school to finalize the contract.”
Watching them walk away, Zhou Chichen collapsed into his chair, gripping his phone tightly. A grim, frustrated expression clouded his face.
Then he noticed Yue Jincheng and Si Zhouru still kneeling beside him. Coldly, he said: “What are you two still doing here?”
“The company just covered a huge debt for you. Get to work—earn it back.”
After dismissing them, Lan Ling called.
“You canceled my Ling Realm slot? I’m in my final year—this is critical!”
Zhou Chichen sneered. “You’ve heard about Wanxing Group, haven’t you?”
“Sixth-Rank Zheng Shen sealed the entire group—went all the way to the Zhou Family estate.”
“Do you know why?”
Lan Ling hesitated. He had heard about it—enough to dare question Zhou Chichen.
Zhou Chichen continued: “Because of Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen. Behind them stands this Sixth-Rank Zheng Shen—a figure who can shut down an entire conglomerate without reason.”
At that moment, Zhou Chichen had no idea Deng Bingding’s power stemmed from the Foundation Establishment Exam banner. To those unaware, it just looked like Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen had an incredibly powerful protector.
Zhou Chichen added: “Lan Ling, you wouldn’t want Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen turning their attention to you, would you?”
“I remember you said you’d hire someone to run them down…”
Lan Ling quickly backtracked. “President! I’ve reconsidered—no Ling Realm slot for me.”
Zhou Chichen said: “I just spent five million on them.”
Lan Ling: “I get it. I’ll pay 800,000. That’s all I’ve got.”
After hanging up, Zhou Chichen sighed: “Lan Ling… if everyone in Songyang City were like you, this world would be better.”
“Still… I wonder how much the family lost.”
…
“Utterly ruined,” murmured Zhou Yang, staring at the empty wardrobe in his 333rd-floor hospital room.
He thought of his half-broken lower body—sold off to cover losses.
“Foundation Establishment Exam… that banner really is powerful.”
“One strike, and nobody dares stand in the way.”
“Deng Bingding just bit off a huge chunk of flesh.”
As the main figure behind the fallout, Zhou Yang bore most of the cost. He’d bled heavily—but he’d survived.
The reason? He’d already known about Zhang Yu’s exam plans. If he hadn’t had that information, and hadn’t stood firm from the start, the price would’ve been even higher.
Of course, his status as a Purple Gold Merit Lord and his connections with Zheng Shen also helped.
Still, Zhou Yang saw a silver lining.
Through his contacts, he’d deduced that Deng Bingding was likely just using the Foundation Establishment Exam to make money—not truly protecting Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen.
“Damn… this whole thing is ten times worse than I thought. Not even worth touching.”
But then a cold smirk tugged at his lips.
What if she knew Zhang Yu was an Evil God Cultist?
How would she react then?
Zhou Yang mused: Wait until the exam ends. If Zhang Yu passes… he’ll be even more valuable.
His eyes gleamed with malice. As long as I hold this secret—this weapon against him—I’ll have leverage.
Once the exam’s over, I’ll not only control him… but make Deng Bingding pay too.
For now…
He glanced at his phone, scanning the storm of complaints and demands from his family and company.
He knew: for the next three months, until the exam ended, he’d have to play it safe.
…
After a night of frantic work, dawn broke.
Songyang High School.
Zhang Yu received his monthly 100-hour free rental of the Grief Spirit Root. He stood in the schoolyard, feeling the thick waves of resentment rising from the air, and began practicing with the Spirit Root to absorb and control it.
Bai Zhenzhen fiddled with her new Xuanlei Lightning Acupuncture Set—also 80 hours free per month—watching electric sparks dance between her fingertips with a satisfied smile.
Suddenly, both their phones vibrated.
All the techniques available at Songyang High School were instantly sent in digital form.
And with that, they gained official access.
Next came the Ling Realm manual.
Plus, contact details for every martial arts teacher—each one already informed they’d be giving private tutoring to Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen.
The exact class times would be arranged later, directly between them.
And then—1.5 million each appeared in their accounts.
Bai Zhenzhen let out a contented sigh. “Damn, this is good.”
“Seriously, this beats working like dogs for every penny.”
“Zhang Yu, think we can do this to every noble family in Songyang?”
Before Zhang Yu could respond, she shook her head. “Nah… even if we could, Deng Bingding wouldn’t let it happen. The Spirit Department would stop it.”
Just then, Fujie warned: “Zhou Family gave you a lot—but this isn’t over.”
“From our earlier talks, the other side might be tied to the Evil God. And from what Zhou Tianyi said when he attacked Zhang Yu… they might even know about me.”
Zhang Yu frowned. “Wait—how could they know that?”
Fujie sighed. “Probably someone betrayed me.”
“Now it makes sense—Zhou Family’s entire treatment of you… maybe they were trying to force me out.”
“But that’s not important.”
“What matters is: the Evil God behind them might have dirt on you as an Evil God Cultist.”
“Right now, they’re cowed by the Foundation Establishment Exam. But once it’s over…”
“—They’ll strike back.”
“So I’m telling you—this isn’t finished. You two need to prepare.”
“Because of your identity, you can’t rely on Zheng Shen to fix this. You’ll have to handle it yourself.”
Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen nodded. But for now, their focus was clear: beat Ye Lingshao and Yun Jing in the exam three months from now.
Zhang Yu held the new Grief Spirit Root, then bought the Grief Fermenting Technique—fully compatible with it.
- 500,000
Watching 1.5 million vanish in a third, Zhang Yu sighed again. The speed of spending in the immortal world is terrifying.
Next, he selected a high-level cultivation technique from Songyang High School’s catalog: Thunderous Marrow Cleansing Scripture.
“Grief Fermenting Technique. Thunderous Marrow Cleansing Scripture. And Chunqiu Wujin Chan. That’s three techniques for the Martial Dao Holy Embryo.”
“Just need three more. Push all six to level 10… and the initial Martial Dao Holy Embryo will awaken.”
A surge of confidence rose within him. One step closer to the Foundation Establishment Qualification Certificate.
“But now… I’ll have to earn money on my own.”
Zhang Yu asked: “Fujie, based on what you said before—shouldn’t we be able to make serious money in the Dark Tutoring Realm now?”
Fujie: “You’re ready.”
“How?”
“Go to the district. Find out which course is hottest. Which tutor has the most students.”
And so, freed from school rules, Zhang Yu began practicing the Grief Fermenting Technique.
Bai Zhenzhen trained simultaneously, using the Xuanlei Lightning Acupuncture Set to refine her body.
They planned to train until night fell—then head to the long-untouched Anxue Alliance Campus.
(End of Chapter)
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