No Money To Cultivate Immortality? Chapter 235: Rewards Confirmed, Undercurrents Stir - Novel Cool

Chapter 235: Rewards Confirmed, Undercurrents Stir

Besides Ye Lingshao, who was still under treatment due to severe injuries and hadn’t made it to the event, the rest of the finalists—including Zhang Yu, Bai Zhenzhen, and Yun Jing—had gathered at the venue. The four competitors from the Dao Heart and Martial Energy tracks were also present.

Zhang Yu cast a quick glance at the two winners from the two tracks. It didn’t take long to notice that two of them were visibly exhilarated, their excitement almost palpable—so eager, one could almost imagine the words “Foundation Establishment Certificate” written across their foreheads.

Why did Zhang Yu understand their feelings so well? Because he was feeling exactly the same way. He was dying to @ everyone he knew, just to boast about finally passing the Foundation Establishment Qualification Exam.

In contrast, the other two looked utterly deflated—like beaten dogs. Their defeat was obvious.

Zhang Yu’s gaze lingered briefly on the two victors. He recalled that this man and woman had ranked third and fifth overall in the first round of the Foundation Establishment Exam. Their ability to rise through the ranks among Xian Du’s elite students was undeniable. But back then, Ye Lingshao and Yun Jing had shone so brightly that they’d overshadowed everyone else.

Then, with different tracks, Zhang Yu had stopped paying close attention to the other top students from Xian Du. Now, seeing these two finally earn the certificate, he estimated that even if they weren’t as strong as Ye Lingshao, they were still among the absolute best in Kunxu First Layer high school.

“Of course,” he thought with a smirk, “compared to me and A Zhen, they’re still far behind.”

After their initial burst of joy, the two winners quickly noticed one person was missing.

The male student stepped toward Yun Jing, curiosity in his voice. “Where’s Ye Lingshao? Did he already get his certificate and run off?”

The boy was lean and well-proportioned, with flowing blue hair that shimmered like ripples on water—clearly a Spirit Armor user. His name was Sheng Jie, the Foundation Establishment Qualification Certificate winner from the Mana Competition track.

Yun Jing shot him a dark glance, voice cold. “I don’t know where he is.”

He paused, then added, “But you can ask him.”

Yun Jing glanced at Zhang Yu. “He was probably on the same team as Ye Lingshao. Seems like he won… over Ye Lingshao.”

“Beat Ye Lingshao? Impossible!” Sheng Jie blurted, eyes widening as he turned to stare at Zhang Yu.

As a top-tier student from Xian Du 1.5 Layer, Sheng Jie knew just how terrifying Ye Lingshao truly was—especially with his Perfect Bloodline. He’d been crushed by Ye Lingshao since入学, a constant shadow over his life.

And from the moment of registration, Sheng Jie had recognized Zhang Yu as an outsider. It was absurd—some foreigner coming in and stealing the very prize that should’ve belonged to a Xian Du Elder?

Sheng Jie stared at Zhang Yu, voice trembling slightly. “You… actually beat Ye Lingshao?”

Feeling the shock in the other’s gaze, Zhang Yu forced his lips to remain neutral. He gave a calm nod. “Yeah.”

Bai Zhenzhen side-eyed him, silently thinking: Yu, you’re practically glowing with pride. You can’t even hide it. So eager to brag.

After Zhang Yu nodded, Sheng Jie’s breath hitched. He swallowed hard and asked, “Then… where is he now?”

Zhang Yu recalled the treatment process. “He’s hurt too badly. Won’t be able to recover in time. Can’t attend the ceremony.”

When Sheng Jie had first heard Zhang Yu admit to defeating Ye Lingshao, he’d looked at him with awe. But now, his stare had turned into something else—like he was staring at a monster.

That Ye Lingshao… lost? And worse, so badly that even a Zheng Shen couldn’t heal him quickly?

At that moment, the other competitors turned to look. All of them were Xian Du natives. Hearing Zhang Yu’s words, they were utterly stunned.

How could anyone—any high schooler—possibly defeat Ye Lingshao? And worse, hurt him so badly that even a Zheng Shen couldn’t fix it in time?

To them, Zhang Yu wasn’t just an outsider anymore. He was a super outsider—some mysterious, ultra-wealthy foreigner with hidden power.

Meanwhile, the female winner from the Dao Heart track, Tan Shishan, noticed Yun Jing’s grim expression and asked, “Yun Jing… you didn’t win, did you?”

Yun Jing glanced at her. Tan Shishan was another Xian Du native, slightly less wealthy and academically inferior to him and Ye Lingshao, but still part of the same social circle—though she leaned more toward Ye Lingshao and the Luzhou Group.

But the thought of someone who had once chased after him now winning the certificate—while he hadn’t—filled him with deep regret.

He knew the moment this truth spread, the divide between them would be absolute. One had the certificate, the other didn’t. Like ranking 10th vs. 30th in grade—no way they’d ever sit at the same table again.

Yun Jing took a deep breath. He wasn’t in the mood to hide. “Yeah,” he said. “I lost.”

Unlike Ye Lingshao, who had been utterly crushed by Zhang Yu’s strength and body, Yun Jing had lost to Bai Zhenzhen—but not without a fierce sense of defiance and regret.

He knew, deep down, that in raw strength, the woman hadn’t been stronger than him.

If only I’d been more careful… if I’d changed tactics…

Every time he replayed the three battles in his mind, the anger and regret grew. He was certain—if given another chance, he’d win.

It was like failing the final question on a general knowledge test due to carelessness. He cursed himself for not being cautious enough, not focused enough, not taking his opponent seriously enough.

When the others heard Yun Jing’s admission, their shock deepened. Not only had Ye Lingshao lost, but Yun Jing had too?

Back during the group draw, they’d all assumed Ye Lingshao and Yun Jing’s group was a death match—everyone else was doomed. So they’d deliberately avoided that track, crowding instead around the Martial Energy and Dao Heart routes, hoping to snatch the certificate.

And now, Sheng Jie and Tan Shishan had claimed it.

At that moment, the Xian Du students looked at Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen with new eyes. Their worn-out clothes, tattered athletic pants, and barely-functional shoes—all suddenly seemed profound, mysterious, almost sacred.

Zhang Yu noticed Bai Zhenzhen’s flushed cheeks. A Zhen’s trying to act cool while her face is burning red. So not hiding it at all.

Bai Zhenzhen mentally groaned: Damn it… I really want to post this on my social feed.

But soon, the Xian Du students snapped out of their shock, beginning to ponder the implications of this unexpected turn of events.

Maybe… Sheng Jie thought, Ye Lingshao losing could be a good thing. Could this be my chance to replace him? To serve Luzhou Group?

Sheng Jie’s family, like the Ye household, was aligned with Luzhou Group’s plans for change. He knew the game. Ye Lingshao, with his superior results, had been chosen as the main face of the campaign.

But now? Sheng Jie saw an opening. He wanted to be the dog of the upcoming Second Layer noble—yes, even if it meant licking boots.

Being a dog? No burden at all, as long as the money was right. He’d even sell his soul if needed. But the world didn’t offer free deals.

Unlike the pampered Xian Du Elders, Sheng Jie came from a minor branch of his family. He’d lived on the ground level of Xian Du since childhood. Thanks to the floating cities blocking the sky, he hadn’t seen daylight until entering high school.

Foreigners often praised Xian Du—its wealth, its cultivation advantages, the luxury of growing up with elite resources.

Every time he heard it, Sheng Jie scoffed. Who said Xian Du was rich? In his eyes, Xian Du had more poor people than any city. It was the most intense battlefield in Kunxu First Layer—where the most people were eliminated every year.

To him, those in Layer 1 were dogs of Layer 1.5. And Layer 1.5? Just dogs of Layer 2.

Kunxu, to him, was a massive dog farm—where everyone either treated others as dogs, or was treated as one.

Only by learning how to be a dog—and how to train dogs—could one climb the ladder. Just like he had climbed from Layer 1 to Layer 1.5.

Wait. Sheng Jie glanced at Zhang Yu. Could Luzhou Group recruit him too? Then I’d have to compete with him?

The thought made him bitter. How could he possibly compete with someone who’d beaten Ye Lingshao?

But… maybe? He remembered Ye Lingshao’s pride—his arrogance. If this guy was stronger than Ye Lingshao… his background, his wealth, his status—must be unimaginable.

Sheng Jie studied Zhang Yu’s calm, distant aura. He’s probably even more aloof than Ye Lingshao. Might not even want to serve Luzhou Group’s Second Layer noble. Then… maybe I have a chance.

After all, the exam results are public now. I’ll find out everything about him. See who he really is. See if I can get in.

At that moment, a radiant glow filled the air. Five Zheng Shen Examiners appeared, their figures descending from the heavens.

Deng Bingding, the chief examiner, gave a brief speech—praising the candidates, urging perseverance, skill, and courage—before announcing the results.

As the four Foundation Establishment Qualification Certificate winners stepped forward, Deng Bingding’s gaze lingered on Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen for a moment longer. Then she smiled at all four. “You’ve all shown great determination, masterful technique, and fearless spirit—exemplifying the best of Kunxu First Layer high schoolers.”

“Now, it’s time to award you the Foundation Establishment Qualification Certificates.”

Finally, after the long speech, the moment arrived.

Zhang Yu’s eyes widened. Under Huang Zichou’s guidance, he reached out and took the golden certificate, its surface shimmering with warmth.

Staring at the five bold characters—Foundation Establishment Qualification Certificate—Zhang Yu exhaled deeply, a weight lifted from his chest.

Huang Zichou reminded him, “Keep it at home. It’s mainly for commemoration. For daily use, you’ll rely on the Electronic Version.”

Zhang Yu asked, “Does it have effects? Like floating above your head?”

Huang Zichou smiled faintly. “That’s up to you to figure out.”

Beside him, Yun Jing and the other two losers watched with longing in their eyes—envy, admiration, desire—all burning like fire.

Next came the reward: a 3 million yuan interest-free loan. Every student, winner or not, received it.

Deng Bingding waved her hand. A massive red envelope materialized above the crowd, glowing with the number “3,000,000.”

“Take it,” she said. “That’s your 3 million interest-free loan.”

To Yun Jing and Sheng Jie, it was just pocket change. But for Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen, it was a massive windfall—enough to ease their financial strain and refill their nearly empty wallets.

They took the envelopes with grins, watching their account balances surge. Already, they were planning how to spend it.

As for repaying old debts? That wasn’t how Kunxu people operated.

Then came the Expert-Level Cultivation Technique reward. Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen had already spent months researching what techniques they needed. They quickly submitted their choices. The digital licenses and electronic versions would arrive soon.

Finally, the University-Designated Teacher reward.

Deng Bingding looked at all four. “This will be issued after you enter university.”

“When you reach Second Layer and step into the university city, local Zheng Shen will contact you and assign you a teacher.”

“Which teacher is chosen depends on your own research and choices.”

She paused, then added: “Choosing the right teacher is crucial. If you’re unsure, don’t rush. Wait until you have more clarity.”

“Also, after this exam, your personal information is no longer protected. You’ll likely be approached by universities and companies for early recruitment.”

Her gaze lingered on Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen. “My advice? Don’t accept any offer too quickly.”

Zhang Yu listened, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that Deng Bingding had been speaking directly to him and Bai Zhenzhen.

But… he thought, everyone here in Xian Du probably already knows this. Compared to them, we’re the ones who’re clueless.

Then he remembered her adding him as a friend—and how she’d suppressed the Zhou family.

He couldn’t help but wonder: Did she… have a soft spot for me?

But I didn’t even give her an Affinity Charm…

With the Foundation Establishment Exam officially over, the candidates began to file out.

Deng Bingding watched the empty hall, knowing this result wouldn’t go unnoticed—unlike past years.

After all, Luzhou Group and several Xian Du clans had decided to launch a transformation. This exam had become their weapon of publicity.

Even if Ye Lingshao lost, they can just pick a new face to promote…

She knew the ripple effect would spread fast. But what the final outcome would be—she couldn’t predict.

The Spirit Department’s massive interference in Layer 1… their efforts to unify the regional clans… Why hasn’t there been a response yet? Are they afraid of Youming Palace’s influence?

In her mind flashed images of Zhang Yu, Bai Zhenzhen, and Zhang Pianpian.

Or… did the great ones already make their move during this exam?

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end

Report