Chapter 240: Professional Intelligence
Zhou Family Mansion.
Zhou Chichen tore off his jacket and rushed inside, eager to ask his elders about the Foundation Establishment Exam—what exactly was it, and why had he never heard of it before? He’d come straight home after school, desperate for answers.
But just as he passed through the main hall, he slowed to a halt, frozen in place by the sight before him.
The sitting room was filled with guests.
Zhou Yang, noticing Zhou Chichen’s arrival, waved him over with a warm smile. “Chichen, you’re just in time. This is your Uncle Zhang, and Aunt Bai. Both of them are exceptionally talented—future accomplishments are limitless. I consider them equals, so when you meet them, just call them Uncle Zhang and Aunt Bai.”
Zhou Chichen stood frozen, stunned, barely registering what was happening.
Zhou Yang scowled. “What’s wrong with you? Don’t you know how to greet people?”
Zhang Yu chuckled. “Relax, you’ve scared the boy.”
He waved a hand dismissively. “No worries. We’re classmates. Just call me Yu Ge, and her Zhenzhen Sister. From now on, you’re little Zhou.”
Bai Zhenzhen looked at Zhou Chichen with a soft smile. “He doesn’t even have a proper greeting for us?”
Zhou Yang sighed. “He’s been spoiled rotten by his father—no manners at all.” Then, turning to Zhou Chichen, he added firmly, “When you meet Uncle Zhang and Aunt Bai, don’t you know to send a welcome gift? Give each of them ten thousand right now. Did you hear me?”
Under Zhou Yang’s piercing stare, Zhou Chichen reluctantly transferred ten thousand yuan to both Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen.
Bai Zhenzhen smiled. “Good boy, go play now. We’ve got business to discuss with your uncle.”
With a grimace, Zhou Chichen finally forced out, “Y… Yu Ge… Zhenzhen Sister.”
As he turned to leave, a cold weight settled in his chest. It felt like something inside him had shattered. In that moment, he truly understood the chasm between himself and Zhang Yu, Bai Zhenzhen—not just in grades, but in realms.
Still just a pawn, he thought bitterly. They’ve already stepped off the board, leaping into a much larger game.
Once Zhou Chichen left, Zhou Yang said, “It’ll be crowded at dinner. Let’s move to my study for the rest of the talk.”
Later, after Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen had left, Zhou Yang sat alone, replaying the day’s events.
When news spread that Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen had secured the Foundation Establishment Qualification Certificate—especially after it was revealed that Luzhou Group was involved—Zhou Yang knew one thing: his best chance to strike had vanished.
He didn’t waste time wondering how they’d outperformed the Xian Du Elder. Instead, his mind raced toward damage control.
Maybe… just try to smooth things over.
Compared to continuing the fight or waiting for future retaliation, offering a generous gesture now—something to soothe tensions—was the smarter move.
So Zhou Yang decided to donate a sum to Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen, testing their reaction.
Recalling their interaction, he was relieved. After accepting his three million yuan, they’d been cordial, even warm—no signs of resentment.
Last time, Chichen already apologized and made amends.
Now with me stepping in personally… they should be done with the Zhou Family.
Unless… they’re exceptionally vengeful… or they know about the Evil God behind me.
If they still come after me after this… then I won’t hold back. We’ll go down together.
But… Zhou Yang smirked to himself, with their names now in the spotlight, they’re bound to attract trouble. Who knows—maybe they’ll collapse on their own. No need for me to worry.
…
Meanwhile, outside the Zhou Mansion, Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen’s smiles faded.
Zhang Yu said quietly, “He’s clearly trying to patch things up. But how sincere is he? Is this just a temporary truce, or is he truly done fighting?”
Bai Zhenzhen replied, “Logically, he probably means it. But you can’t rule out surprises.”
Zhang Yu nodded silently. Yes. As long as the Zhou Family remains, and as long as Fujie’s existence is known to others, I’ll never be at peace.
Fujie added, “At least he’s willing to reconcile. For now, let’s pretend we’ve stopped fighting. Time is on our side.”
Just as they finished their conversation with Zhou Yang, Yun Ni, Captain of the Inspection Team, summoned them again.
It was a reward for their hard work over the past year. The Inspection Team was promoting them—upgrading them to top-tier outsourced agents.
Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen exchanged a glance, stunned. Hard work? They’d been collecting salary without lifting a finger for a full year. All they’d experienced was endless politeness and kindness from everyone in the Inspection Team building.
Zhang Yu thought with a wry smile, Ever since I became top of the class, Songyang High School seems to have more good people. Everyone’s so kind.
And now that I’ve passed the Foundation Establishment Exam… even the entire city of Songyang feels like it’s getting nicer.
He finally understood why Kunxu citizens pushed so hard to study and pass exams. This place really was like that—the better your grades, the more paradise you build for yourself.
After being promoted, Yun Ni delivered another piece of news.
“You’re now elite outsourced agents. Each month, you can attend a Cross-Layer Meeting.”
“By the way, Pianpian’s also secured a position in the Second Layer. So now you can finally communicate across layers.”
Zhang Yu’s eyes lit up instantly. This is it—the perfect excuse to talk to Zhang Pianpian.
They entered a private conference room. As the secure network connected, a message appeared on the screen:
Wanfa University, Spellcraft Department, Foundation Establishment Cultivator Zhang Pianpian is calling.
Zhang Yu’s heart skipped. A flicker of surprise, then relief.
Given her talent and strength, it makes sense she’d pass the Foundation Establishment Exam and complete her foundation-building by now. Not impossible at all.
But… is it really necessary to be this conspicuous?
The screen flickered—then Zhang Pianpian appeared.
She blinked in surprise, as if she hadn’t expected to see Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen on the other end.
But she recovered quickly, smiling warmly. “So you passed the exam? The Inspection Team’s starting to treat you like VIPs?”
Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen began speaking in turn, recounting their exam journey and sharing what they’d learned about Songyang City.
Though Fujie knew much, neither of them trusted her as much as they trusted Zhang Pianpian. They wanted advice on their university applications.
Zhang Pianpian nodded. “I did say I’d wait for you at Wanfa University.”
“But now, with your new qualifications, you’re free to consider other options—based on what the recruiting reps offer.”
As they talked, Zhang Yu asked about the long title displayed on the screen.
Zhang Pianpian explained, “You’ll understand when you get to the Second Layer. From here on out, all of the second, third, fourth, fifth, and even sixth layers are entirely run by universities.”
“Each university is a city. Every company, every institution—everything is under university control.”
“Here, people are ranked by cultivation level, academic degree, university, and major.”
“Even with the same degree, same university, different departments create a hierarchy. Top majors? Even the toilet paper in their dedicated teaching buildings is of higher quality than the paper used in lower-tier departments.”
“Everyone judges you first by cultivation level, then by degree, then university, then major.”
“University students can easily mock junior college students. Top ten students can step on the heads of others.”
“Everyone wants their level, degree, university, and major tattooed right on their forehead—displayed for all to see.”
“Even within the same university, better departments get better resources. You can sit closer to the front. Poor departments? You might not even get a seat in class. Some say you have to queue just to use the restroom.”
“So in the Second Layer, showing your credentials clearly—being ranked accordingly—is completely normal.”
Zhang Yu nodded. Not surprised at all. In his mind, Kunxu was always like this. Just… even more detailed than in the First Layer.
Zhang Pianpian continued, “Now you understand how vital choosing the right major is. Even if you enter a great university, picking the wrong major can lead to a life of mediocrity.”
“Salaries can differ by ten or even a hundred times. Some majors make job hunting nearly impossible.”
“But you have the Foundation Establishment Certificate—your options are wide open. Let me share what I’ve learned.”
“For example, at Wanfa University, Finance, Alchemy, and Dao Arts are the top three departments—standing at the peak.”
“But Finance and Dao Arts? They require immense wealth and connections. I wouldn’t recommend them for you.”
“Alchemy is a late-game choice. Hard at first, but you might still have a shot.”
“Civil Engineering is solid for building a foundation. You can start earning money right away. Make two years’ worth of savings, then switch majors later.”
“But never stay in Civil Engineering until graduation. If you leave with a Civil Engineering degree, you’ll be trapped in that hole for life.”
“And avoid Archaeology. The better you get, the deeper you go—into Kunxu’s underground eighteen layers. Digging up dead sect ruins, studying forgotten sects.”
“Security, Weapons, Military—great choices for early career. Fast growth, quick money. But risk being phased out when you get older.”
Zhang Yu nodded. “Is Xinghuo Immortal like that?”
Zhang Pianpian sighed. “Yes. If he’d chosen a different path… his life might’ve been very different.”
“Oh, and steer clear of Medicine. It’s dominated by Second Layer family clans. Only local aristocrats succeed there. Outsiders have no chance.”
As Zhang Pianpian spoke, a vivid picture of Second Layer’s academic landscape unfolded before Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen—offering them a clearer vision of their future.
(End of Chapter)
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