No Money To Cultivate Immortality? Chapter 247: Patience - Novel Cool

Chapter 247: Patience

(Thank you, 'Zhang Pianpian' I've been gifted 10 Oscar trophies by Eve)

"Kid, let's talk."

Staring at the figure before him—translucent as crystal, with a cascade of flaming hair—Zhang Yu knew without a doubt that this was the legendary Xinghuo Immortal, a name he’d heard whispered countless times, yet never laid eyes on.

Following the Immortal to the rooftop of a towering building, Zhang Yu frowned slightly. "Senior, what brings you here? What do you need?"

Xinghuo Immortal burst into laughter, spitting out a flurry of embers. "Why so formal? We’re classmates in cultivation—Yu Xinghan and you. Just call me Master."

Zhang Yu blinked. "Master?"

"Yeah." The Immortal grinned, eyes glinting with amusement. "So, have you decided on your university and major yet?"

He studied Zhang Yu with a knowing smirk. "Not… Youming University, I hope?"

Zhang Yu didn’t answer directly. "Is Youming University… really not suitable?"

Xinghuo Immortal sighed. "Universities pick students based on merit, but students should also choose universities that fit them. Youming University belongs to the Youming Palace. Their Dao Arts are infamous—draining blood and qi, peeling off skins, refining souls. They treat all living beings as grass beneath their feet. No means is too vile if the profit is high enough."

He spat a fiery spark into the air. "If it weren’t for the resistance from other sects, they’d turn the first ten layers into breeding grounds—just to feed their cultivation needs."

He paused. "I won’t say whether this Immortal Path is good or bad. But tell me—do you really think it’s right for you?"

Zhang Yu asked, "Then which university would you recommend?"

Xinghuo Immortal leaned back. "Wanfa University has always been the orthodox sect of the Dao. Their mission? To select the best from the best, cultivating geniuses destined for immortality."

Fujie, whispering in Zhang Yu’s mind, added dryly: "Selecting the best from the best? That just means you’ll be crushed in endless competition—just to produce an immortal. Until then, you’re just a beast of burden."

Xinghuo Immortal continued, "Students at Wanfa University may not all become immortal, but at least they’ll have room to grow—real opportunities to practice and apply what they learn."

Fujie snorted. "Real opportunities to practice? Means you’ll be working part-time jobs and overtime even during university."

"Furthermore," the Immortal said, "Wanfa University offers strong protections. Everything runs by rules. Work hard, and you’ll earn money, improve your cultivation, and support yourself."

Fujie muttered, "Support yourself? Means your income during university won’t be high."

"Of course," Xinghuo Immortal added, "the standards are strict. Every student is molded into a top-tier talent—someone who can serve companies, sects, and Kunxu."

Fujie nodded. "High standards? That means daily performance reviews will be brutal. Graduation? Postgraduate entrance? All nearly impossible."

"And serving Kunxu? That means you’ll be working for years after graduation—no free ride. They didn’t raise you for nothing."

As Zhang Yu listened to the Immortal’s pitch and Fujie’s blunt commentary, a quiet clarity dawned in his mind.

"So the selection and cultivation systems in Kunxu’s First Layer… the endless pressure to climb, to keep pushing upward… this was all created by sects like Wanfa Sect—the top ten sects, right?"

"The difference between Wanfa University and Youming University… is just one of whether they want cattle or pigs."

"So those who oppose Youming Palace’s methods—those are the top-tier sects like Wanfa Sect. They want workers, not livestock."

"Exactly," Zhang Yu thought, sighing inwardly. "The conflict among the top ten sects isn’t about right and wrong. It’s not about righteousness versus evil. It’s about resources. Power. Control."

Seeing Zhang Yu lost in thought, Xinghuo Immortal continued, "If you join Wanfa University, I can introduce you to my network. It’ll give you a major advantage."

"I can also guide you personally throughout your remaining high school years—be your Master."

He paused. "I’ve said my piece. Take your time to decide."

"And… tell Bai Zhenzhen what I said. I’m in a hurry. I’ve got to leave now."

"Next…" Xinghuo Immortal said, "there’s another Zheng Shen who wants to speak with you."

In an instant, Deng Bingding materialized before them.

"Zhang student," she said, "long time no see."

Her purpose in seeking Zhang Yu was clear: to take down Wang Yin.

Inside her mind, she thought: "The other arrangements of Luzhou Group in the First Layer? Easy to dismantle."

"But Wang Yin… that’s a scorching hot potato."

Neither she nor the other Zheng Shen—nor even Xinghuo Immortal, who would take payment—was willing to directly confront Wang Yin.

Taking a paycheck to clean up the group’s lackeys? Fine.

But facing a wealthy, high-profile heir, getting marked by him, and risking retaliation? That was a different matter entirely.

Yet Wang Yin stood like a banner for Luzhou Group in the First Layer—symbolizing hope, attracting talent, drawing in powerful families.

Deng Bingding understood: as long as Wang Yin remained standing, no matter how many limbs Luzhou Group lost, it would always regenerate.

But stepping forward to crush him? Risking being branded by that same heir? That was something she wouldn’t do.

And yet… she thought of Zhang Yu.

"Zhang Yu’s background is too deep. He wouldn’t fear being marked."

And then she recalled the past few months: Zhang Yu had been seen constantly at Wang Yin’s side—representing Luzhou Group, attending lavish parties, moving through the mansion like a familiar guest.

Then there was Zhang Pianpian… and behind Zhang Pianpian, someone even greater.

She realized: Zhang Yu wasn’t part of the Youming Palace faction.

"Could this all be a setup by some great deity?"

"From the moment Zhang Yu took the Foundation Establishment Exam, he was already in the game."

"Replace Ye Lingshao. Get close to Wang Yin. Infiltrate Luzhou Group… all leading to this moment—where Zhang Yu is the one who finally takes him down?"

"If that’s true… Wang Yin came here to gain experience, to polish his image. But Zhang Yu? He’s using Wang Yin to polish his own path."

Each thought sent a chill through her. "The depths of Kunxu… they’re always unfathomable."

"We, Luzhou Group… we’ve probably been caught in the grasp of some hidden mastermind all along—walking step by step toward the fate he’s already laid out."

When Zhang Yu heard Deng Bingding’s request, he froze—then nearly laughed.

Him? A second-year high school student taking on Wang Zong, the boss of Luzhou Group?

Zhang Yu thought: "This isn’t just suicide—it’s a death sentence for both of us. Bai Zhenzhen would die too."

But he didn’t want to offend Deng Bingding—this powerful figure, this Zheng Shen. So he tried to politely refuse.

Deng Bingding said, "Wang Yin self-destructed to ascend quickly, abandoning his peak Foundation Establishment level. His artifacts and talismans can be countered. We can create the perfect opening for you and Bai Zhenzhen."

She laid out her plan.

But no matter how persuasive she became, Zhang Yu kept declining.

At first, she thought he was just playing hard to get.

But as she pressed further, she realized: he wasn’t lying. He truly refused.

Deng Bingding didn’t grow angry. Instead, a new thought formed in her mind.

"Zhang Yu still communicates with Zhang Pianpian from the Second Layer. He must have received instructions from above."

"Now he refuses me… does that mean it’s not the right time yet?"

The more she reflected, the more convinced she became: He’s waiting.

With that, she stopped pressing. She let Zhang Yu leave—without protest.

Beside her, Xinghuo Immortal frowned. "Sending a high schooler to fight Wang Yin? What kind of thinking is that? Even if you’re afraid of burning yourself, you don’t need to grab a knife from a child like this."

Deng Bingding glanced at him, voice low and sharp.

"Hmph. Xinghuo kid, this is why you’ll always fall back down."

"Zhang Yu isn’t as simple as you think."

"To truly end First Layer’s affairs… to drive Wang Yin back upstairs… the final move might just be in Zhang Yu’s hands."

...

Back at the apartment, Zhang Yu found Bai Zhenzhen rising from her cultivation, her face lighting up.

"Yu-zi! You’re back! I ordered some delicious food—let’s eat together!"

She had no idea what had happened outside.

Zhang Yu looked at her—so full of joy, so full of hope—and felt a deep pang in his chest.

"We’ve finally earned this peace. Why risk it all? Why go chasing danger?"

"I don’t want to fight anymore. I don’t want A Zhen to suffer like she did before—losing half her life in a single moment."

"Just… wait. Be patient. Keep quiet. Keep growing. Until the day I’m strong enough… until I can finally step into the light."

For the next few weeks, people around Wang Zong noticed Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen were no longer attending gatherings.

Many assumed they’d been ignored—discarded by Wang Zong.

A wave of glee spread through the crowd. They redoubled their efforts to please Wang Zong, dreaming of replacing the fallen.

At a party, Ye Manti sneered, "That poor dog Zhang Yu—don’t feed him too much. If you give a lowborn like him too much, he’ll think he’s got backbone. Start acting up."

Another chimed in, "Poor people can’t be given too much. At first, throwing money at them works. But give them too much, and they start thinking they’re rich. Then they stop obeying."

Wang Yin watched silently from the edge, surveying the sycophants—bowing, fawning, eager to please.

To him, they were nothing but dogs.

And he’d raised enough of them.

Too many.

They grew dependent. Timid. Cowed. Even when their own interests were harmed, they wouldn’t so much as growl.

Wang Yin had once liked such dogs.

But soon, he realized: they were useless. That was why he’d clashed with his mother.

(End of Chapter)

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