https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-273-Fujie-s-Upgrade-Passing-the-Second-Layer/13686811/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-275-The-Promise-with-Bai-Zhenzhen/13686813/
Chapter 274: Bai Zhenzhen: I'll Support You
Next, Zhang Yu began exchanging currency and was surprised to see not only Lingbi, but also Qiongjiang Coin, Baiyun Coin, Tianfa Coin, Qingqing Coin—various forms of currency scattered across the interface.
“What are all these currencies?”
Fortunately, Li Xuelian, with her vast experience, was right beside him. Zhang Yu didn’t hesitate to ask.
Hearing his question, Li Xuelian replied: “You’ve already heard from your Father about the nature of Lingbi, haven’t you?”
Zhang Yu nodded. He knew that Lingbi was a currency forged by combining Martial Energy with Spirit Energy, then embedded into the Ling Realm Network. Only cultivators at the Cultivation of Spirit level or higher, with the aid of Zheng Shen, could produce it. Each Lingbi represented a specific unit of Martial and Spirit Energy—effectively anchoring a portion of Kunxu’s fundamental energy.
All Lingbi existed fundamentally within the Ling Realm Network, corresponding to a unique data packet in the system. In daily transactions, transfers and payments were conducted directly through the network.
Zhang Yu mentally summarized: So Lingbi is essentially a network currency—only high-tier cultivators and Zheng Shen can produce it, anchoring Kunxu’s base energy. It’s like digital currency from my previous life, but with real intrinsic value.
Ordinary people can’t forge Lingbi, but they can lend their own Martial Energy via the Ling Realm Network and earn Lingbi in return.
As the thought flashed through his mind, Li Xuelian continued: “Lingbi is the most widely used currency.”
“But some cultivators above the Cultivation of Spirit level create their own currencies for special trades, investments, or financing.”
“Take Qingqing Coin—it was issued by Qingqing God, Bai Zhenzhen’s master. Its value has skyrocketed more than tenfold since its release.”
“Qiongjiang Coin, on the other hand, was created by the Qiongjiang God of Hehuan University. Its value has plummeted to less than 1% of its original worth.”
“In short, the market here is deep and complex. Just understand the basics—stick to Lingbi in daily life.”
Zhang Yu exchanged his account’s five million-plus First Layer Currency for 5 Lingbi, the maximum allowed. Beyond that, he used the rest of his First Layer cash to buy various supplies and stuffed them into his luggage.
Staring at his now nearly empty First Layer account—left with just a few thousand yuan—Zhang Yu felt a pang of melancholy.
After currency exchange, a series of tedious but essential procedures followed. He had to register personal details, open a Second Layer bank account, a communication account, a network account… and most of these services came with fees. Thankfully, Zhang Yu had just acquired 5 Lingbi.
Li Xuelian reminded him: “Make sure to set your data plan high, and enable postpaid billing. Getting disconnected from the Second Layer network is a nightmare.”
Monthly charges:
- Communication: 0.003 Lingbi
- Network data: 0.005 Lingbi (monthly package)
- Transportation access: 0.001 Lingbi
- Annual medical insurance: 0.05 Lingbi
Though Zhang Yu’s healing ability was nearly instant, Xinghuo Immortal had warned him: This ability reduces medical expenses—it doesn’t eliminate the need for insurance.
In a blink, Zhang Yu watched his 5 Lingbi drop to 4.941 Lingbi.
Zhang Yu mentally cursed: This converts to tens of thousands in First Layer currency—gone in seconds?
Li Xuelian noticed his pained expression and chuckled: “Once you’re in the Second Layer, stop constantly converting. Earn Lingbi, spend Lingbi. The purchasing power and average income differ vastly between layers—calculating conversions is pointless.”
As the registration formalities wrapped up, everyone boarded different Flying Barges from the Ascension Platform.
Qian Shen waved at Zhang Yu: “We’re off. Study hard at Wanfa University.”
Xiong Wenwu added: “Until we meet again.”
After bidding farewell to the group, Zhang Yu and Yu Xinghan boarded the Flying Barge bound for Wanfa University.
About ten minutes later, the barge plunged into a thick mist. An announcement echoed through the cabin: Arrival at the Second Layer Wanfa University.
In an instant, Zhang Yu felt his body pass through something thin—like a veil. As the mist cleared around the barge, the world before him transformed completely.
Kunxu Second Layer.
Endless mountains, rivers, and oceans. Lush forests stretching as far as the eye could see. Zhang Yu exhaled in awe: “The ecological environment here is incredible.”
Li Xuelian, hearing him, swept her hand across the dense forest below. “All of this… belongs to private owners. None of it’s ours. We can’t enter.”
She pointed toward a massive structure standing amidst the peaks. “That building is our destination.”
“Wanfa University’s Second Layer campus spans 10 square kilometers per floor. After over a hundred urban renovations, it now has 666 floors.”
“Inside live not only teachers and students, but also staff, service personnel, and citizens—over ten million people in total.”
Fujie grinned: “Ten square kilometers per floor, 666 floors—6,660 square kilometers. Sounds similar to a large city in the First Layer.”
“But this vertical city is squeezed into a space just over three kilometers wide and long. Some floors are only a few meters tall, others stretch dozens. Inside, there’s barely any greenery—no trees, no animals, no sunlight. Some people born here might never see nature in their entire lives.”
“Still, it’s efficient—maximizing space while protecting private property.”
“Not bad for you, Zhang Yu. The university city is expanding upward, year after year. Civil Engineering is booming. You’ll have plenty of work ahead.”
Zhang Yu smirked. So that’s why Xinghuo Immortal told me to choose Civil Engineering. It’s tough, sure—but it pays well. Before I even switch to Alchemy, I’ll be living on construction sites.
Just then, Li Xuelian added: “Oh, and don’t forget—turn on your Eye Spirit Armor.”
“Once in the Second Layer and connected to the Ling Realm Network, your Eye Spirit Armor will handle everything far better than a phone.”
Zhang Yu narrowed his right eye. Shican Modong activated, syncing with the network. As he entered his newly registered account and password, the world around him shifted completely.
First, massive loan advertisements flooded his vision—full-screen ads.
Then, as he shook his head slightly, the scene instantly switched to a shopping site: You might like Black Silk Spirit Armor… — dynamic, moving ads.
When Zhang Yu instinctively closed his eyes, a prompt appeared on his retinas: Ad blocker—0.001 Lingbi per month.
Lingbi - 0.001
With the screen cleared, Zhang Yu exhaled in relief. “Damn… this Spirit Armor is worse than useless.”
But then, his expression changed. Outside the barge, the forest was now crisscrossed with warning banners and glowing boundary lines—thousands of them. What had seemed like a wild, untouched forest was now a maze of sealed-off, restricted zones.
Li Xuelian explained: “See? The Second Layer is like this jungle—full of invisible boundaries. Step over one, and you’ll be struck by lightning.”
“But if you can’t even see the line… you won’t know how you died.”
“Flying Barges are safe. But once you step off, even the poorest student usually has to pledge their eyes—buying Spirit Armor upfront.”
At that moment, Yu Xinghan frowned. “Why do all these warnings use black and white? Is this the Second Layer’s aesthetic?”
Li Xuelian and Zhang Yu exchanged a glance. Then Yu Xinghan snapped: “What the hell? This secondhand Eye Spirit Armor only shows in black and white? The performance is terrible!”
Li Xuelian patted both their shoulders. “Pack up your things. We’re about to land. After dropping off your security, I’ll have time for my own matters.”
Zhang Yu just returned to his seat to gather his luggage when a message flashed across his retinas:
Qingqing God’s disciple, Foundation Establishment Cultivator Bai Zhenzhen, holder of the Divine Spirit Root at Tianjian University, is adding you as a friend.
“A Zhen—she really can communicate as soon as she enters the Second Layer?” Zhang Yu smiled, clicked “Accept,” and instantly received a new projection call.
His fingers brushed the air, touching the “Accept” prompt on his retinal display.
A tall, slender figure materialized before him.
Bai Zhenzhen stood before Zhang Yu: “Yu-zi, you’ve finally arrived.”
Before he could speak, she continued: “They sent me pocket money. I’m sending some your way—take it. If you need more, just ask.”
“Ah… the transfer limit’s only 5 Lingbi. Take this for now.”
Transfer Request: 5 Lingbi
Zhang Yu froze. The message struck him like a wave. All his thoughts collapsed into one sentence: “A Zhen… stay obedient to your master at Tianjian University.”
5 Lingbi Received
Bai Zhenzhen rolled her eyes. “Of course I’ll listen. She’s basically my mom now!”
“Jiqing Sword Dao—it’s about infusing emotion into the blade. Only by reaching the peak of emotion can one reach the peak of sword mastery.”
“So I’ve decided to pour all my devotion to Qingqing God into my cultivation. Everything I do is to repay her kindness.”
She raised her hand in oath: “If ever needed, I won’t hesitate to die for her!”
Zhang Yu watched, silently thinking: This level of devotion… is Qingqing God watching her right now?
Bai Zhenzhen continued: “Short and sweet—gotta rush to class. I’ll be busy, so just leave me a message if you need anything.”
“I’ll send you Lingbi whenever I earn it—try to get as much as possible.”
“And don’t forget to send me your address. I’ll send you some good stuff.”
Hearing her words, warmth spread through Zhang Yu’s chest. I raised a daughter worth it.
Bai Zhenzhen placed a hand over her heart. “Don’t worry, son. Mom’s doing great now. From now on—I’ll support you.”
She opened her arms and grinned: “Come here, son. Give Mom a hug.”
Zhang Yu opened his arms and embraced her projection. “Stay safe.”
Bai Zhenzhen nodded. “I’ll take care of myself. When I get the chance, I’ll visit Wanfa University.”
“Use the money freely. I earn more Lingbi than you—every month, I’ll try to send you some.”
Zhang Yu couldn’t help but feel odd. It was like he was living off a friend’s generosity—like he was on welfare.
“No… this isn’t welfare. It’s a brother’s support.”
As they hugged, Zhang Yu felt the softness of her body—his mind raced: This Immortal Dao tech is terrifying. The projection even has tactile sensation?
Then, he caught sight of Le Mulan’s confused face beneath Bai Zhenzhen’s projection—and realized he’d just hugged her.
Le Mulan blinked. “Zhang Yu?”
Zhang Yu instantly recoiled, stepping back.
Bai Zhenzhen tilted her head. “Yu-zi? What’s wrong?”
“N-nothing…” Zhang Yu stammered, flushing slightly. “Just… excited to see you.”
(End of Chapter)
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