Chapter 336: Taiqing Fulu
The underground cemetery, a massive Martial Energy production facility, saw a constant flow of Corpse Units coming and going each day. As these units aged and eventually became obsolete during the energy production process, the question of how to dispose of them became a pressing concern.
Zhang Pianpian spoke up: "Those with residual value are either pulled into Mystery Boxes or sold as secondhand organs on the black market—this is one common route.
Then there are those completely shattered, with no further use. They're typically reduced to ash and sold as waste.
Bone ash is used in crafting Spirit Armors, casting Arrays, or even performing certain Dao Arts.
Some even buy it to supplement calcium—cheaper than medicine..."
Zhang Pianpian picked up a brick of flour from the ground. "Perfect. We’ll treat this flour as bone ash and transport it out."
Moments later, Yu Xinghan and Le Mulan stayed behind to assist Zhang Pianpian in tidying and setting up the scene. Zhang Yu slung a large box of flour onto his back and prepared to leave the underground hideout.
Before departing, he stared at the video image floating within his Eye Armor—a man’s face slowly forming. His muscles rippled across his body, reshaping him, gradually transforming into the likeness of another.
This was the disguise Zhang Pianpian had selected for him: a worker frequently seen transporting bone ash through Hilong Garden. For Zhang Yu, altering his appearance wasn’t difficult.
Back in his first year of high school, he’d already mastered the art of manipulating his muscles to reshape his face with relative ease. After receiving specialized training from Xinghuo Immortal, he could now shift into any target form in an instant.
At the same time, Zhang Pianpian cast another spell.
Invisibility Charm — Activated!
The charm she cast this time was far more potent than the first-layer version. Her palm glided gently over Zhang Yu’s body. In the Eye Armor’s display, all data linked to him—his name tag, personal records, evaluations—had been seamlessly replaced with those of the transport worker.
Zhang Pianpian added: "This Invisibility Charm will last about ten minutes. Hurry up and go."
Zhang Yu stepped out of the hideout, the heavy box of flour slung across his back. His heart pounded with nervous anticipation—more so than during his recent fight with the gang members.
He took a deep breath, focusing his mind on the Cannibal Cow Serenity Heart Technique. With each growl of the white ox echoing in his thoughts, the tension in his chest slowly melted away.
As he reached the main gate, a security guard stopped him. "What’s in the box on your back?"
Zhang Yu turned, his gaze narrowing slightly. The man speaking was none other than Sheng Jie, a Xian Du individual.
They’d last encountered each other at the top-level Construction Site.
Zhang Yu mentally noted: He’s on duty here now?
Though surprised, his expression remained calm. "Bone ash."
As a cemetery guard, Sheng Jie naturally exuded a subtle aura of authority. He lifted his chin and demanded, "What are you taking it out for?"
Zhang Yu replied flatly, "Selling it for calcium supplements."
Sheng Jie nodded. "Open it. Let me see."
Zhang Yu placed the box on the ground and opened it, setting it before the guard.
"Is this really bone ash?" Sheng Jie frowned. "Could it be smuggled flour?"
Before Zhang Yu could react, Sheng Jie grabbed a handful of the powder and shoved it into his mouth. "Gotta taste it."
Zhang Yu’s breath hitched.
Sheng Jie chewed slowly, then licked his lips. His brows furrowed. "You know… this tastes like pig demon."
The next instant, Sheng Jie grinned. "Not bad. Good find."
Zhang Yu exhaled inwardly, relief washing over him. He recalled Zhang Pianpian’s warning before the operation:
"From what I’ve gathered, it’s standard for the guards here to extort, take bribes, and even taste every batch of bone ash that passes through. It’s routine."
He was glad Zhang Pianpian had prepared fake bone ash layered on top—exactly to handle such encounters.
After leaving Hilong Garden, the rest of the journey went smoothly. Under Zhang Pianpian’s guidance, Zhang Yu arrived at a room on the 45th floor, where he set down the box full of flour.
Looking around the empty room, Zhang Yu thought: This is the room Sister secretly secured?
Then he returned to the underground passage, rejoining Zhang Pianpian and the others.
By now, the plan was nearly complete. Zhang Pianpian explained: "The flour’s been transported, but it can’t be liquidated immediately.
Once the heat dies down, I’ll move quickly to sell it.
But finding buyers, laundering the money—this whole process will take time.
It’ll probably be two to three months before the money reaches your hands."
Yu Xinghan and Le Mulan nodded in understanding. Both secretly thrilled at the thought of finally receiving the funds.
Zhang Pianpian added, "Remember—this must remain a secret.
So keep your emotions in check. Don’t let your guard down.
Don’t even mention it in private.
And for now, avoid any unplanned big spending. Stick to your usual lifestyle.
Act like nothing happened."
As she finished speaking, Zhang Pianpian made a call. Soon after, the Inspection Team arrived.
The lead officer surveyed the scattered flour bricks and the large patch of Diqu Mai in the cultivation chamber. His face split into a wide grin. "Excellent work, Zhang Pianpian! Outstanding!"
Zhang Yu, Yu Xinghan, and Le Mulan—recognized as heroic citizens who reported the illegal activity—were taken in for questioning. But thanks to Zhang Pianpian’s influence, everything was handled cleanly. With the Inspection Team eager to close the case and claim credit, the three were soon released, praised and honored.
Before they left, the team promised each of them a 1 Lingbi bonus, to be deposited into their accounts in a few days.
Back in their dorm, the three finally allowed themselves to relax.
They exchanged glances—then burst into laughter.
Yu Xinghan thought: Ninety Lingbi… Christ. I’d have to starve for years to earn that much through honest work.
Even divided among four people, it’s still life-changing money.
People don’t get rich without windfalls.
Le Mulan mused: With this money, I’ll have a solid ranking when I transfer into the Foundation Establishment Class next semester.
Zhang Yu, meanwhile, was already browsing the Network Station displayed in his Eye Armor.
"Where should I spend my Lingbi next?"
Earlier, thanks to Wang Yin’s support, his savings had surged. He still had over 26 Lingbi left.
If he added the 2–3 month payout from the flour scheme, his total disposable income could reach 40, even 50 Lingbi or more.
But that thought only deepened his sigh.
Damn… even a capital crime pays less than fraud. And way less than what Wang Yin, that rich kid, can just throw around.
After a long, exhausting night, Zhang Yu found himself missing Wang Zong more than ever—missing the ease of his livestreaming job.
Poor people can’t even break the law profitably. The rich always win, legally.
Fujie, overhearing his lament, replied without hesitation:
"Of course. Robbing is low-tier work. It can’t compare to fraud. Even selling flour makes less than fraud. Otherwise, why would gangs even bother? Fraud is the true shortcut on the Dao path. Once you help me recruit more colleagues, restore more of my power, I’ll teach you how to scam the rich. Then you’ll know what real money feels like."
But for this time? If it hadn’t been convenient and Zhang Pianpian was covering me, I wouldn’t have let you do it.
Zhang Yu shook his head. Fujie’s clearly trying to scam me again.
He pushed aside the thought and began weighing how to use his Lingbi.
With such a windfall now possible, long-dormant dreams—ones he’d never dared to dream before—began to stir.
Like Chui Xin Ju’s Lingrou Heyi Zhi Lu—30 Lingbi guaranteed, failure refunded.
This was a higher stage of cultivation technique: achieving spirit-body unity, where even if consciousness fades, a single spark of awareness remains in the spirit sea, sustaining the cultivation path.
It was also the prerequisite for activating the second heart technique after reaching Dao Heart Level 15.
"As Feng Jiu Teacher said, to achieve spirit-body unity, you must endure endless hardship—slow, meticulous refinement."
"Otherwise, the only real shortcut is Chui Xin Ju’s Lingrou Heyi Zhi Lu."
Zhang Yu was getting close to Dao Heart Level 15. He’d assumed he’d have to grind it out through years of solitary cultivation—just like many Foundation Establishment students who never reached spirit-body unity even by Level 20.
If I can use Lingbi to skip the grind, why not?
But still, 30 Lingbi was a massive sum—more than he currently had. He decided to try cultivating spirit-body unity himself first.
If I don’t break through after the money arrives, then I’ll go to Chui Xin Ju.
After the initial excitement, the three returned to their dorm, quieting their spirits.
They remembered Zhang Pianpian’s warning—no pride, no bragging.
The rest of the night passed in silence, each absorbed in cultivation.
By morning, after a full night of training, their moods had stabilized. No trace of excitement remained on their faces.
When Zhang Pianpian returned, Zhang Yu’s gaze locked onto her chest.
Zhang Pianpian looked at him and sighed. "Thanks to your sharp eyes back at the Construction Site. With this achievement and my prior preparations, I should be promoted to Deputy Captain next month."
"You might not understand, but this means a lot to me."
Zhang Yu smiled. "Sister… Senior, you’ve helped me so much. I’m truly happy to help you."
But his real focus was on the Dao Seed floating at Zhang Pianpian’s chest.
Over time, he’d sensed it before—faintly, flickering in and out. He’d only ever made out its name: Taiqing Fulu.
But he had no idea how to activate it—or what it could do.
Now, for some reason—perhaps the recent operation, or the time spent together, or simply a deeper understanding of her—Zhang Yu could now consistently sense her Dao Seed, just as clearly as he sensed Yu Xinghan’s and Le Mulan’s.
As he focused on it, a sensation flooded his mind—vague, ineffable, beyond words. Yet, slowly, it coalesced into meaning.
"To activate Taiqing Fulu… requires 50 Lingbi?"
Zhang Yu stared, stunned.
So difficult… yet so simple.
For the rich, trivial. For the poor, impossible.
Noticing his dazed expression, Zhang Pianpian asked, "You okay? Is something wrong?"
Zhang Yu hesitated, then asked softly:
"Sister… Senior… are you really short on money?"
(End of Chapter)
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