No Money To Cultivate Immortality? Chapter 376: Throwing Zhang Yu Over (Requesting Monthly Votes) - Novel Cool

Chapter 376: Throwing Zhang Yu Over (Requesting Monthly Votes)

"After all, the number of Soul Cultivators increases every year—so naturally, they’ll become cheaper in the future."

"If the University War breaks out, Soul Cultivators will see explosive growth. Signing a formal contract now would be a waste, wouldn’t it?"

"Besides, these Soul Cultivators are most diligent when working temporary gigs—only then do they truly push themselves."

Su Yanyang was rich—but he was never generous.

Because he believed the wealthier one became, the more they should conserve it.

"Riches are like Dao cultivation. The deeper your cultivation, the greater your daily consumption. Wealth and power radiate outward through your actions, gradually draining into the poor."

"The only way to progress further on the Dao path is to minimize loss—both of wealth and cultivation—so nothing leaks into the hands of the less fortunate."

"Even an immortal who’s escaped the Three Debts and bypassed Five Insurances still strives for a ‘Perfect Immortal Without Leakage.’ What right do I have to squander money recklessly?"

…

Meanwhile, the wind outside the arena intensified, spiraling upward like a tornado, spinning at terrifying speed.

At the center of the vortex, Ji Yuanchi was wrapped in a maelstrom, his body rotating rapidly as he accelerated.

"Gravity Field shifts unpredictably—fighting it with brute strength is foolish."

"The best strategy is speed."

"No matter how complex the field’s changes, if I can pass through it at high velocity in a short time, the force acting on me will be minimal. The field won’t have time to alter my motion."

Boom!

One Mach

Two Mach

Three Mach!

With each surge of acceleration, Ji Yuanchi’s form blurred further, his movements producing thunderous cracks like lightning strikes.

"About time…"

Feeling his body reach its limit, Ji Yuanchi vanished in a flash—launching forward with a sudden, explosive charge into the Gravity Field.

Zhu Bíng Eye instantly locked onto the approaching silhouette, transmitting targeting data through the neural network to the Wuchang Feng Low-Altitude Flight Module in his legs.

With a subtle shift in the surrounding storm, Ji Yuanchi shot forward like a bolt of lightning, weaving past the students’ forms and reaching the finish line in an instant.

One of those he passed—was Zhang Yu.

"Zhang Yu?"

A flicker passed through Ji Yuanchi’s mind, but he didn’t linger.

"My real opponent isn’t him."

…

Zhang Yu was fast—faster than many seniors—but others were even faster, overtaking him in turn.

He didn’t care. After all, this competition included many who were wealthier, more experienced, and better trained in speed.

Speed had never been his strength.

"I’ll work on improving my speed later—when I have time. Right now, I’ve got bigger priorities."

Reaching the finish line, he joined up with Shi Huaixu and the others. All eyes turned to the time ranking display.

Seeing their team settle at 15th place, they all exhaled in relief.

Che Yufei said, "Now we’re in the top 20—qualified for the next round."

They also realized this ranking meant their team’s average performance in both speed and gravity field resistance was roughly around 15th.

Shi Huaixu thought to himself: Our overall strength is weaker, yes—but after all this training, we’re no slouch in construction and combat. We still have a solid shot at the top ten.

…

With the end of this elimination match, the top 20 competition teams remained. The rest were eliminated and cleared from the battlefield.

Above the arena, Tu Lishan reviewed the data from the 20 teams.

"40% Peace Faction, 30% War Faction, 30% Neutral Faction. We’re slightly behind in numbers."

"But that’s unavoidable. The Finance Department approved generous loans for them."

Tu Lishan knew: Where money goes, Qi Yun follows. With the Finance Department as a major backer, he wasn’t surprised.

"But debt must be repaid. While our slow, steady projects earn less, they’re sustainable."

Let’s see how the numbers shift in the next round—20 to 10.

At least in raw strength, we’re clearly superior.

At that moment, the geology teacher Wei Huai displayed Zhang Yu and Ji Yuanchi’s results, chuckling: "Looks like effort still can’t beat money."

Tu Lishan replied coolly: "Ji Yuanchi borrowed so much Lingbi—doesn’t he have to pay it back?"

Wei Huai said: "Everyone starts with loans. As long as you grow fast enough, the early debt is just a drop in the bucket."

Tu Lishan countered: "But what if growth stalls? Then you’ll end up working for the loan platform—draining yourself dry."

"On the other hand, Zhang Yu’s constitution is exceptional. His path is hard work—each effort makes him stronger. With rising income, he’ll keep improving. His future is bright."

Watching the two teachers clash, Director Gao and Lin Director remained silent, as if they hadn’t heard.

But the other teachers knew—Tu Lishan and Wei Huai represented the two factions. Their debate wasn’t about two second-year students. It was a clash of ideologies.

Then, the senior master Lingyue Immortal let out a soft chuckle.

"Those with strong Dao potential borrow. Those with weak potential rely on effort. In the Top Ten Sects’ domain, everyone walks the Immortal Path. There’s no such thing as a dead end. You’re joking, Teacher Tu."

Hearing that, both Tu Lishan and Wei Huai immediately ceased their argument.

Lingyue Immortal continued: "Lingbi, lifespan—both are Dao provisions. Use whichever you need. When lifespan runs low, use Lingbi to supplement. When Lingbi dwindles, earn more lifespan. They complement each other—neither should be neglected. Agreed?"

Tu Lishan and Wei Huai bowed slightly.

That old fox, Tu Lishan thought, whoever gives him the most benefit, he’ll side with. Playing both sides, balancing power. Wants money, wants life, wants the top post… Just see how long you can keep yourself alive.

Lingyue Immortal added: "The second round of elimination matches is set. Any feedback?"

Tu Lishan scanned the 20-to-10 matchup list.

The sides are nearly evenly split between War and Peace Factions, with Neutral Faction members scattered across both. This next round will be a direct clash between the two factions.

He glanced down at Director Gao and Lin Director.

They’ve clearly reached some silent agreement—this is no accident.

…

Below, on the battlefield.

Zhang Yu’s Eye Armor displayed the arrival of Yu Xinghan and others.

He looked up—and saw Ying Xin, Yu Xinghan, and Gong Shuijin standing on the audience stand, waving at him.

Besides them, other team substitutes were gathered.

Since substitutes didn’t participate in the first round, they’d stayed in the stands, watching the match.

Now that the first round was over, the substitutes streamed back to their respective teams.

Yu Xinghan asked curiously: "How’s the second round going to work?"

Shi Huaixu replied: "20 to 10—probably a random draw. Two teams face off, winner advances."

She hadn’t even finished speaking when the schedule appeared before them.

Looking at the list, Zhang Yu noticed each team’s combat location had been assigned to different layers of the Simulation Battlefield.

Then his gaze narrowed.

Our team’s opponent is Ma Xuan’s squad… and Ji Yuanchi’s.

"Second-round elimination match begins in ten minutes. All teams report to designated locations on time."

On the other side, Su Yanyang glanced at Ma Xuan.

"Oh? You’re up against Shi Huaixu’s team?"

Ma Xuan smiled. "Senior, luck’s on my side. This should secure a top-ten spot."

Su Yanyang nodded. "Shi Huaixu’s no match for you."

"Among the remaining five—aside from that Xiao Qingxuan, the other three are old relics. One’s just a second-year. No threat."

Ma Xuan thought: Still, that second-year Zhang Yu… he’s tricky.

But he felt confident. He knew Zhang Yu well. He had plans. So he didn’t voice it.

Ma Xuan asked: "I’ve heard rumors about Xiao Qingxuan. I usually avoid trouble, but in competition, no one pays for damages. Maintenance and medical costs are on him. What’s the real issue?"

Su Yanyang mused: "I heard a story. Don’t know if it’s true."

"Apparently, the Golden Core Immortal who possessed Xiao Qingxuan didn’t flee from debt. Instead, he became Xiao Qingxuan."

"The real Xiao Qingxuan? He was sold."

"Wait—what?" Ma Xuan stared. "That’s impossible! If a Golden Core Immortal took over, shouldn’t he have been flagged? Why hasn’t the system detected him? Illegal possession should trigger soul imprisonment and body seizure!"

Su Yanyang shrugged. "I don’t know if it’s true. But ask yourself—how does Xiao Qingxuan survive in Kunxu with such a heavy debt? If he had even a single coin, it’d be seized instantly. He should’ve been stranded."

Seeing Ma Xuan deep in thought, Su Yanyang said: "You get the picture."

"The key isn’t just winning. It’s winning cleanly. Don’t let Shi Huaixu or Xiao Qingxuan drain you. Preserve your strength for later rounds."

"Go—lead your team."

…

Outside the 1-square-kilometer Simulation Battlefield, the two competition teams stood facing each other.

Shi Huaixu’s team bristled with determination.

Ma Xuan’s squad, by contrast, remained calm—but every glance from Cong Na and Ji Yuanchi lingered a moment too long on Xiao Qingxuan.

Cong Na turned to Zhang Yu, sighing inwardly: Ah, Zhang Yu should’ve stayed with us. At least then he’d have a decent Comprehensive Score.

As the rules appeared on screen, both teams followed instructions and entered their positions.

Then, a random draw decided the order of attack.

Shi Huaixu glanced at the result. "We go first."

"Everyone, stay calm. Just follow our training. We’ve got this."

The battle began.

Shi Huaixu and his five teammates surged forward toward the enemy’s position.

But then—earth trembled.

With a roar, a tidal wave of mud and sand erupted into the sky.

Ma Xuan raised one palm. "Let’s eliminate four first."

The storm of debris surged forward like a tsunami, swallowing Zhang Yu and his teammates in a wave of dirt and dust.

Ma Xuan knew his team was stronger—but he wouldn’t underestimate. He’d exploit the gap, eliminate the opposition without mercy.

Then—a flash.

A figure shot out like a cannonball, breaking through the storm with explosive force, streaking forward like a meteor.

"That’s… Zhang Yu?"

Ma Xuan blinked. Then his eyes narrowed.

Shi Huaixu—they threw Zhang Yu over first?

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end

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