https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-434-Reporting-to-the-Heavenly-Court/13687067/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-436-Mentor-Selection-The-Path-Ahead/13687069/
Chapter 435: Couldn't Help But Hum Softly (Thanks to 'Fenghuo Lian' for the Alliance Lord Donation)
Su Yanyang and another examinee stood beside Ping Han, eagerly asking about his insights on Crypto Trading.
To them, this senior—someone who had quietly built himself up over time and ultimately claimed the Military License through Qiongjiang Coin—was a treasure trove of knowledge worth learning from.
Ping Han patiently answered their questions, skillfully guiding the two into his paid mentorship group chat.
All the while, he subtly inquired about their exam performance, confirming with satisfaction that both had done poorly—effectively eliminating any chance they had of securing the Military License.
His gaze then drifted to Xiao Yunji, who stood dazed and hollow-eyed.
“Xiao Yunji asked me about Array EyeIntegrity and then fell into this state… he must’ve lost to me in that area.”
As for Zhang Yu, lying nearby with his body torn and bloodied, Ping Han had never taken the third-year student seriously. Now, seeing him in such a ruined condition, the idea of him winning the license seemed laughable.
With all other candidates accounted for, Ping Han felt a nine-in-ten certainty that the Military License was already his.
Though outwardly calm, his heart trembled with quiet excitement. The Military License meant everything to a student.
“With this license, I can finally cultivate the Tian Kunlun Shifting Mountain Divine Power…”
Feeling the years of cultivation in his Civil Engineering Seven Supreme already taking root within him, Ping Han felt a deep sense of fulfillment.
“Not only will I have a real shot at first place in the Inter-School League, but with the Tian Kunlun Shifting Mountain Divine Power, my chances in the Postgraduate Entrance Exam, Jin Dan certification—everything—will skyrocket. My Xian Dao path is now wide open.”
In that moment, the future shimmered with boundless hope. He couldn’t help but hum softly in his heart.
But he quickly reined in his emotions, reminding himself to stay grounded. “The Jin Dan attainment is just the beginning. My Xian Dao journey is still long.”
With that thought, he turned to Xiao Yunji with a gentle smile.
“Xiao Yunji, one exam failure isn’t the end of the world. Want to learn more about Qiongjiang Coin? It’ll be a huge help to your future cultivation.”
Xiao Yunji looked up at him, surprised. She no longer saw the greedy, arrogant aura she’d noticed after he’d made his fortune from trading.
Ping Han’s mindset was calm, even serene. In his eyes, Xiao Yunji was already a defeated opponent—no longer a rival, but a potential source of Xian Dao strength.
Seeing hesitation in her eyes, Ping Han didn’t mind. He continued, “How about I send you a file first? Take a look. If you’re interested, we can talk more.”
He sent the file. Then, turning to Zhang Yu, he said, “Zhang Xuedi, you interested? It could completely transform you—massively increase your chances next time.”
Zhang Yu shook his head.
Ping Han didn’t care. He already knew the boy was broke. He returned to answering Su Yanyang’s questions.
But while they talked, Zhang Yu received a message from his homeroom teacher.
Jiao Lei Immortal: Lin Director asked me to pass on a message.
Jiao Lei Immortal: If you’re willing to join his sect, he’ll help you clear the Finance Department’s red tape and approve a 600 Lingbi loan.
Zhang Yu’s heart lurched at the number. His chest tightened—almost enough to rupture his organs.
“600 Lingbi?!”
“With that kind of loan…?”
As his mind raced with possibilities, another message arrived—this time from a course instructor.
Zhang Yu, Lingyue Immortal wants to take you as a disciple. Interested?
The terms can be negotiated—won’t be worse than any other sect.
Lingyue Immortal—the head of the Civil Engineering Department, the same "Old Director" referred to by Tu Lishan—was an Elixir Realm Immortal.
Seeing both Lin Director and the Old Director sending over offers, Zhang Yu’s initial excitement over the 600 Lingbi loan began to cool.
“So this exam really caught their attention…”
“Even before the Heavenly Court announces results… they already think I’m almost certain to win the Military License?”
He didn’t rush to accept. Instead, he left room for further discussion—gave them time to think.
His eyes drifted casually to Ping Han and the others, but his mind was already mapping out his future.
“Lin Director’s backing from the Finance Department… 600 Lingbi is a massive boost. Could skyrocket my cultivation speed. But…”
“The Finance Department isn’t for me. It demands connections, networks, and serious capital. Talent and skill alone won’t cut it.”
“And they’re ruthless. Offering 600 Lingbi right off the bat? There’s no way that’s without strings attached. Who knows what traps are waiting?”
Though he ached to take the loan, Zhang Yu knew he didn’t have the background to survive that path—even with the Military License.
Then he thought of Lingyue Immortal.
“Forget the Neutral Faction’s direction—just the Old Director himself is a time bomb.”
He’d spent enough time in the Civil Engineering Department. With help from Tu Lishan and Feng Tingting, he’d gathered enough intel.
Like the fact that Lingyue Immortal was old, his lifespan nearly gone. For years, he’d been desperately seeking ways to extend it.
“He’s already halfway into the spirit realm. If I join him… will he have the time or resources to nurture me? Or will he just drain me dry for his own survival the moment I step in?”
The thought chilled him.
“No… neither of them are good choices.”
But that didn’t mean the options were useless.
“Director Gao… and Ciji Zhenjun… won’t be far behind. Holding onto these two paths gives me leverage.”
Moments later, the examinees were escorted back to Wanfa University’s University City by Deng Bingding.
Before they left, Deng Bingding sent them a website URL.
“Exam results have been submitted to the Heavenly Court. They’ll review and announce the outcome within 15 working days.”
“This URL is where the results will be posted.”
Ping Han couldn’t help but ask, “Fastest possible?”
Deng Bingding glanced at him—his expression faintly pitying, almost imperceptible.
“The Heavenly Court is busy too. At minimum, it’ll take three to five days.”
Soon, everyone dispersed.
Deng Bingding, however, took Zhang Yu to the hospital for a checkup.
Deng Bingding sighed. “Zhang Yu, I never thought you’d progress more in two and a half years of university than most do in three years of high school.”
They chatted casually as they walked.
Once at the hospital, Zhang Yu asked the doctor for a bag of medicine, then insisted on leaving.
“My constitution is strong. A few days’ rest will do. No need to waste money staying here. Old Gao’s already stretched thin—let’s save him some.”
But as he slowly walked down a street, he noticed something strange.
All the shops were closed. The area was empty—no pedestrians, no movement.
He looked toward the street’s entrance. People walked past as if the road didn’t exist, deliberately avoiding it.
Zhang Yu’s unease grew.
Then, a figure emerged—cloaked in a silhouette like the night sky itself.
Zhang Yu blinked. “Senior Sister Ye?”
Ye Xingli stared at him with an odd expression, then silently pulled out Ciji Zhenjun’s Xuanpin Tianzhu.
In an instant, a graceful, regal figure in palace robes materialized—Ciji Zhenjun’s previous avatar, the one she’d used to speak with Zhang Yu before.
Zhang Yu understood instantly.
This street had been taken over by the Jiutian Yuanyang Tower of the Magnetic True Lord. All matter connected to the spiritual realm had been suppressed—rendered invisible to others' eyes, invisible even to Spirit Armor.
Zhang Yu: “Master?”
Ciji Zhenjun (Private Chat): How did you do on the Military License Exam?
After speaking with Xi Yun Zhenjun, Ciji Zhenjun had already sensed Zhang Yu’s strong performance—enough to suggest he might actually win the license. That was why Xi Yun Zhenjun had asked.
Still, she decided to confirm it herself. Only Zhang Yu’s own account could give her the full truth.
So Zhang Yu sent a brief summary of what had happened.
Ciji Zhenjun nodded, satisfied.
“Good, good. I thought you were just taking it casually. Didn’t expect this surprise.”
She gently touched his wounds, sighing.
“Such severe injuries… why didn’t you stay in the hospital to recover?”
Zhang Yu replied, “My constitution’s strong. A few days’ rest is enough. No need to waste money.”
“Is there something you need, Master?”
Ciji Zhenjun said calmly, “You’re heading back to your dorm, right? Let’s talk on the way.”
Without warning, she reached out and lifted him into her arms.
“With injuries like this, you shouldn’t be walking around. Let me take you back.”
Ye Xingli stared, stunned.
She hadn’t seen their private conversation.
Now, watching Ciji Zhenjun cradle Zhang Yu in her arms and walk down the street—she couldn’t help but whisper, “Master… there are people outside.”
Ciji Zhenjun waved her sleeve. A shimmering barrier formed, hiding Zhang Yu completely.
“No problem. With my protection, no one will see.”
As she walked, her arms holding Zhang Yu close, Ye Xingli followed behind, her mind reeling.
She thought back.
This was the first time she’d ever seen her master—her master’s avatar—hold another student in her arms.
“Is the Master… gone mad?”
“This cold, aloof, self-contained person… embracing a student?”
Zhang Yu, meanwhile, grew increasingly tense.
Despite knowing the barrier was real, feeling the bustling crowd around him—people walking, laughing, passing by—made him deeply uncomfortable.
He blurted, “Master, just say what you need. No need to… carry me.”
Ciji Zhenjun chuckled softly, looking down at him.
“Old Gao carried you like this in the Examination Hall, didn’t he?”
“What do you think of him?”
(End of Chapter)
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