No Money To Cultivate Immortality? Chapter 485: Under Close Scrutiny - Novel Cool

Chapter 485: Under Close Scrutiny

(Thank you, '2～12 Characters', for your generous support as Patron!)

Inside the Civil Engineering Department’s teacher group chat.

Tu Lishan: Congratulations to the Competition Team for defeating Tianjian University! 🎉🎉🎉

Tu Lishan: Director Gao, I’ve uploaded the [competition video].

Instantly, the group chat erupted in a flurry of congratulatory messages, fireworks bursting across the screen like a digital celebration.

Director Gao glanced at the messages, giving a slight nod. He was deeply satisfied with the Competition Team’s victory this time.

"Win one more match, and we’ll be champions of the Loser Group—then it’s straight to the finals."

He frowned slightly, scanning the names of the teachers who had posted. "Why aren’t the Peace Faction people saying anything? Not even a word of congratulations?"

The thought of the Peace Faction’s past complaints—how they’d criticized Zhang Yu’s team for securing the Civil Engineering Seven Supreme too quickly, calling it “unfair” and “against procedure”—made him grit his teeth. He nearly wanted to personally drag Lin Director out to witness this triumph.

But he paused. Maybe it wasn’t the right move.

"Maybe I should just have Tu Lishan handle it…"

At that moment, Mo Ejin sent him a message:

Mo Ejin: Teacher, I didn’t expect Zhang Yu to win without me stepping in.

Director Gao: At least he didn’t waste the early lead on the Seven Supreme.

Mo Ejin: Still, there’s something I need to tell you.

As he read the message, Director Gao’s brow furrowed. The news of Zhang Yu’s breakthrough on stage stirred unease in his heart. He sighed inwardly—Zhang Yu had, without realizing it, been pulled into a storm.

"That Yin Device… it might very well be the Hua Shen Yin Qi of the Qiongjiang God."

A student of Foundation Establishment level getting tangled in Hua Shen Yin Qi? That could spell trouble down the line—no room for choice, no freedom to walk away.

Thinking of this, Director Gao’s gaze lingered on the image of Ciji Zhenjun. He immediately sent a message.

Director Gao: Have you heard about Zhang Yu?

Ciji Zhenjun: Don’t worry. Your disciple is under my protection. No risk of losing your investment.

Director Gao: …Ciji, you be careful too.

Director Gao: This isn’t a simple matter.

Director Gao: They offered you this chance precisely so you’d stand in front of the storm.

Ciji Zhenjun: Haha, Old Gao, in Kunxu, there’s no such thing as risk. I’ve waited too long for the glory of Hua Shen.

Ciji Zhenjun: You should focus more on your student.

Ciji Zhenjun: [Photo]

Director Gao opened the photo. There, Zhang Yu stood with Bai Zhenzhen and Wen Wuya.

Director Gao: …What’s this?

Ciji Zhenjun briefly introduced the two. Then said:

Ciji Zhenjun: Wen Wuya’s fine. But Bai Zhenzhen? She’s a walking minefield.

Ciji Zhenjun: You’ve heard of the Seven Emotions lineage, haven’t you?

Ciji Zhenjun: I warned Zhang Yu on the Flying Barge—but he still seems reluctant to let go.

Ciji Zhenjun: Once he returns, you’d better have a serious talk with him. Cut ties completely. Block her if you must.

---

On the Flying Barge, after ending the call, Ciji Zhenjun gently patted Zhang Yu’s head and smiled.

"When you step off the Flying Barge, someone will come to pick you up and take you to the Laboratory.

I’ll be waiting there. We’ll do a full check-up when you arrive."

As she faded from view, Zhang Yu exhaled, relieved. He thought she hadn’t found anything wrong.

But he still feared she might have planted a tracker. Though his curiosity burned, he didn’t rush back to Qinglian Jiantai.

Once Zhang Yu returned to Wanfa University, Tianzhang Zhenjun led him straight to the Laboratory.

Watching the two disappear into the building, Su Yanyang, Xiao Yunji, and others couldn’t help but glance at each other with envy.

Getting invited to the Lab meant a boost in Technique, and money too. Who wouldn’t want that?

Meanwhile, Shi Huaixu and the others sighed. They still had cultivation cultivation, loan payments, and endless side jobs to keep up with. With heavy hearts, they quickly left.

On the path, Tianzhang Zhenjun kept talking.

Tianzhang Zhenjun: The leadership is closely watching this project. They’re very pleased with our results.

Zhang Yu: (Thinking to himself) You don’t have any real results, do you?

Tianzhang Zhenjun: I heard about what happened with Tianjian University. That was too dangerous. Stay away from the Qingqing God’s faction from now on. It’s trouble.

Tianzhang Zhenjun: You’re not just your own body anymore. Your health affects the entire project—everyone’s future, their careers. Security is paramount.

Tianzhang Zhenjun: I suggest you stop participating in external competitions. Stay on campus. Minimize outside contact.

Zhang Yu couldn’t agree. The Civil Engineering competition impacted his Comprehensive Score and ranking. External projects were his main source of income. He couldn’t just walk away.

Noticing Zhang Yu’s resistance, Tianzhang Zhenjun smiled. He didn’t press further—just planned to let Zhang Yu’s own teacher talk to him later.

They reached the Laboratory.

As soon as they entered, Zhang Yu was led through a battery of tests—especially a full assessment of his 18th-level Tian Kunlun Shifting Mountain Divine Power.

When confirmation came that his Technique level was indeed 18, Tianzhang Zhenjun let out a hearty laugh.

At that moment, Ciji Zhenjun arrived. She seized Zhang Yu and began a series of new tests.

She was utterly fascinated by the mystery of Hua Shen Yin Qi—and its effects on Zhang Yu’s Technique.

"Using Mutual Cultivation to level up Technique? That’s Hehuan University’s secret art. If I can crack this, becoming Hua Shen will be guaranteed."

With a grin, she carefully collected samples—hair, blood, Martial Energy—leaving nothing behind for her experiments.

Meanwhile, Tianzhang Zhenjun snapped a blurry photo of Zhang Yu being studied and posted it to his social account, captioning:

> "This could be the invention that changes the world—a breakthrough with epoch-defining significance."

As the likes and comments piled up, Tianzhang Zhenjun smiled.

Then his gaze flickered. Through his Eye Armor, he saw incoming messages—visitors were arriving at the Laboratory.

Back in the lab, Ciji Zhenjun finished her work and turned to Zhang Yu.

Ciji Zhenjun: Your task for today is done. You may leave.

Ciji Zhenjun: But be ready whenever we need you.

Ciji Zhenjun: Your Contract will be upgraded. The details are still being finalized. I’ll negotiate a better rate for you—more on that later.

Just as she dismissed him, Tianzhang Zhenjun stepped aside to reveal a group of people waiting outside.

One of them spoke:

"Letting the test subject go like this… is that really safe?"

Ciji Zhenjun’s eyes narrowed.

Research Division.

The actual power behind all official spiritual research projects at Wanfa University.

And the man in front of her? Feng Yuhao—senior supervisor in charge of the Hua Shen Yin Qi project.

Zhang Yu, sensing the warning in Feng Yuhao’s tone, paused.

He glanced back at Ciji Zhenjun.

She said coldly:

"You’re dismissed. Don’t linger."

Zhang Yu walked away. Feng Yuhao didn’t stop him, but he shook his head.

Feng Yuhao: You’re really letting him go? What if something goes wrong?

Feng Yuhao: That experimental data is school property.

Feng Yuhao: Do you know he’s already being targeted by other schools—especially Hehuan University?

Ciji Zhenjun waved a hand.

Ciji Zhenjun: You’ve got assets too. I’ve got mine. If we can’t protect our own campus, why go anywhere at all? Just stay in the Cave Residence.

Feng Yuhao: That’s not what I mean. These subjects need strict oversight.

Feng Yuhao: I heard he’s still competing externally. Doing side projects. You should keep him locked in the Lab—no outside movement.

Feng Yuhao: What if someone attacks him?

Feng Yuhao: And your contract—40 Lingbi base pay per month? That’s outrageous. He’s not even developing the tech. Why so much?

Feng Yuhao: The school’s budget isn’t for you to waste like this.

Ciji Zhenjun ignored him, turning back into the Lab.

Ciji Zhenjun: I have my own plans. If anything goes wrong, I’ll report directly to Wan Hua Shen Jun. You don’t get to interfere.

The lab door sealed shut.

Tianzhang Zhenjun sighed.

Tianzhang Zhenjun: Ciji Zhenjun is… deeply focused. Sometimes her methods are… unconventional.

Feng Yuhao snorted.

Feng Yuhao: This isn’t just about methods. It’s about waste—wasting school funds, risking assets.

Feng Yuhao: I’ll report this to higher-ups. Even Ciji won’t be spared.

Watching Feng Yuhao walk away, Tianzhang Zhenjun shook his head.

Then a voice came from behind.

"Tianzhang Zhenjun, shall we continue the tour?"

Tianzhang Zhenjun turned. Standing there was Jiutian Liu from the Finance Department.

Though still a student, Tianzhang Zhenjun didn’t underestimate him. Not only because of his department’s power—but because of his master.

Jin Que Shen Jun.

One of the three Hua Shen Gods at the university.

Tianzhang Zhenjun respected all three, but Jin Que Shen Jun above all.

He knew Jin Que Shen Jun had built his reputation from the Finance Department, wielding immense influence over budgeting, investments, and institutional funding.

And he controlled countless companies, vast assets. Even a sliver of his attention could make a project thrive.

The Hua Shen Yin Qi project had already received a portion of his investment.

Now, Jiutian Liu had come to inspect—preparing for possible future funding.

Tianzhang Zhenjun smiled.

Tianzhang Zhenjun: Of course, of course. Let’s continue.

Jiutian Liu: Can I see the Yin Device?

Jiutian Liu: I’d like to try it myself—just for curiosity’s sake.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end

Report