https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-488-Confrontation-Before-the-God-Emperor/13687145/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-490-He-s-Different-Please-Support-with-Monthly-Tickets-/13687151/
Chapter 489: She's Different
(Thank you, wdd99, for the Affinity Charm donation, for funding Zhang Yu, and for sending Stockings—your generosity has made you the Alliance Master!)
Feng Yuhao’s aura grew ever more imposing as he locked eyes with Ciji Zhenjun, his gaze piercing and unyielding.
Just then, Director Gao spoke from the side: “Teacher Feng, this project involves more than just the Alchemy Department. Zhang Yu is a key student under our Civil Engineering Department’s cultivation program. To win this competition, we naturally stand firmly behind him—no way will we let him be humiliated on the battlefield.”
As he spoke, Director Gao stepped beside Ciji Zhenjun, forming an alliance before the others’ eyes.
“Gao Chongguang,” Feng Yuhao said slowly, watching the two stand together, “you really are willing to go all in. What exactly did Ciji pour into your ears? Don’t you fear the cost?”
Ciji Zhenjun replied calmly: “The Civil Engineering Department and Alchemy Department have long maintained cooperation. In fact, one of our students, Feng Tingting, has already transferred to Civil Engineering for a dual degree. This time, we’re assisting your team in the competition. And in the future, we’ll expand our collaboration even further.”
Director Gao added, “Our Civil Engineering Department also has Mo Ejin, who has cultivated the Tian Kunlun Shifting Mountain Divine Power. Once he recovers, he can jump in at any moment to support Zhang Yu—more than enough to protect him.”
Feng Yuhao frowned. “You two have said much, but how do you guarantee that Xianbing University and Tianyao University won’t pour in even more resources?”
“Ultimately,” he continued, “raising the cost to take risks… it’s pointless. No matter how much you reduce the danger, it still can’t match the security of simply keeping Zhang Yu An An safely tucked away in University City.”
“The safest place for him is in the Laboratory. Only there can we truly ensure he’s not tainted by outsiders.”
Just as tensions reached a standstill, Zhang Yu spoke up: “Teachers, I have an idea. It can guarantee my safety on the battlefield.”
Feng Yuhao shot him a cold glance—ready to cut in with a sharp rebuke about students staying out of adult discussions. To him, proving Zhang Yu’s strength was pointless. What kind of power was enough? How high a combat capability and construction skill would truly prevent Zhang Yu from being defiled?
In Feng Yuhao’s eyes, Zhang Yu could prove nothing, promise nothing.
But then Zhang Yu said, “I can surrender.”
Feng Yuhao blinked—slightly taken aback.
Zhang Yu continued: “My surrender speed is extremely fast. As soon as I sense anything wrong, I’ll be the first to concede.”
“Even if we lose the match, I’ll never give them the chance to humiliate me.”
His expression was sincere. “I understand—protecting me from humiliation is far more important than winning the game.”
Director Gao nodded. “During the previous match against Jinguang University, it was Zhang Yu who led the surrender, the first to sprint out of the arena. This student has real courage and responsibility.”
At that moment, Zhang Yu’s Foundation Establishment Domain activated with a sudden surge of energy. Words appeared before everyone’s eyes:
> Foundation Establishment Cultivator
> Zhang Yu has decided to cease hostilities and withdraw from the competition.
> Cease all attacks immediately—or face consequences.
Zhang Yu said, “This is a custom-made Foundation Establishment Domain I paid for. I can hand over control to Director Gao. If he senses any danger, he can trigger it anytime—just one command, and I’ll exit the match.”
“If I leave the field and the other side still attacks,” he added, “the referee can step in. Even better—our teachers can descend to protect me.”
Ciji Zhenjun spoke coolly: “I’ll monitor the battlefield myself. I’ll be ready to protect Zhang Yu at any moment. No extra funds needed.”
Director Gao added: “And I’ll be there too. So, is there any real risk on the field now, Teacher Feng?”
Ciji Zhenjun nodded: “Outside the battlefield, the same logic applies. As long as Zhang Yu’s information stays secure and communication remains stable, we can respond instantly. There’s no real danger.”
“And the cost of these measures is minimal,” he continued. “But the benefits? They’re enormous—project promotion, stock price boost, and the potential to secure the Military Grade Armor Design Blueprint.”
Feng Yuhao narrowed his eyes, silent.
Wan Hua Shen Jun chuckled softly: “Well, look at that. After all this debate, we’ve finally figured out a solution.”
“Ciji, Qingmu—finalize the details of the plan and send them to the Research Division for review.”
“Xiaofeng,” he turned to Feng Yuhao, “get the Research Division to move fast. Finalize everything by tomorrow at the latest.”
“Any objections? Speak now—don’t wait until it’s too late.”
Feng Yuhao replied: “The method is workable, but if we lose the match and keep needing reinforcements, what’s the point of the publicity? It might even backfire, dragging down the project and tanking the stock.”
“And besides, Ciji Zhenjun, Qingmu Immortal—your working hours are part of the school’s resources. Leaving your posts to support Zhang Yu during work hours—doesn’t that harm the school’s operations? Isn’t that a loss?”
“Therefore,” he concluded, “if Zhang Yu surrenders in future matches, the cost and risk clearly outweigh the benefits. We shouldn’t let him go out again.”
Wan Hua Shen Jun nodded. “Xiaofeng has a point. You both have duties. You can’t constantly guard Zhang Yu like this. So it’s settled.”
Facing Wan Hua Shen Jun’s calm gaze, Ciji Zhenjun and Director Gao both gave a subtle nod in agreement.
Then Wan Hua Shen Jun turned to Zhang Yu, smiling warmly. “You’re a smart young man. I like talking to young people—especially clever ones. Unlike some old fossils, stuck in their ways, afraid of change, waiting to die in silence.”
No one dared respond. After all, Wan Hua Shen Jun’s “old fossils” could very well be Hua Shen realm masters. It was safe for him to speak freely—but not for the rest.
Wan Hua Shen Jun sighed. “This opportunity was fought for by both Ciji Zhenjun and Qingmu Immortal on your behalf.”
“But remember—victory is small. Loss of virtue is grave.”
“Now go. I’m looking forward to your performance.”
As Zhang Yu and the others left, Wan Hua Shen Jun’s expression softened into a mysterious smile.
In the private realm only he could perceive, a series of messages had just appeared through the Ling Network.
They came from Qingqing God of Tianjian University.
> Qingqing God: I’ve acquired Zhang Yu from your Civil Engineering Department.
> Qingqing God: What’s your price?
> Wan Hua Shen Jun: Don’t be absurd. Students aren’t my possessions. How could they be sold?
Seeing no reply, Wan Hua Shen Jun’s lips curled into a faint smile.
“I’ll see how long your Jiqing Sword Dao can hold back. How long can you truly endure?”
Then, another message arrived.
> Qingqing God: I’m coming to you.
Wan Hua Shen Jun frowned. “Coming?”
His eyes flickered, scanning the surroundings—light and shadow swirling in his pupils. Yet neither Tianjian University nor Wanfa University showed any signs of movement.
But then, a spark of realization lit in his mind.
This one…
He looked up at the sky.
“Are you talking about the Sixth Layer’s true form?”
…
On the way down from the 666th Floor.
Ciji Zhenjun thought: Feng Yuhao isn’t giving up. He’ll keep trying to wrest control of this project.
Suddenly, Director Gao said, “Ciji… didn’t you notice? The tone in the God’s voice, the way he looked at me… sometimes it felt… off.”
Zhang Yu paused slightly.
Ciji Zhenjun waved it off. “Hmm? Probably just your imagination.”
Director Gao frowned. “But…”
Ciji Zhenjun cut in: “No buts. Focus on finalizing the support plan for Zhang Yu. It’s your student—get it moving.”
Then, privately:
Ciji Zhenjun: Have you spoken with Zhang Yu about Qingqing God’s disciple?
Director Gao: I sent him some news.
Ciji Zhenjun: I’ve got other things to handle. Use today to talk to him—get him to cut ties early.
After parting ways, Director Gao paused, then said: “I heard you’re close to the new disciple from Qingqing God’s sect.”
Zhang Yu nodded. “Yeah. Bai Zhenzhen was my high school classmate.”
Director Gao recalled yesterday’s intelligence reports as he spoke slowly: “You saw the news I sent, right? Qingqing God is renowned for her sword arts—especially the Qingqing Sword Dao and Jiqing Sword Dao.”
“The Qingqing Sword Dao evolves with the seven emotions—its power grows with emotional intensity.”
“But the Jiqing Sword Dao… it’s even more astonishing. It’s said to let one command the sword through emotion, using extreme feelings to fuel its power.”
“The exact principles remain a secret—only Qingqing God herself knows. But from the experiences of her disciples, this path is utterly corrupt. Cultivators have killed their spouses, parents, children—over and over again…”
Zhang Yu spoke firmly: “Bai Zhenzhen and I climbed up from the First Layer together. She’s different.”
Seeing Zhang Yu’s unwavering expression, Director Gao shook his head. “People change. The more money, the higher the cultivation—people transform faster.”
Zhang Yu said: “You’ve known Ciji for centuries. She’s changed.”
Director Gao replied: “You don’t understand. Ciji is different.”
Zhang Yu countered: “Bai Zhenzhen is different too.”
Inside, Director Gao seethed: This kid… is he blinded by being a Hua Shen Disciple?
Zhang Yu silently thought: Old Gao, you can’t even handle Ciji—you’re in no position to teach me.
Director Gao pressed on: “You’re close to Wen Wuya too, aren’t you? He’s a Hua Shen Disciple as well. Train with him more. Stay away from Bai Zhenzhen.”
“Both are Hua Shen Disciples. Wen Wuya is clearly far better than someone like Bai Zhenzhen—someone who’s already walked the dark path.”
Zhang Yu didn’t agree—but seeing the irritation in Director Gao’s eyes, he kept quiet.
…
Meanwhile, Feng Yuhao returned to his office and pulled out stacks of student files.
He mused: Ciji. Always buried in her lab, doing whatever she pleases. Too much control, too little regard for the Research Division’s struggles.
She should just stick to research. She doesn’t understand our burdens.
Better to rein her in. Can’t let her run wild in key projects.
As he sifted through the files, his eyes narrowed.
The real issue is that she holds all the experimental results.
If more students react to Hua Shen Yin Qi and produce results… then one Zhang Yu won’t matter at all.
With that thought, Feng Yuhao decided to select several more candidates—then send them to Tianzhang Zhenjun as soon as possible, to accelerate new breakthroughs.
—
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(End of Chapter)
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