https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-513-Ascension-to-the-Alchemy-Department/13687214/
Chapter 512: I'm Not Pretending Anymore—I'm Alchemy Lord
Watching Zhang Yu accept the blueprint, Ciji Zhenjun gave a subtle nod, thinking to himself: "If he takes the time to solidify his foundation, studies diligently for a few years to secure his Class A Military License, then shifts to Cultivation-Alchemy Technique, it’s not a bad path at all. If he ever gives up, he can always try the Alchemy Design Contest instead."
Ciji Zhenjun wasn’t surprised by Zhang Yu’s choice—no matter which road he took. He was merely curious: Would Zhang Yu change his mind? And how far could he truly go on this path?
"Alright," Ciji Zhenjun waved a hand. "I’ve covered everything I needed to tell you."
"The transfer procedures will be handled by someone else. Just follow through with them."
"Go."
Zhang Yu nodded and turned to leave—then, just before stepping away, his gaze flickered. His eyes locked onto Ciji Zhenjun’s chest.
A moment ago, he’d felt a flicker in front of him—a flash of text drifting across the immortal’s chest.
Sensing Zhang Yu’s sudden stillness, Ciji Zhenjun tilted his head. "Anything else?"
Zhang Yu shook his head quickly. "No, nothing."
Inside, he murmured: "Was that a Dao Seed?"
"Did I just see Ciji Zhenjun’s Dao Seed?"
"It vanished too fast—I didn’t even catch what it was."
"But if it is a Dao Seed… it must offer great advantages in Alchemy."
Zhang Yu thought: "I should visit my master more often. Maybe I can replicate his Dao Seed someday."
He glanced back at the Tian Ri Huang Shen Prototype Machine design diagram, his heart quickening with excitement.
Then he spoke to Fujie: "Fujie, take a close look at this blueprint. Identify all the technical skills Ciji Zhenjun has summarized as essential."
"Then compile a list of Spirit Artifacts that embody those techniques."
This way, Zhang Yu could save himself countless hours of research. He’d just need to follow the list to practice crafting Spirit Artifact blueprints.
"Ah?" Fujie blinked. "Me?"
Zhang Yu said, "The company’s in crisis. Isn’t it your duty to help the boss out?"
As for Zhang Yu himself, he didn’t rush into studying the diagram. Instead, he turned and sprinted toward the construction site on the 669th Layer.
Ever since finishing the Civil Engineering Competition finals, his account had been empty—no sense of security at all.
After the competition, he’d rushed back to campus for the victory celebration, toured the Finance Department, met with Ciji Zhenjun… one task chasing another, leaving him no time to catch his breath.
Zhang Yu muttered: "This much money… I’d go bankrupt just by bumping into a few people on the street."
"No good. I need to make some real money—fast."
He walked into the rooftop construction site like he owned the place, immediately starting work under his own name.
Though the Finance Department had cut off his company projects through connections, they hadn’t stopped him from taking on odd jobs.
But many workers on the site whispered among themselves in the Ling Realm.
"Zhang Yu’s actually working here?"
"Man, who could’ve seen this coming? He’s been cut off by the Finance Department. Even with his Tier-1 Military-Grade Power—Tian Kunlun Shifting Mountain Divine Power—he’s down here doing manual labor like the rest of us."
"Still too cocky. Thought winning Cross-School First Place gave him the right to challenge the Finance Master? Civil Engineering Department’s strong, but it’s still just Civil Engineering."
A few meters away, Ji Yuanchi, having heard the rumors, made a wide detour just to see Zhang Yu.
He watched as Zhang Yu, with a single palm motion, summoned steel rods and cement into motion midair—ripping, twisting, molding, pouring—all with flawless precision.
Ji Yuanchi’s expression turned complex.
Word had spread across the Civil Engineering Department that Zhang Yu had refused the Finance Department’s offer. Ji Yuanchi wasn’t blind or deaf.
Staring at Zhang Yu, working hard on the site, he thought: "What the hell is he thinking? Why turn down such a golden opportunity? This was a chance to skyrocket!"
Ji Yuanchi couldn’t comprehend Zhang Yu’s logic at all.
But Zhang Yu didn’t care about the stares around him. Where he worked was irrelevant. With the blessing of Tian Kunlun Shifting Mountain Divine Power, his wages were substantial—his Eye Armor’s piecework earnings surged every second.
Just then, several foremen approached, looking sheepish.
"Zhang, sorry about this," one said. "We made a mistake. Your work’s already been reassigned. There’s no space left for you here…"
Zhang Yu’s brow twitched. "So even temporary labor on the 669th Layer falls under the Finance Department’s control?"
The foreman sighed. "The real estate developers funding University City construction are all backed by the Finance Department. Please don’t make this harder on us."
Zhang Yu shook his head, too tired to argue. He collected his current pay and headed toward a project without Finance Department ties.
Inside, he muttered: "These guys really hold grudges."
Fujie replied: "Survival of the fittest. If you don’t strike hard, how do you build authority? For the Finance Department, strength and reputation are everything—makes it easier to control investments and manipulate Qi Yun."
"But don’t worry. The Alchemy Department will back you soon. Why stress over money now?"
"If you’re really short, just take a bit from the company funds."
Zhang Yu frowned. "Take money from the company?"
Fujie nodded. "Have Zhao Tianxing and Mo Tianyi return their salaries. Use theirs to cover you for now—pay them back later."
Zhang Yu shook his head. "Junior College and Soul Cultivator students live hand-to-mouth. They need money every day. I can’t do that."
"Besides, the company’s projects are already frozen—their income’s already plummeting."
Just then, a message arrived from Ying Xin’s grandfather.
Ying Xin's Grandfather: Zhang, I’ve talked with the staff.
Ying Xin's Grandfather: They know the company’s in trouble. Everyone’s finding side jobs for now.
Ying Xin's Grandfather: The unpaid salaries—no need to rush you. We’ll wait until things stabilize.
Fujie snorted. "Pfft. Paying on time is already a massive favor. Now he wants you to delay even further? Clearly, he’s hoping you’ll join the Alchemy Department—just wants to latch onto your coattails."
At that moment, a familiar figure approached.
Li Xiao, face smeared with dust, asked, "Senior Brother, are you okay?"
Zhang Yu gave a faint smile. "Why would I not be?"
On the sidelines, Ying Xin, Gong Shuijin, Yu Xinghan, and Shi Yunxiang had quietly gathered, each expressing concern over Zhang Yu’s suppression by the Finance Department.
Meanwhile, Zhang Yu’s Eye Armor kept flashing new messages.
Feng Tingting: You okay? Civil Engineering can’t stand up to Finance. Maybe reach out to Ye Xingli Senior Sister—she can talk to Ciji Zhenjun.
Zhang Yu had barely stepped through the construction site gate when another message arrived.
His Cross-School Competition Champion record had been officially registered in Wanfa University’s system—his Comprehensive Score skyrocketed instantly.
To the eyes of guards, workers, and students alike, Zhang Yu’s aura flared—his Ranking surged upward, leaping from 20… to 15… to 10… and finally, in one explosive burst, to 8th place.
The crowd gasped. Some snapped photos. Others cried out in shock.
And beyond the Rank increase, 20 Lingbi in school rewards were instantly credited to his account—just enough to ease the immediate financial pressure.
Then, another message arrived—this time from Lian Huo Zhenjun of the Alchemy Department.
Lian Huo Zhenjun: Zhang Yu, hello. I’m your future Alchemy Department advisor.
Lian Huo Zhenjun: The Director sent me to assist with your department transfer. Some documents are needed.
It was then Zhang Yu learned: transferring from Civil Engineering to Alchemy meant discounting his Comprehensive Score.
Every competition ranking’s contribution was recalculated—adjusted with multipliers and divisors, supposedly due to "industry factors." But to Zhang Yu, it was blatant professional discrimination—his score was slashed by half.
Lian Huo Zhenjun: Planning to change dorms? I can help arrange it.
Zhang Yu: Not yet.
Zhang Yu didn’t want to move—but since his current dorm was provided by Director Gao of the Civil Engineering Department, he’d need to ask permission first.
As he spoke with Lian Huo Zhenjun, everyone around him saw Zhang Yu freeze—completely still.
Li Xiao whispered, "Senior Brother… what’s wrong?"
Ying Xin said, "Probably the competition results just settled. His Rank shot up. Now he’s talking to department leadership."
Gong Shuijin sighed. "Most likely tied to the Finance Department. Their reach is everywhere."
Thinking of Zhang Yu—top student in Civil Engineering—yet powerless against the Finance Department’s influence, the onlookers from the same department felt a pang of helplessness.
But then, Zhang Yu’s Rank shifted again.
Li Xiao thought: "Can it go higher?"
No—it wasn’t rising.
It was falling.
But instead of dismay, the onlookers were stunned—shocked to the core. They felt Zhang Yu’s presence explode—intensifying, surging, rising with terrifying force.
Because his Rank had changed.
From Civil Engineering Department Rank 8…
To Alchemy Department Rank 48.
Alchemy Lord.
Li Xiao stammered, "Senior Brother! Y-you—y-you—you transferred to the Alchemy Department?"
Zhang Yu smiled faintly. "I did plan to stay in Civil Engineering, to grow steadily. But all I got was humiliation and bullying from the Finance Department."
"So I’m done pretending."
"I’m done hiding."
"I’m not hiding anymore."
"I’m an Alchemy Department student."
(End of Chapter)
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