https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-525-Hype-and-the-Superior-Alchemy-Genius-88-/13687227/
Chapter 524: Direct Competition
(Thank you, 'JiEun', for your generous support!)
Since Jin Jun had advanced Tai Xu Shen Qi Ce to Level 20, he had wasted no time preparing for the refinement of the Tian Ri Huang Shen Prototype Machine.
To secure the military license for the Tian Ri Huang Shen, he had already made his intentions clear to students across all years—announcing his firm resolve to complete the prototype in the coming academic year.
Now, standing before his workstation, Jin Jun began a series of simulation experiments to sharpen his alchemical technique. To ensure the most accurate results, he didn’t just replicate his spiritual realm’s appearance to match reality—he had even recreated his entire Cave Residence in perfect one-to-one scale, mirroring his real-life laboratory down to the smallest detail.
“Once I succeed with the Tian Ri Huang Shen, I’ll have a spot among the top ten,” he murmured, eyes fixed on the floating array of resumes before him.
Over the past three months, Jin Jun had been recruiting assistants to support the project. But as the work progressed, team members came and went. Still, he kept accepting new applications.
After reviewing dozens of profiles, however, he remained unimpressed. So he tapped into his network, seeking a specific kind of talent: someone skilled in refining true fire, with expertise in repairing the metal casings of spirit artifacts.
Soon, a contact pointed him toward Zhang Yu, a third-year student whose skills were well-known. Zhang Yu had mastered the 20th-Level Yuhuo Shenjian, and was already taking on freelance jobs repairing spirit artifact casings. Moreover, he was preparing to refine the Tian Ri Huang Shen Prototype Machine himself—making him an ideal fit for Jin Jun’s project.
“Zhang Yu?” Jin Jun raised an eyebrow. “That student from the Civil Engineering Department?”
He took a closer look at Zhang Yu’s past repair records. A flicker of approval crossed his face.
“Solid technique. Reasonable rates. Perfect.”
In contrast, while many senior students possessed the required technical skills, they were already tied up in other projects—making the cost of poaching them far too high.
Jin Jun opened his inbox and filtered out all third-year applicants.
“Zi Wen Zhen… Su Yun Ni…”
Then he paused.
“Zhang Yu didn’t send me a resume?”
He wondered: Did he think I wouldn’t accept him?
Knowing that Ye Xingli frequently assigned work to Zhang Yu, Jin Jun reached out directly.
Jin Jun: Xingli, you know Zhang Yu, right? Can you pass along a message for me?
Ye Xingli: What’s up?
Jin Jun: I’d like to invite him to join my project—specifically, the refinement of the Tian Ri Huang Shen Prototype Machine… in my lab.
Ye Xingli’s eyes flickered.
She forwarded the message to Zhang Yu and asked:
“You know, Jin Jun just so happens to be looking for you. That’s a great opportunity.”
Ye Xingli: Studying while working—this could be a major boost for your future.
In the lab, Zhang Yu, currently cultivating his alchemical technique, replied:
“No thanks. I’d rather stick to my own pace.”
Ye Xingli: You could get hands-on experience early, learn from Jin Jun’s methods—this would save you countless mistakes down the road.
Zhang Yu: Really, no need. Please tell him I appreciate the offer, but I have to decline.
Ye Xingli stared at the message, surprised. “A chance like this… and he’s turning it down?”
Could it be… he’s already given up on refining the Tian Ri Huang Shen? Is he planning to enter the design competition instead?
The more she thought about it, the more plausible it seemed. Without further hesitation, she sent Zhang Yu’s reply back to Jin Jun.
…
Jin Jun read the message, his brow furrowing.
“He refused?”
He’d already confirmed that Zhang Yu had publicly stated his intention to refine the Tian Ri Huang Shen Prototype Machine.
This should’ve been a dream opportunity for him.
Joining the project would mean free practice, full exposure to the refinement process, and a massive boost to his reputation—all benefits, zero downsides. Why would he turn it down?
Jin Jun paused, then realized: “He’s playing hard to get. Trying to bargain?”
He weighed the pros and cons in his mind.
The refinement process involves massive amounts of metal casing work. If Zhang Yu joins, he’d not only speed things up but also reduce failure rates through expert repairs—cutting project costs significantly.
With that in mind, Jin Jun immediately contacted Ye Xingli again—this time, with a new plan: he would speak to Zhang Yu face-to-face.
…
Inside Ye Xingli’s lab, Jin Jun greeted her with a polite nod, then turned to Zhang Yu.
He stepped forward with a smile.
“Zhang Yu, I came here specifically to invite you.”
“If you join my team, I’ll pay you double what any other assistant receives.”
At the sight of Jin Jun, the other assistants—Zi Wen Zhen and two others—were stunned. Zi Wen Zhen had once applied to join Jin Jun’s project himself. The chance to work on a military-grade power prototype like the Tian Ri Huang Shen was a golden ticket for any resume.
Now, watching Jin Jun personally recruit Zhang Yu—with double pay—Zi Wen Zhen felt a mix of envy and disbelief.
But Zhang Yu paused, then said quietly:
“I’m sorry. I can’t join this project.”
Jin Jun chuckled. “Don’t rush to say no, Zhang Yu.”
“I’m determined to complete the Tian Ri Huang Shen Prototype Machine—and I need top-tier help to do it.”
“And you’re planning to go down the same path, right? The Tian Ri Huang Shen Prototype Machine route?”
“You’ve got the skill. But you lack experience and recognition.”
“By joining, you’d learn on the job—gaining firsthand knowledge of the entire refinement process.”
“I know you might worry, being from the Civil Engineering Department, that alchemy purists will look down on you.”
“But one experience with a military-grade project? That alone would make people take you seriously.”
“And here’s the best part: beyond your assigned tasks, I’ll share the full project data with you—free to use for your own study.”
“That could be invaluable when you eventually refine your own Tian Ri Huang Shen Prototype Machine.”
Zi Wen Zhen and the others stared in awe. The difference in treatment was staggering. Just looking at the materials he was cleaning, Zi Wen Zhen suddenly felt like the real civil engineering transfer—while Zhang Yu was the true alchemist.
To Jin Jun, doubling the salary was a small cost. Sharing data? That was practically free. But for Zhang Yu, it was an offer that could change everything.
Confident, Jin Jun watched Zhang Yu—sure that this transfer student would finally accept.
But Zhang Yu, under Jin Jun’s steady gaze, shook his head.
“I’m sorry, senior. I’ve got too many other things on my plate. I just don’t have the time.”
Jin Jun blinked—then studied him closely. He thought Zhang Yu was trying to negotiate.
“Zhang Yu,” he said firmly, “this is my best offer. It’s a win-win for both of us.”
Was it too much sincerity? he thought. Did I seem so eager that he thinks he can push for more?
Ye Xingli, sensing the tension, stepped in.
“Zhang Yu… are you really not planning to pursue the Tian Ri Huang Shen Prototype Machine path anymore?”
“Jin Jun,” she added, “if Zhang Yu’s going to enter the design competition first, then yes—his time is already taken.”
Jin Jun paused. Ah. That makes sense.
Entering the design competition first, mastering military-grade techniques, then refining a military-grade spirit artifact prototype—this was the standard alchemical cultivation path.
But Zhang Yu, hearing Ye Xingli’s words, realized he needed to clarify.
After all, having completed his Alchemy Genius phase, he was now preparing to dive into Tian Ri Huang Shen studies. And based on his own estimates, he might even finish the prototype refinement next academic year.
That meant… direct competition with Jin Jun.
If Jin Jun and Ye Xingli continued to misunderstand him now, then when he eventually completed his prototype, his current refusal would look like deception—pretending to abandon the project.
That could lead to criticism, or even enmity from Jin Jun.
But worse: if the prototype’s review process was compromised due to lingering doubts, that would be a disaster.
Because to obtain a military license, one must not only create a prototype but also leave a clear, traceable record of every step—every refinement, every test, every decision.
If Zhang Yu now accepted the idea that he’d given up on Tian Ri Huang Shen, then later, when he did refine it openly, the contradiction would be glaring.
Would he have to hide his work? That would only make the review process harder.
Or worse—what if he didn’t explain now, and later refined it openly? Then what was the point of pretending to quit?
After careful thought, Zhang Yu concluded: the best path was to speak openly today—set his intentions clearly—then build his prototype step by step, leaving undeniable proof at every stage. That way, no one could question him.
So he spoke, firmly:
“Jin Jun senior, I’m not declining because I’m giving up. I’ve already decided to begin refining the Tian Ri Huang Shen Prototype Machine soon. And when I do, we’ll be in direct competition.”
Silence fell across the lab.
Zi Wen Zhen stared at Zhang Yu, stunned. Direct competition with Jin Jun? He’s insane.
Ye Xingli’s expression flickered—she hadn’t expected this.
Zhang Yu’s from Civil Engineering, but he’s no fool. Why would he say this? Could he… actually be serious?
Jin Jun, however, just smiled—calmly, almost amused.
“Zhang Yu,” he said, “if you want to refuse, just say so. No need to fabricate excuses.”
Zhang Yu didn’t smile. His voice remained steady.
“I’m not joking. I should be able to complete the prototype by my final year.”
“And since you’re doing it too, I didn’t want to hide it. You’d find out eventually anyway.”
Jin Jun felt the weight of Zhang Yu’s tone. Slowly, his smile deepened.
He wasn’t laughing at the idea.
He was laughing at the absurdity—of the sheer audacity.
Of the fact that this transfer student, from another department, had just declared war on him—before the battle even began.
And somehow… it made the game even more interesting.
(End of Chapter)
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