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Chapter 526: Ultimate Alchemy Genius (10/10)
(Thanks to 'Traveler' for the Alliance Lord donation)
That day, Zhang Yu arrived at Ciji Zhenjun’s Laboratory as usual, joining the ongoing research on the Hua Shen Spirit Armor—only to be suddenly interrupted by Ciji Zhenjun’s voice.
“Are you really planning to compete head-on with Jin Jun for the Tian Ri Huang Shen Military License?”
The news had already reached her ears.
Zhang Yu nodded. “Yes.”
Ciji Zhenjun paused, considering. “There are quite a few eyes watching you now—especially mine.”
“After all, I’m aiming to be recognized as a Hua Shen, but many don’t want Wanfa University to gain another one.”
“You’re my disciple. Naturally, you’re already under their scrutiny.”
“If you attend the Prototype Machine Review, expect intense attention—maybe even deliberate challenges. The standards will be stricter for you.”
She carefully chose her words, explaining the delicate situation.
For her, if Zhang Yu succeeded in securing the Tian Ri Huang Shen, it might give her a small advantage in her own Hua Shen evaluation.
But if Zhang Yu made a mistake during the process—especially one that dragged her into controversy—it could become a serious liability.
The worst-case scenario? Zhang Yu, desperate to beat Jin Jun, resorted to cheating—like proxy refining or forgery.
Though she didn’t believe Zhang Yu would be so reckless, the stakes were too high. So she decided to give him a clear warning.
Zhang Yu listened quietly, his gaze drifting to the chest of Ciji Zhenjun, where he sensed the increasingly distinct Dao Seed. He stared at the four large characters—Tiangong Kaiwu—and began to feel the information hidden within.
‘To replicate this Dao Seed, I’ll need to refine a Spirit Artifact at level 30 or higher… alongside her?’
The thought struck him. That requirement was far more demanding than any previous Dao Seed he’d encountered.
After all, at his current Alchemy level, he could barely refine a 20th-level Spirit Artifact.
“Refining a 30-level Spirit Artifact? That’s usually only possible at the Yuan Ying Period.”
‘Does that mean I have to wait until I reach Foundation Establishment before I can even attempt to replicate my teacher’s Dao Seed?’
Zhang Yu shook his head slightly. That would take far too long.
Then an idea struck him.
‘What if I become her assistant on one of her Spirit Artifact refinement projects? Would that count as fulfilling the condition?’
He thought it likely.
So he began subtly probing Ciji Zhenjun about the possibility—only to quickly realize…
There was no Alchemy project available for him to assist with.
‘The gap between us in Alchemy skill is just too vast.’
Sighing, Zhang Yu mused: ‘Is there any way to join an Alchemy project without needing high Alchemy skill?’
Just as he was lost in thought, his eyes fell on the Hua Shen Spirit Armor nearby.
A sudden spark of inspiration flared.
‘Unless… I become the experiment itself. The very thing the project needs.’
Without hesitation, Zhang Yu spoke up.
“Teacher… this Spirit Armor only has a Yin device. Doesn’t it need a Yang counterpart?”
Ciji Zhenjun glanced at him, her expression unreadable. She’d noticed his eyes darting around—clearly scheming something.
“What are you getting at?”
Zhang Yu replied, “I mean, Yin and Yang, balanced—only then can the Mutual Cultivation Great Way truly flourish. Wouldn’t a Yang device accelerate the experiment?”
Ciji Zhenjun replied dryly, “I’ve already tried that. Ordinary Spirit Armor doesn’t work.”
Zhang Yu stepped forward. “Then ordinary armor won’t do. You need something… more.”
Her eyes flickered. “You’re suggesting… refine you into a Spirit Armor?”
Zhang Yu froze. “N-no, not exactly! I just meant… use me as a reference!”
But Ciji Zhenjun murmured thoughtfully, “You’re right. We only have one experimental subject now. It’s dragging down progress.”
“If we could refine parts of your body into Spirit Armor, and replicate the design… efficiency might skyrocket.”
She smiled faintly and reached out—intent on taking a sample.
Zhang Yu quickly raised his hands. “Teacher! What if it fails? What if the Hua Shen Armor rejects the change?”
“Better to start with simulation—use my data, create a synthetic version first.”
Ciji Zhenjun paused, then nodded. “Fair point.”
Zhang Yu exhaled inwardly. ‘So… am I technically refining a Spirit Artifact alongside her now?’
---
Late July.
Inside Ye Xingli’s Laboratory, Zhang Yu’s palms crackled with electric arcs as he used the Wulei Lianji Fa to inscribe a Martial Energy Circuit onto a secondhand Spirit Artifact.
This was the tenth Alchemy Production Technique in Zhang Yu’s accumulation of Alchemy Genius.
As the final loop completed, the technique surged to the 20th level, and Zhang Yu’s Alchemy Genius unlocked its final First Layer.
Ultimate Alchemy Genius (10/10):
The more Alchemy Production Techniques mastered and the higher the technique level, the greater the Alchemy efficiency—up to a maximum of double.
Zhang Yu felt a surge of clarity.
‘Perfect. Now that I’m entering the Tian Ri Huang Shen project, I’ll need to learn countless Spirit Artifact Diagrams.’
‘Every new diagram I master will make my Alchemy speed faster. And that, in turn, will accelerate my future refinement of the Prototype Machine.’
He glanced again at the First Layer’s effect.
‘With this, my ability to learn diagrams doubles.’
‘And the Second Layer? It boosts Alchemy quality while drastically reducing material cost.’
Zhang Yu looked around the lab.
‘Time to leave. It’s time to start studying the Tian Ri Huang Shen Design Diagrams.’
At that moment, Ye Xingli finished another set of experiments, removed her hands, and handed them to Zi Wen Zhen.
These were her Hand Spirit Armor—a security measure, specifically designed for the Saiqi purification research.
Zi Wen Zhen took the hands, staring at them as if at a masterpiece. The craftsmanship was breathtaking.
After all, as a prodigy of the Alchemy Department, Ye Xingli’s Spirit Armor was a constant source of study and awe. Every glance revealed new layers of beauty.
After switching hands, Ye Xingli took out a piece of Cement—a popular snack—and took a bite with a wry face.
Zhang Yu asked, “Senior Sister… are you filming a video?”
She took two more bites before nodding. “Yeah. My audience is mostly lower-secondary and junior college students. They love watching me eat Cement.”
She then began filming her legs—glistening with starlight-like energy, perfectly showcased. The expensive, dazzling display of Spirit Armor was exactly what her fans craved.
Over time, Zhang Yu had learned that Ye Xingli had over 3 million followers on the Ling界 Network—true Network celebrity status.
In the past, cultivators dreamed of becoming sword masters, alchemists, or talisman masters.
But in the modern age, the most coveted career was being a Network celebrity.
Because it was fast, easy, and highly profitable.
As Ye Xingli put it: “I don’t know why my fans are so stupid. But whenever I post a video of my Spirit Armor, they automatically like, share, and promote it like maniacs.”
She added, “In real life, avoid lower-secondary and junior college students. But if you want to be a Network star? Then junior college students are the key.”
“They’re the largest group on campus—most eager to idolize the wealthy, crave spiritual inspiration, and seek Dao Heart fulfillment.”
She finished her snack, then glanced at her Eye Armor.
Her respect for Zhang Yu stemmed entirely from Ciji Zhenjun’s endorsement.
And after hearing Ciji Zhenjun praise Zhang Yu’s loyalty to old ties, she’d adjusted her approach—using the Poor Man Simulator to craft the most natural, fitting dialogue.
Poor Man Simulator:
Hand over the Cement and ask, “Wanna try a bite?”
Reminder: This simulator is for entertainment and research into poor mindset, speech, and reactions. Do not take it seriously—don’t actually become poor.
Warning: Once you’re poor, there’s no going back.
Ye Xingli held out the Cement. “Wanna try a bite?”
Zhang Yu shook his head. “Senior Sister, I’m leaving the lab for a while. I’m starting to study the Tian Ri Huang Shen Design Diagrams.”
To master the technical foundation, Zhang Yu planned to learn multiple Spirit Artifact Diagrams—each one a step toward mastering the entire system.
Unlike cultivation techniques, diagram practice could be accelerated within the spiritual realm.
So he decided to head straight to Taiqing Jing Acceleration.
As he said goodbye to Ye Xingli, his gaze briefly swept across the faint, fleeting Lingyun Qi Xin on her chest.
‘These past two months, we’ve spent nearly every day together… and it wasn’t wasted.’
But he knew this phase was coming to an end.
Refining the Tian Ri Huang Shen Prototype Machine required three core steps:
1. Study Spirit Artifact Diagrams and master all techniques.
2. Refine a Level 1 Prototype Machine.
3. Gradually level it up—step by step.
Zhang Yu thought: ‘To win the Military License, I’ll need at least Level 11. Ideally, Level 15 or higher—only then will my chances in the Review be strong.’
‘And I must also consider timing.’
‘If Jin Jun files his Review first, I’ll have to follow immediately. Otherwise, if he gets approved ahead of me, he’ll claim the license for next academic year—and I’ll have to wait until the one after.’
The thought spurred him forward.
After a quick farewell, Zhang Yu left the lab.
Meanwhile, Zi Wen Zhen watched from afar.
‘Zhang Yu really is going head-to-head with Jin Jun?’
‘It’s been two months since their last meeting. Now he’s just starting to learn diagrams? Can he possibly catch up?’
A few days later, Jin Jun thought of Zhang Yu again.
‘That kid hasn’t shown up at all.’
He asked Zi Wen Zhen: “Is Zhang Yu still in your lab?”
Zi Wen Zhen replied: “He left a few days ago. Said he was starting to study the Tian Ri Huang Shen diagrams.”
Jin Jun stared at the message, then let out a dry chuckle.
“Now he’s starting?”
(End of Chapter)
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