Chapter 90: The Underground Tutoring World

Chapter 90: The Underground Tutoring World (Sponsored by Patron 'Sleepy Xiaohu')

Faced with Zhang Yu's fierce, battle-ready aura, the Cloth Doll Deity mused inwardly: "Just two months apart, and this Zhang Yu's willpower and bearing have transformed so drastically? What hidden potential has he awakened?"

In the past, the Cloth Doll Deity wouldn't have flinched at Zhang Yu's threats—she’d had countless ways to crush him. But now, weakened and desperate to reclaim her Kunxu Realm power, she thought: "Beggars don’t fear the well-heeled. No need to brawl with this penniless brat. Let me dangle a carrot and lead him along."

Softening her tone, she cooed, "No need for hostility, Zhang Yu. I’m here to deliver a heaven-sent opportunity."

Zhang Yu cut to his lingering question: "Was Zhou Tianyi sent by you?"

"Zhou Tianyi? Who’s that?" She dismissed it, pressing her own agenda: "After I awakened your potential, you achieved greatness. Don’t you want to push further?"

Potential again? Zhang Yu recalled the Feather Book’s incomplete table of contents. Hadn’t he suspected its "Prologue" hinted at hidden chapters? Now, the Cloth Doll Deity’s words confirmed it.

"So my limits aren’t exhausted yet", he realized. "If the Feather Book hadn’t held me back, my scores and competitions would’ve soared even higher."

A wry inner sigh: "Hmph. All this time, I’ve been shackled by the Feather Book."

His brief silence looked like acquiescence to the Cloth Doll Deity. Seizing the moment, she urged, "Cooperate with me to conquer the Kunxu Realm. With my aid, you’ll stand atop this world, ascend to immortality, and claim boundless wealth and power."

Zhang Yu, ever wary of the Ebon Deity, scoffed at her flattery. More pressing was his wish: "Can I revoke my wish?"

The Cloth Doll Deity denied it flatly, but Zhang Yu saw through her. After tense back-and-forth, he pressed, "This Ritual Force feels like a glitched program. You must’ve left a loophole."

The Ebon Deity sighed: "Revoking the wish would leave me defenseless. Would you spare me then?" She shook her head. "Let’s focus on mutual survival. Unrealistic demands won’t help either of us."

The Cloth Doll Deity now recognized Zhang Yu’s transformation. No longer the timid student, he’d become a steel-willed force, armed with mutual destruction. Relenting, she offered, "Fine—I’ll rescind the kneeling wish."

"And releasing me from your wish", Zhang Yu countered.

"Fine, both gone", she relented. Moments later, Zhang Yu exited cultivation—his bonds indeed lifted.

"Now let me down", she said. "Let’s negotiate properly."

Zhang Yu chuckled. "Holding you is my only leverage. Why would I loosen my grip?"

The Cloth Doll Deity inwardly groaned: "Not a shred of trust."

As Zhang Yu tightened his grip, she gasped when Formless Cloud Qi erupted from him—billowing like mist.

"Infinite Cloud Hands Level 10? Already? Two months ago he was nothing!"

Zhang Yu coldly confirmed: "This Qi can strike you anytime. Understand?"

The Cloth Doll Deity’s gaze sharpened. "His potential’s even vaster than I thought. Perfect. With him, I’ll reclaim my lost throne."

She renewed her offer: "I’ll boost your power. Just carry me to the Kunxu Realm’s peak."

Zhang Yu tightened his grip. "How do I keep you close?"

Smirking, she shrank into a thumb-sized black bead. He strung it around his neck, asking, "Will anyone sense you’re an Ebon Deity?"

"Even weakened, hiding’s my specialty", she laughed.

"Good", Zhang Yu nodded. "Now—boost my power."

"Not so fast", she smirked. "First, help me hunt another Ebon Deity here. Devouring them will unlock your potential."

Zhang Yu crushed her bead. "You’re joking? I’m just a freshman!"

"Not now", she wheedled. "Wait until you’re stronger. But two Ebons lurk at Songyang and Bailong High Schools. Their followers hide nearby."

Zhang Yu rolled his eyes. "Typical empty talk." He opened his phone, seeking side jobs. After tasting Primordial Chaos Pills, he refused to train empty-handed.

"Chaos Pills speed my Physical Strength gains by 80-90%. No way I’m going back to barebones training."

The Ebon Deity, ignored, perched on his shoulder. "He needs to rely on me", she schemed. Suddenly, she purred, "Looking to earn fast cash?"

"Obviously", Zhang Yu muttered.

"Legit routes won’t cut it", she sneered. "Big corps will bleed you dry for scraps. Real money breaks rules—enters the Dark Tutoring World."

"Dark Tutoring?" Zhang Yu frowned. "Fraud? Loan sharks?"

"Pfft. Every outfit does that", she spat. "I mean illegal tutoring—no license, no copyright, no rules. Just teach and pocket the cash. Your Infinite Cloud Hands Level 10 qualifies perfectly."

Zhang Yu blanched. "You want me to defy the sects and martial arts corporations? Robbing banks would be safer!"

"Playing it safe won’t make you rich", she scoffed. "The Dark Tutoring elites rake in millions yearly. Your choice: starve working 9-to-5, or take risks and feast."

Zhang Yu hesitated. The Kunxu Realm’s dangers were no secret.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end