Chapter 173: Zhang Yu's Production Tool

Chapter 173: Zhang Yu’s Production Tool

“We have learned that you have a debt whose interest is due next month; coincidentally we are running an installment plan with a fee discount…”

Bai Zhenzhen hung up, thinking of the over twenty‑thousand yuan interest due next month, and of the less‑than‑ten‑thousand yuan sitting in her bank account, feeling that she could no longer lie down in complacency.

“Alas… it was good to have passed the first round of the Foundation‑building exam.”

“But the money is all spent.”

The pressure of repayment, the fierceness of the exams, the bleakness of the future… all these things instantly diluted the joy Bai Zhenzhen had felt in passing the first round and in acquiring the Endless Sword Technique for free.

Though the tutoring income barely allowed her to service the loan while sustaining the most basic cultivation expenses…

…the moment she recalled the opponents in the Foundation‑building exam, Bai Zhenzhen was struck by the stark realization that her most elementary practice was woefully insufficient.

“If you want to keep advancing at breakneck speed, you have to splash the cash! Splash the cash! Splash even more!”

“So after we return, how shall we earn a fortune?”

After a moment of contemplation, Bai Zhenzhen poured her worries into a conversation with Zhang Yu.

Then a cold glint flashed across her face as she said, “Yu‑zi, why don’t we simply join the Dark Studies Guild officially and fight in gang wars for profit?”

At this moment Bai Zhenzhen’s strength had risen to the level of a senior high‑schooler, reaching the late stage of Qi‑refining, bolstered by a true spirit root, ten‑level techniques after several derivations, and she also bore the Endless Sword Technique, lending her words a chilling, lethal aura.

Zhang Yu furrowed his brow and asked, “Joining gang battles… officially infiltrating a gang?”

He worried, “Would that mean killing people?”

Bai Zhenzhen nodded, sharing his concern, “Killing is indeed…”

“Alas,” she sighed, “the Dark Studies Guild may guarantee safety, but after the killing… what if the compensation exceeds the profit?”

Are you really worried about that?

Zhang Yu looked at Bai Zhenzhen helplessly; even after nearly a year of living here, he sometimes could not keep up with the local minds of the Kunxu natives.

Bai Zhenzhen continued, “Then perhaps… I could take part in technique modification? Or we could simply sell what we learned this time?”

“Such a big commodity would surely fetch a tidy sum, right?”

At that thought, Bai Zhenzhen’s eyes began to sparkle.

Zhang Yu understood; she intended to pirate the Endless Sword Technique for profit?

Zhang Yu sighed helplessly, “Why does it keep sounding more criminal, more dangerous? Such a precious technique, if it falls into the wrong hands, it’s over.”

Bai Zhenzhen replied matter‑of‑factly, “People like us, poor as we are, can we ever make big money without taking risks? Safe and lucrative jobs—are they ever meant for us“If we hadn’t learned something valuable this time, we wouldn’t even be able to attempt this work!”

Zhang Yu sighed again, helpless, “Give me some time to think.”

He had once believed that stronger power would allow him to earn more through tutoring and the like.

Yet after witnessing the might of the Xian‑du elders, Zhang Yu felt ever more that money was still insufficient.

So for the next steps, Zhang Yu wanted to consult someone.

A moment later, while Bai Zhenzhen was in the restroom, Fu Ji was roused by Zhang Yu.

“Huh…” Fu Ji moaned lazily, then said, “How’s it going? You passed the first round of the Foundation‑building exam, right?”

Zhang Yu nodded and gave a brief account of the situation.

Hearing this, Fu Ji’s heart leapt; as an experienced con‑artist deity, she instantly sensed from Zhang Yu’s words the anxiety he felt about the upcoming exam.

In her mind she thought, “That kid won’t hold out long; he’ll soon hunt down my colleague to further unlock his potential.”

Fu Ji fully understood, for merely from Zhang Yu’s description she could feel the formidable strength of those Xian‑du students.

Especially the 23rd and the 11th that Zhang Yu mentioned—those were leagues ahead.

When she heard Zhang Yu’s ideas about making money, Fu Ji said outright, “Delving deep into the dark tutoring world is indeed a decent path.”

“But modifying techniques, deriving new ones—that water is too deep; with your current strength you can’t grasp it.”

Zhang Yu asked, “What about becoming a star instructor of the Dark Studies Guild? At our current level… how much could we earn?”

Fu Ji replied, “To become a star instructor, you must also face gang conflicts.”

“For instance, rival teachers might challenge you, local gangs could launch assaults, and corporate security might give chase…”

“The more you earn as a star instructor, the greater your fame, and the fiercer the attacks you’ll endure; consequently you’ll need ever‑greater power.”

Yet again lacking strength? Zhang Yu realized the discussion kept circling back.

At that moment Fu Ji said, “Honestly, with your terrifying potential, a little boost would, in my view, be enough to pass the Foundation exam even if you never made a fortune.”

“Instead of sinking into gang wars while under‑powered…”

“Better to elevate your own potential.”

Zhang Yu recognized she was again speaking of hunting deities and enhancing potential.

This time Zhang Yu did not object; he only asked, “To hunt your colleague, we need his intel—what’s your plan?”

Fu Ji’s eyes lit up, and she immediately laid out her scheme: “The shadow‑pest he planted last time has been fully absorbed by me.”

“The command he embedded within that pest is set to transmit a message when you log into the Hall of Inquiry.”

“If we follow Yu Xinghan and, like before, log into the Spirit Realm’s Hall of Inquiry once more, I can feed him false information.”

“Through that false message we can set a trap, lure him out, and uncover his identity and strength.”

“Then we’ll seize the chance to trace his trail back, and when the moment is right, crush him mercilessly…”

Zhang Yu said, “That brings us back to my earlier question.” “Even with Yu Xinghan’s route, logging in costs a hundred thousand yuan.”

“Where do I find that kind of money now?”

“So we still have to work and save first…”

Fu Ji, already prepared, replied, “You want to cultivate and also work; how long will you keep hoarding money? The next exam is only two months away.”

“I’ve thought of a scheme that can earn you some pocket money.”

Zhang Yu asked curiously, “What scheme?”

Fu Ji smiled mysteriously, “You possess something unique on your body that can fetch a good price.”

Zhang Yu was taken aback; after a moment of thought his face hardened, and in a lowered voice he said, “You’re telling me… you want me castrated? Then sell that thing?”

In that instant Zhang Yu realized the first thought in his mind was, damn, how much could that thing sell for?

He muttered inwardly, “Born, Zhang Yu! What have you become? To betray your own flesh for a few stinking coins? Where has your shame fled? Where is that noble Earthly soul of yours?”

“Alas, how many Earthlings can come here without losing their minds? This is merely a pragmatic step toward the immortal path.”

Just as Zhang Yu felt a surge of shame at his own thoughts, Fu Ji interjected, “Are you sick? Why would I ask you to sell that?”

Zhang Yu exhaled in relief, yet seeing the deity’s rebuke, his sense of shame swelled even more, for her integrity seemed higher than his.

Fu Ji said, “This is a production tool! A goose that lays golden eggs! How could you simply dig it up and sell the root?”

You… Zhang Yu realized he had overestimated the deity’s character; he frowned and said, “You… you want me to… go sell it?”

“Sell one’s own flesh?”

“Could this earn more than tutoring?”

Blessed Maiden grew increasingly speechless, saying, “How could a job with no technical skill ever earn more than tutoring?”

She, frustrated as iron that won’t become steel, said, “I want you to sell your essence, to produce some protein to sell.”

“Huh?” Zhang Feather was shocked. “Can that be sold for money?”

Blessed Maiden replied, “Of course it depends on whose protein it is, and to whom you sell it.”

“At the very least, with your current performance, selling to Red Tower Ranch for pocket money shouldn’t be a problem.”

“Because your rate of improvement shows a certain potential and talent.”

“They’ll be interested in your bloodline and genes.”

“Besides, don’t you have an acquaintance at Red Tower High School? Let him set you up.”

Blessed Maiden chuckled, “As for whether Red Tower Ranch could gain anything from your protein, that’s clearly impossible.”

“Your strength comes from the potential I’ve awakened, and it has nothing to do with your lineage or genes.”

……

Protected Area.

Inside the incubation chamber of the breeding base.

While practicing breathing, Bear Wenwu felt his phone vibrate; upon opening it, he saw a message from Zhang Feather.

Zhang Feather: I want to sell my **

……

Zhang Feather stared at the message Bear Wenwu had sent.

Bear Wenwu: You haven’t been neutered?

Zhang Feather: I underwent a restorative surgery.

Bear Wenwu: Oh.

Bear Wenwu: I won’t take it.

Zhang Feather, furious, said to Blessed Maiden, “Look, they simply won’t take it!”

Blessed Maiden replied, “Why the haste? This is a gray area in Red Tower; just talk to him as I instructed.”

So Zhang Feather sent another message to Bear Wenwu.

Zhang Feather: I’m asking if you could set me up, see whether Red Tower Ranch would accept it.

Zhang Feather: I’ll send over the physical data I recorded during the last monthly exam.

Zhang Feather: I’m an absolutely outstanding male high schooler; could you ask if your company is interested?

After a while, Bear Wenwu replied.

Bear Wenwu: Tomorrow at eight, on the 32nd floor of the Red Tower Building in the city center, go find Manager Bear Haohan; he’ll talk with you.

Zhang Feather: Thanks!! Once I sell more and make money, I’ll definitely thank you.

Nearby, White Truly returned to her seat, watching Zhang Feather’s happy demeanor, and asked, “Feather, did you win a prize?”

Zhang Feather chuckled, “Ah Zhen, do you know what sets me apart from you?”

White Truly asked, “Huh?”

Zhang Feather smiled proudly, “I have production tools, and you don’t.”

After hearing Zhang Feather’s explanation, White Truly looked at him with envy, “Your broken root actually comes in handy.”

Early the next morning, Zhang Feather arrived at the 32nd floor of the Red Tower Building; after stating his purpose at the reception, he was ushered into a small conference room to wait.

(End of Chapter)