Chapter 340: Heart-Hammering Residence

Chapter 340: The Hammerheart Abode

Zhang Yu gazed at the new layer of effect from the Qi Vein Long Flow, his eyes narrowing slightly as he immediately began to experiment.

He circulated the magical power within his body, transforming it into waves of formless cloud-like energy that rose from his dantian.

In the next moment, the surging energy coalesced into three formless guardians that materialized behind him.

As these three formless guardians began to practice the various martial arts Zhang Yu had mastered, punching and kicking with precision, the magical power within his body was rapidly depleted.

Yet Zhang Yu keenly sensed that, under the influence of this new layer of Qi Vein Long Flow, the rate of depletion was significantly slower than before.

He thought to himself, "There must be additional losses during the circulation of magical power. When energy operates outside the body, the losses are even greater."

"But with the enhancement of this layer of Qi Vein Long Flow, the reduced losses mean my magical power is more durable."

"Combined with the original magical power recovery speed boost from Qi Vein Long Flow..."

As he pondered, with a mere thought, two more formless guardians appeared and began operating at full capacity.

After several attempts, Zhang Yu confirmed that, with the support of Qi Vein Long Flow, his magical power could sustain the full operation of five formless guardians or two deep-chill guardians.

"This nearly doubles my work efficiency."

Reflecting on the second-layer effect of Qi Vein Long Flow, Zhang Yu marveled inwardly. Although it merely reduced the depletion of magical power, it felt like a qualitative leap, greatly enhancing his productivity within a given timeframe.

"I wonder what the final effect of Qi Vein Long Flow will be."

Zhang Yu calculated the time and estimated he could complete the final layer of Qi Vein Long Flow by August, meaning he would obtain all its effects before the final exams. His anticipation grew stronger.

Beyond that, he also looked forward to upgrading the Jade Star Cold Three-Eye Divine Art, achieving the unity of spirit and flesh, and mastering the second heart technique—all before the end of the semester.

"This semester, I will definitely defeat Ji Yuanshu and claim the top spot in the class."

"If I can secure first place in the academic year for three consecutive years, I’ll obtain the first three techniques of the Earth, Wood, and Three Ultimates."

Zhang Yu had long coveted Ma Xuan’s Minor Three Harmonies, and now he sighed inwardly, "Fortunately, maintaining first place in the class is enough to earn the techniques."

"It seems the university’s ranking system is quite valuable."

...

A few days later, just as Zhang Yu was thinking about showcasing his improved abilities during the next training session with the competition team, the team captain, Ma Xuan, sent him a message.

Ma Xuan: Zhang Yu, regarding the specific arrangements for next semester’s competitions, there are a few things I need to discuss with you.

Ma Xuan: You have exceptional talent, and your progress has always been rapid. I’ve always believed you could become our secret weapon.

Ma Xuan: Cong Na also admires you greatly and enjoys working with you.

Reading this, Zhang Yu felt a sense of foreboding. "Starting with so much praise doesn’t bode well."

Ma Xuan: However, there’s now a student with a higher ranking than yours who wants to join our team.

Ma Xuan: The team has unanimously decided to temporarily assign you to the substitute position.

Hearing Ma Xuan’s words, Zhang Yu was momentarily stunned, cursing inwardly, "This university is plagued by this toxic culture of prioritizing grades and rankings above all else."

"Can rankings truly reflect my full worth?"

Fu Ji remarked, "You didn’t say that when your ranking surpassed Gong Shujin last time. You can’t only see rankings as fair when you’re the one on top."

Zhang Yu curled his lip. Of course, he understood that in university, rankings were everything. Whoever had a higher ranking was in the right and had priority.

As a system measuring a university student’s value, Zhang Yu had no choice but to comply within the Ten Thousand Laws University City.

At least for now, he lacked the power to challenge this system.

In fact, he himself was a beneficiary of it.

But the substitute position...

Zhang Yu thought that if he didn’t get to play, even if the competition team achieved a high ranking, his comprehensive score increase would be minimal.

"Sigh, what a hassle."

Just as Zhang Yu was brooding, he noticed that the new team member had been added to the competition team’s group chat by Ma Xuan.

"Ji Yuanshu?"

Seeing that it was Ji Yuanshu, who ranked just above him, Zhang Yu frowned. "Just one spot higher than me."

"Come to think of it, he’s switching to the finance department to boost his comprehensive score for competitions, right?"

Ma Xuan: Welcome, Ji.

Cong Na: Welcome, welcome! 🎉🎉🎉

Bu Ziran: Long time no see, Junior Ji.

Yang Yan: Haha, Yuanshu, it’s great to have you here. We’ll definitely achieve a higher ranking next semester.

Watching the enthusiastic welcome in the group chat, Zhang Yu couldn’t help but think how different it was from when he had joined.

Seeing them chat happily in the group, Zhang Yu felt increasingly out of place.

A few days later, the competition team organized another training session, but this time, Zhang Yu wasn’t even notified.

"These guys..." Zhang Yu muttered inwardly. "It seems they’ve completely given up on me."

"I just don’t fit in with these rich kids."

"Should I switch teams?"

"Or stay here and leech some comprehensive points?"

But the next moment, Zhang Yu’s brow furrowed slightly. "Wait, if I stay on the team, no matter how many comprehensive points are added, as a substitute, I’ll definitely earn fewer points than Ji Yuanshu."

"Wouldn’t that put me at a disadvantage from the start of next semester?"

"Could he be doing this on purpose? Deliberately using this method to overshadow me and gain an advantage in rankings?"

Zhang Yu couldn’t be sure, nor could he ask Ji Yuanshu directly. Still, the thought of switching teams grew stronger.

"Forget it, I’ll focus on building my strength and preparing for the final exams."

"The registration period is still long. After the final exams, once my ranking improves, I’ll see if I can switch teams."

In the days that followed, Zhang Yu felt as if he were holding his breath, pushing himself even harder in his cultivation.

...

Time flew by, and it was already late July.

A little over a month remained until the final exams at the end of August.

In the dormitory, everyone finally received the spirit coins from their previous raid on the dark species’ territory.

Staring at the numbers in their bank accounts, their eyes gleamed with a flicker of hope.

Yu Xinghan’s face flushed with excitement as he thought joyfully, "Now I can exchange for a magic skeleton."

"But should I get a hand massage magic skeleton to improve my money-making efficiency, or a cultivation-type magic skeleton to boost my training efficiency?"

His mind immediately flooded with countless models of magic skeletons—all carefully selected and compared during the days when he couldn’t afford a new one.

Meanwhile, Le Mulan looked at the numbers in her bank account and thought, "With my own savings, I should have enough for the advanced surgery of Super Metabolism."

After reaching the second level, Le Mulan quickly discovered, under her brother’s guidance, that the companies above had long since developed advanced surgeries for Super Metabolism.

Zhang Yu also stared at the numbers displayed in his eye skeleton.

Although he had sold some mana over the past two months to supplement his income, Zhang Yu’s expenses on elixirs, spirit stones, Daoist arts, magical treasures, and the like were truly substantial in order to maintain steady progress. His savings had been dwindling steadily.

However, with today’s influx of spirit coins, the balance in his account had reached a full 42.9 and more.

For a moment, Zhang Yu felt a surge of excitement—it was the first time he had ever possessed so many spirit coins.

And then the question arose… where to spend them?

“The Taiqing Talisman from Sister’s side still requires 50 spirit coins.”

“From 42.9 spirit coins to 50 spirit coins might not seem like much, but relying solely on my current income, even if I scrimp and save and am willing to slow down my cultivation progress… it would still take two or three months to save up.”

“The key is, I don’t even know what the effects of this Taiqing Talisman are.”

Zhang Yu thought to himself, “On the other hand, if I invest in Spirit-Flesh Unity, I could immediately start cultivating a second heart technique.”

Regarding Spirit-Flesh Unity, Zhang Yu had been making attempts over these past days. Although he had made some minor progress, he had yet to see any hope of success in the short term.

This gradually led him to abandon the possibility of breaking through on his own and instead consider simply spending money to achieve it.

On one side was the Taiqing Talisman—an uncertain path that would require enduring two or three more months.

On the other side was Spirit-Flesh Unity and a second heart technique—something that could be achieved without too long a wait and with clear functionality.

Zhang Yu also considered that the final exams were just over a month away, and his current decision would affect his chances of securing first place in the class.

“Better to go for Spirit-Flesh Unity and strive for the second heart technique.”

After some contemplation, as the chilling aura of ritual power seemed to urge him not to delay, Zhang Yu finally donned the spirit interface mask. His consciousness delved into the spirit realm, and in the blink of an eye, he arrived at Hammerheart Residence.

…

An empty, pure white room.

A line of text appeared before Zhang Yu: “Hello, I am Hammerheart Residence Server Spirit 3001001. I am delighted to serve you.”

“What do you need?”

Zhang Yu said, “Spirit-Flesh Unity—the package that guarantees success for 30 spirit coins.”

As soon as Zhang Yu finished speaking, the small white room before him rapidly expanded, transforming in an instant into a landscape of pavilions and towers amidst mountains and water.

Beneath the original text, a palace-dressed beauty appeared, smiling warmly at Zhang Yu. “Hello, Mr. Zhang Yu. Please have some tea.”

Zhang Yu casually accepted the teacup offered to him. Observing how the formerly simple room had turned into a luxurious courtyard in the blink of an eye, he thought to himself, “How quickly things change. They really do treat people differently based on their status.”

“But I can’t help feeling a bit pleased… consumerism truly is a harmful trap.”

Zhang Yu asked, “First, could you explain how exactly you help me achieve Spirit-Flesh Unity?”

The other replied, “Hammerheart Residence has collected a vast amount of breakthrough experiences from cultivators. Based on your specific circumstances, we can select matching breakthrough experiences and simulate the environment in which others succeeded.”

“Once you purchase this service, you will be able to undergo one simulated breakthrough per day.”

“According to our company’s current data, the longest recorded time for a breakthrough is 29 days.”

Zhang Yu’s eyes flickered. “Are you saying that after buying this service, even the least talented person can achieve the Spirit-Flesh Unity realm after 29 simulated breakthroughs?”

The other smiled. “You could interpret it that way.”

After confirming that Zhang Yu indeed wanted to order the guaranteed Spirit-Flesh Unity service, a price list, contract, various discounts, and packages quickly appeared before him.

“No membership, no promotions, no extra services. I just want the 30 spirit coin package to achieve Spirit-Flesh Unity…”

As soon as Zhang Yu finished speaking, he hesitated upon seeing the installment payment option presented to him.

“How many installments are available?”

“12 installments, 3.3 spirit coins each? Starting deductions next month?”

Zhang Yu calculated silently: “That means paying an extra 9.6 spirit coins over a year or so?”

“With the extra spirit coins from the installment plan, could I earn an additional 9.6 spirit coins in over a year?”

While Zhang Yu pondered this, the palace-dressed beauty before him added, “If you opt for installments now, we’ll include a free heart technique compatibility test to help you determine the most suitable second heart technique for you.”

Zhang Yu made his decision. “I’ll take it.”

He understood that after achieving Spirit-Flesh Unity, choosing a second heart technique would be inevitable.

After signing the contract, Zhang Yu first underwent psychological and willpower tests.

Based on his heart technique, psychological state, Dao-heart level, and other parameters, a simulated breakthrough environment tailored to Zhang Yu’s condition was quickly generated.

(End of Chapter)