Chapter 372: Parting, Civil Engineering Competition Begins

Chapter 372: Parting Ways, The Civil Engineering Competition Begins

Wen Wuyai swept a glance at Ji Yuanxu and said indifferently, "I am looking for Zhang Yu. Is he not here?"

Ji Yuanxu was slightly stunned, failing to grasp why this man sought Zhang Yu. He opened his mouth, hoping to engage in further conversation to probe for reasons and perhaps add him as a contact.

But Wen Wuyai frowned, finding the man before him insufferably noisy.

Having encountered many such sycophants, he already possessed a practiced method for dealing with them.

Immobilization Talisman, simplified version—activate!

As Wen Wuyai’s intent flickered, the talisman took effect silently, binding Ji Yuanxu in an instant.

Ji Yuanxu’s body jolted, and he stood frozen, unable to move a muscle.

"Please remain standing still and silent; 3 spirit coins will be awarded in 2 minutes and 59 seconds."

"Please remain standing still and silent; 3 spirit coins will be awarded in 2 minutes and 58 seconds."

Watching the text float across his retinal display, a flicker of struggle crossed Ji Yuanxu’s eyes, but he ultimately chose to stand firm and hold his tongue.

Had this been months ago, he might have fought to break the seal, but now, struggling under the backlash of his own destiny, he was desperately short on funds.

"Besides, the immobilization talisman is merely a warning."

"If I truly break free, what awaits me next... will likely not be spirit coins."

Thinking this, Ji Yuanxu silently chose to endure.

Feeling his internal cultivation method waver, he quickly reasoned to himself: "Look at it from another angle. It is not that Wen Wuyai used 3 spirit coins to pin me down, but that he paid 3 spirit coins for me to let him pass."

"Standing for three minutes to earn 3 spirit coins—is this not, in its own way, a victory?"

As Ji Yuanxu continued to rationalize, his cultivation method gradually stabilized.

A hint of joy surfaced in his heart: "Very well. Is the low point of life not a form of tempering? I shall use this to hone my Dao heart, making my thoughts ever more seamless and flawless, so my cultivation may adapt to any circumstance."

"To shine in the Finance Department, one needs this kind of indomitable, never-say-die, eternally optimistic spirit."

Meanwhile, Wen Wuyai had reached Gongshu Jin and the others, asking, "Do you know where Zhang Yu is?"

Gongshu Jin, Ying Xin, and the others exchanged glances, stunned that this disciple of a Transformation-stage master had come specifically for Zhang Yu.

Ying Xin spoke first: "Zhang Yu should be at the construction site."

Wen Wuyai’s gaze shifted: "Lead the way."

As the group guided Wen Wuyai, Li Xiao glanced back at the motionless Ji Yuanxu, wondering, "What is wrong with him? Was he crushed by Wen Wuyai?"

Watching Ji Yuanxu’s lonely back, Li Xiao felt as if he were seeing himself, sighing, "If you cannot fit into a circle, you shouldn't force your way in."

...

"Faster... faster! Yuzi!"

"Hoo!" Bai Zhenzhen took a deep breath, feeling her True Spirit Root finally return and stabilize.

She suddenly frowned, saying, "Why does this change feel so profound?"

Zhang Yu thought to himself that it was because he had repeatedly cycled through all his chain-talisman sets, obsessively observing the changes in the Green Lotus Sword Embryo.

But he could not tell Bai Zhenzhen these things.

Holding her, Zhang Yu said, "Knowing you were leaving, I pushed my True Spirit Root to the limit tonight; perhaps the stimulation was a bit much."

Hearing his answer, Bai Zhenzhen embraced him back: "Yuzi, I have to go."

"You must cultivate hard, study well, and transfer from the Civil Engineering Department to the Artifact Refining Department soon."

Bai Zhenzhen looked steadily at Zhang Yu, saying earnestly, "Don't forget, you promised me we would compete in the Top Ten League together."

Zhang Yu nodded solemnly: "Rest assured, A-Zhen. I will not only compete, I will stand at the pinnacle of the Top Ten League and claim the rights to use Immortal-tier techniques."

If anyone else heard this, they would surely laugh until their teeth fell out, mocking Zhang Yu’s arrogance.

But Bai Zhenzhen listened intently to every word.

Having spent three years in high school with him, she understood Zhang Yu better than anyone.

She knew he possessed talent beyond anyone’s imagination.

Beneath his calm exterior lay the ambition to scale the peak of the Immortal Dao and even break into the Great Sects.

Whether facing True Gods, CEO Wang, or any wealthy elite... Bai Zhenzhen could feel that deep within Zhang Yu’s seemingly humble heart, he had never truly surrendered.

Listening to him now, she couldn't help but smile: "Yuzi, you are always like this—daring to set goals that others wouldn't even dream of, goals that sound entirely impossible."

"But I truly believe you have a chance at success."

Just then, Zhang Yu checked the messages on his retina and raised an eyebrow: "Yu Xinghan sent word; Wen Wuyai went to the site to find me."

Bai Zhenzhen sighed: "I suppose it is time."

"Yuzi, I will wait for you at the Top Ten League."

Zhang Yu felt her squeeze him tightly, and the next moment, she vanished amidst a flurry of electric sparks.

He brushed his hand through the air, still feeling the lingering warmth of her body.

"A-Zhen..."

...

At the 667th-floor construction site.

Wen Wuyai looked at Zhang Yu: "...Did Zhenzhen not come to find you?"

"Where on earth did she go? The departure time has already passed."

Just then, Wen Wuyai received a message from the team leader; Bai Zhenzhen had returned to the group.

With a nod of farewell to Zhang Yu, he prepared to leave.

Before departing, he patted Zhang Yu’s shoulder: "I must continue to trouble you with that matter."

"Rest assured, as long as I see results, spirit coins will not be an issue."

Gongshu Jin, Ying Xin, and the others watched the two chatting amiably, their hearts filled with astonishment.

Ying Xin thought, shocked: "The Senior Brother has already established a connection with a successor of a Transformation-stage master?"

She thought of snapping a photo with her retina—a photo of Zhang Yu with him, and later one of herself with Zhang Yu, effectively making it a secondary connection.

But checking the image, she found Wen Wuyai’s figure had turned into an unrecognizable blur of pixels.

Ying Xin thought to herself: "A warding talisman? Sigh, without permission, I cannot capture his image."

On the other side, Gongshu Jin reported the situation to Tu Lishan.

Tu Lishan was shocked and relayed the intelligence to Director Gao.

Involving a Transformation-stage Lord, Director Gao immediately messaged Zhang Yu.

Director Gao: How do you know Wen Wuyai?

Zhang Yu: Met at a banquet. He was interested in civil engineering and asked me some questions, so I answered.

Zhang Yu: One thing led to another, and we added each other as contacts.

Director Gao paused, a flicker of surprise crossing his face: Wen Wuya was interested in civil engineering?

Just as the director harbored deep skepticism, Zhang Yu forwarded the chat logs between himself and Wen Wuya.

Wen Wuya: What factors influence the load-bearing capacity of a foundation?

Wen Wuya: What measures can enhance a structure's seismic resistance?

Wen Wuya: Are there any other fascinating tales from the history of civil engineering?

Wen Wuya: Tell me a few more.

Scanning the series of messages Wen Wuya had sent to Zhang Yu, Director Gao could not help but sigh, "What a promising talent for civil engineering."

"Alas, it is a pity he was snatched away by the Sky Sword University for their Flying Sword Department."

"Though, perhaps it is for the best; had he truly joined our department, the civil engineering competitions of the coming years would have been a nightmare."

Director Gao understood now that the bond between Zhang Yu and the Nascent Soul disciple was tenuous, little more than a passing acquaintance.

"Still, it is a direct line to a Nascent Soul deity at Sky Sword University; having it is better than having nothing at all."

He knew that at Sky Sword University, the militant faction held absolute sway, eager to see the first ten levels plunged into chaos so they might peddle their flying swords to every faction.

After a moment's thought, Director Gao replied: If anyone asks about today, tell them you and Wen Wuya are friends.

Director Gao: As for how you met, say I forbade you from speaking of it.

Zhang Yu: Understood, sir.

Director Gao: Whenever you have the time, try to chat with Wen Wuya more often.

Hardly had the director ended his call with Zhang Yu when a message arrived from True Monarch Magnetic Pole.

True Monarch Magnetic Pole: Old Gao, have you made contact with the Nascent Soul of Sky Sword University?

Gao smiled as he read the message.

"Heh, seeing Zhang Yu and Wen Wuya talking, many will surely assume it is not Zhang Yu's doing, but rather my influence, believing that two such disparate disciples must be acting as proxies for their respective masters."

Director Gao replied: You could say that.

He knew the True Monarch had long been obsessed with Sky Sword University's techniques for forging flying swords, and held many opinions on their strategies for the University Wars.

True to form, upon seeing the reply, the True Monarch sent a flurry of messages in succession.

Director Gao chuckled to himself.

...

Meanwhile.

Ji Yuanshu also received a message from Director Lin.

Director Lin: Has Wen Wuya of Sky Sword University come to see Zhang Yu?

Ji Yuanshu: Yes, I saw it with my own eyes.

Director Lin thought to himself: "That old fool Gao, has he truly entangled himself with those lunatics at Sky Sword University?"

"Is he so desperate to drag the Ten Thousand Dharmas into the mire?"

"And this Zhang Yu, being tasked with such a mission—it seems he is truly favored."

At the same time, Ji Yuanshu sent another message: Master, how shall we arrange the competition?

Director Lin: I will handle the order for the civil engineering competition.

Director Lin: Ensure Zhang Yu's team is eliminated in the very first round.

Ji Yuanshu’s gaze sharpened, his eyes igniting with a fierce, burning resolve.

"It is finally here."

"My chance to wash away my shame and reclaim my destiny."

Moments later, loan applications from various platforms flickered across Ji Yuanshu’s vision, as he liquidated the last remnants of his immortal potential to fuel his ambition.

He poured everything he had into preparing for the coming battle.

In the blink of an eye, several days passed, and early December arrived—the day the departmental civil engineering competition began.

Seeking monthly votes.

(End of chapter)