Chapter 596: Arriving at the Floating Continent, Wild Heaven Tilting

Chapter 596: Arrival at the Floating Continent, The Raging Sky

Bai Zhenzhen: "I cultivate the Sword of Ultimate Passion, solely so that I might never harm Yuzi in the days to come."

"I fear that if my flying sword were too ferocious, I might accidentally wound him when we meet at the Top Ten League."

She gazed at the blade before her: "This sword is so tranquil; I find it quite perfect."

The Seven Emotions God-Monarch said coldly: "If you want it, take it. Consider it a gift; there is no need to return it, for I have long since ceased to desire it."

Bai Zhenzhen was momentarily stunned by these words, a strange sensation stirring in her heart.

"Did Master just... get angry?"

...

While the top students of various universities were busy making final preparations before the tournament,

At Wanfa University,

Today was the day Zhang Yu would leave the University City to head toward the arena of the Top Ten League.

He was currently directing his assistants in the loading of equipment and materials.

Liu Xiangqiao looked on, surprised: "Boss, we are taking all of this?"

Zhang Yu nodded, as if it were the most natural thing in the world: "Take everything I marked on the list. I can continue my artifact refining once we arrive."

He glanced at the Azure Water Golden Crystal Armor resting on the experimental bench.

Composed of countless metal plates mimicking the scales of a demonic beast, the armor floated silently in the air like a discarded hide.

Though Zhang Yu had rushed day and night, pouring in vast sums of spirit coins and his entire focus—even increasing his laboratory staff to seven—time had ultimately proven too short.

Thus far, he had barely managed to refine the armor to a Level 10 standard.

"Just a little more, just a little more to reach Level 11."

"I must at least push this armor to the Foundation Establishment level."

To this end, beyond renting a flying vessel like the others, Zhang Yu had also leased laboratory equipment, intending to install it on the ship so he could continue his work upon arrival.

The Top Ten League would not conclude in a day or two; it might span one or two months, and Zhang Yu believed there would be ample time to cultivate and refine during that period.

In truth, the ten members of the school team had varying needs and circumstances, each traveling by different means and arranging their own accommodations for the duration of the tournament.

Zhang Yu, to satisfy the requirements of his experimental gear, had rented a massive flying vessel, the cost of which far exceeded that of a standard craft.

Between the two hundred spirit coins spent on the "Heavenly Calamity Formless Heart Weapon," the investment in the armor, the increased wages for his assistants, and the rental fees for the ship and equipment,

Zhang Yu’s savings had plummeted. His once-impressive fortune of over 700 spirit coins had dwindled to a mere 150.

"Sigh, artifact refining truly burns through money like water."

Yet, Zhang Yu understood that this was because he had devoted himself entirely to self-improvement rather than profit; otherwise, his coffers would be much fuller.

Just then, several figures appeared before him.

"You all..."

Seeing Yu Xinghan, Le Mulan, Shi Huaiyu, Xiao Qingxuan, Shi Yunxiang, Ying Xin, and the others, a look of surprise crossed Zhang Yu’s face.

"Didn't you all go to work overtime?"

Yu Xinghan smiled: "We discussed it and decided to come see you off."

"Overtime can be done any day."

"But a Top Ten League of this scale—we might only see it once in a lifetime."

Le Mulan said with a touch of shyness: "Zhang Yu, I brought you some medicine."

She worried that the current Zhang Yu might no longer value the potions she had painstakingly brewed.

Zhang Yu quickly took them: "Thanks, these will be very useful."

Shi Huaiyu added: "Boss Zhang, once you bring back a high ranking, our company will be buried in so much work we won't be able to finish it all."

Shi Yunxiang warned: "Be careful if you encounter contestants from Sky Demon University; you’ve already made their 'Must-Eat' discrimination list..."

Xiao Qingxuan: "I’ve sent you some tips on 'breaking through,' but times change—use them as a reference, don't follow them blindly..."

Ying Xin: Grandfather, you must listen to the Boss. If there is work, be sure to scramble for it. The leadership sees everything; you must maintain a good impression...

After bidding farewell to his colleagues and watching them depart, Zhang Yu thought to himself: "These guys... they usually fear a single minute of overtime, yet they came all this way."

"They’re all counting on me, their boss, to lead them to success, aren't they?"

Just as Zhang Yu boarded the vessel, another figure appeared before him.

Zhang Yu’s expression tightened: "Teacher!"

Director Gao nodded at him: "Is everything prepared?"

Zhang Yu nodded: "Everything is ready."

Director Gao: "Do you know the assembly point? The tournament grounds are quite vast."

Zhang Yu replied: "Don't worry, Teacher, True Monarch An Zhen provided the navigation." After a few words of caution, Director Gao leaned in, shielding his voice from the assistants, and whispered: "Is your money sufficient?"

Zhang Yu smiled: "Don't worry, Teacher, it is enough."

Director Gao patted Zhang Yu on the shoulder and turned to leave, but Zhang Yu suddenly called out: "Teacher..."

Director Gao looked back: "Yes?"

Zhang Yu said: "On the field of the Top Ten League, I will defeat my opponents with Earth-Wood skills. Our department will shine brilliantly this time."

Director Gao’s frame trembled slightly. He replied indifferently: "Just focus on the matches. Use whatever works; don't think about such trivialities."

Watching the flying vessel grow smaller until it became a mere black speck, Director Gao thought to himself: "If he hadn't transferred departments..."

"Magnetic Pole?"

Director Gao glanced at the projection of True Monarch Magnetic Pole beside him: "Since you're here, why not greet your student?"

True Monarch Magnetic Pole replied coolly: "You were chatting quite enthusiastically when I arrived. Besides, I can play with my student every day; giving you a few minutes is no matter."

Director Gao opened his mouth, then let out a cold snort and turned away.

True Monarch Magnetic Pole laughed: "Isn't it good that he wants the Earth-Wood department to shine? It seems he still feels guilty about the transfer."

Director Gao paused, then added: "If he hadn't transferred, he might truly have been delayed."

"Zhang Yu needs a broader stage. Only then can he earn higher returns, command more wealth, and generate greater benefits for us."

"For him, and for us, this is the optimal choice."

...

Meanwhile,

Aboard the vessel, Zhang Yu watched the University City fade from view.

Within his sea of consciousness, various magical treasures were linked to his spirit.

Beyond the Heavenly Sun Radiance, the twenty-four Taihao Sacred Law swords, and the Azure Water Golden Crystal Armor,

He had brought along the Taiyi Golden Liquid Pill, the Earth Fiend Bottle, the Gold-Threaded Jade Disc, and the Sun-Moon Heaven-Piercing Bracelets—all to ensure he could give his absolute best in the Top Ten League.

Meanwhile, Zhao Tianxing, Mo Tianyi, Che Yufei, Hu Yuntao, and the ancestor of the Ying clan—all soul cultivators—resided within their respective artifacts, following Zhang Yu toward the tournament grounds.

Zhao Tianxing was a whirlwind of agitation and nerves: "I... I never imagined that one day, I would actually participate in the Top Ten League."

Mo Tianyi mused to himself: "Finally, I have gained a foothold on the second level. Can I say that I have realized the dreams of my high school years?"

Che Yufei remarked: "Apart from Zhang Yu, who on this ship could have possibly foreseen this?"

Che Yufei sighed: "Shi Yunxiang, who survived, is still working overtime at the construction site, yet I, who went bankrupt and died, am now here to compete in the Top Ten League."

Hu Yuntao thought: "I wonder if the news of this will reach those on the first level."

On the other side, Zhang Yu had already retreated into the laboratory of the flying vessel, resuming the refinement of the Azure Water Gold Crystal Armor.

...

Even at the vessel's top speed, it took a full day and night to reach the site of the Top Ten League.

A colossal floating island emerged before Zhang Yu, drifting silently in the void like a continent unto itself.

This suspended landmass was complete with mountains, waters, hills, and ranges, resembling a miniature world in its own right.

Zhang Yu knew this was a venue constructed by several universities specifically for this tournament.

The floating continent was vast enough to withstand the unrestrained displays of the students' talents, ensuring no property damage would lead to claims for compensation.

After consulting the map, Zhang Yu ordered the pilot to steer toward the rendezvous point provided by True Monarch An Zhen.

It was located in the northern reaches of the floating continent, where Zhang Yu could see a peak piercing the sky like a sword from afar, surrounded by various flying vessels and palaces, each broadcasting the spiritual signals of schools, teachers, and students—clearly the participants of this event.

Yet, even from a distance, Zhang Yu sensed two overwhelming surges of mana being released without restraint.

He leaped into the air, channeling the Heaven Kunlun Mountain-Moving Divine Power to close the distance, only to find two factions locked in a tense standoff.

On one side stood Dao Qiankun, leading students from the Myriad Dharma, Vajra, and Heavenly Sword universities; Zhang Yu noted that Bai Zhenzhen was among them.

Opposite them stood a woman, backed by contestants from the Heavenly Demon, Netherworld, and White Bone universities.

Zhang Yu paused, puzzled by the woman: "The strongest from the Heavenly Demon side, the one who should be matching Dao Qiankun, is Kuang Tianqing? Who is this woman..."

The next moment, the spiritual signal emanating from the woman made Zhang Yu realize: "This woman is Kuang Tianqing?"

Dao Qiankun looked at her, voicing the very question Zhang Yu held: "Kuang Tianqing, have you taken the path of dual cultivation?"

Kuang Tianqing sneered, replying coldly: "I merely sought further advancement, so I went to the Joyous Union University to receive tutelage from the eight Divine Monarchs of the four great institutions, mastering the essence of their techniques."

Meeting the gazes of the students—filled with a mixture of shock and envy—she laughed, then spoke with an air of haughty superiority: "Immortal scum, do you wish to cultivate with me as well?"

"If you are willing to surrender and forfeit your eligibility, I might just consider indulging you in a session of cultivation."

With a burst of seductive laughter, the students present felt their consciousness tremble, unable to suppress the stirrings of base desire rising within their hearts.