Chapter 659: Genuine Immortal Dao Stocks, Chief Engineer of the Dharma Realm (Two-in-One)

Chapter 659: The True Immortal Stocks, Chief Engineer of the Dharma Realm (Two-in-One)

Deep within the Spirit Realm.

The Divine Lord of Heavenly Evolution and Zhang Yu stood amidst a sky of azure clouds and white mist, with the Myriad Laws University City on the 671st floor sprawling below them.

Yet Zhang Yu knew this was not the true university city of reality, but an illusion within the Spirit Realm, a simulated environment.

Gazing down at the bustling campus, the Divine Lord of Heavenly Evolution spoke slowly, "Zhang Yu, what do you think of the university city now?"

Zhang Yu pondered for a moment before replying, "Under the principal's astute leadership, every student strives for excellence."

The Divine Lord of Heavenly Evolution laughed heartily, "Strives for excellence, indeed."

"The tragedy of the thirty-six floors of Kunxu lies precisely in those four words: striving for excellence."

With a mere thought from the Divine Lord, the light and shadows around them shifted in an instant, as if a lens had zoomed in, bringing them directly to the summit of the 671st floor.

Watching the workers scurrying back and forth across the ceaselessly busy construction site below, the Divine Lord said indifferently, "Look at this site. Does it not resemble a microcosm of Kunxu, a miniature Kunxu?"

"These workers toil their entire lives, scrimping and saving every day, with but a single goal in mind: hoarding money, cultivating the Dao, and seeking immortality."

The surrounding illusions continued to shift as Zhang Yu followed the Divine Lord, revealing Yu Xinghan tirelessly making sales, Shi Huaiyu hauling sand and mud, and Shi Yunxiang carting away refuse...

"From the moment they are born, their lives seem to have but one mission: to save money and cultivate immortality."

"They dare not eat well, sleep enough, or rest, pouring every saved coin into the path of immortality, hoping only to achieve something on this path, to live longer, and to earn more."

"Save money, throw it in, save money, throw it in—they cling to the hope that by endlessly pouring in funds, they can walk further along the immortal path."

"Yet if one throws in ten spirit coins, another throws in twelve; the more they invest, the more they spend, until they are all eliminated together."

Watching the students in the illusion hauling bricks, the Divine Lord of Heavenly Evolution said faintly, "I call these people immortal gamblers."

"Hoping to save up and gamble on themselves... they have no idea who their true opponents are."

"The immortal path is a contest, and from the moment of their birth, these people are destined to be weeded out by the true masters."

Before Zhang Yu's eyes appeared workers who were gaunt and withered, constantly replacing inferior dharma shells, barely clinging to life.

The Divine Lord continued, "The Dharma Realm offers everyone a chance."

"A chance so that the money they saved all their lives will not go down the drain, ending in utter futility."

Zhang Yu's gaze sharpened as he watched the struggling workers sell their techniques, their cultivation bases, and their realms through the Dharma Realm...

The Divine Lord said, "These immortal gamblers never had the potential to climb higher. The Dharma Realm provides them an exit, allowing them to convert their cultivation into money and recoup some of their losses."

"Meanwhile, those with true potential to ascend can use this method to cultivate faster, climbing the immortal path more swiftly to compete at the top."

"This ensures that the most promising individuals in society are the ones cultivating, distributing cultivation resources more rationally through market mechanisms, and offering those immortal gamblers a more suitable avenue for investment."

At the same time, lines of text and data materialized before the Divine Lord and Zhang Yu, resembling a stock market ledger.

But upon closer inspection, Zhang Yu realized the stocks listed were not companies, but individuals—familiar names like Tian Shenggong, Dao Qiankun, and Kuang Tianqing.

The various data points following these names represented different dimensions for measuring the height of one's cultivation.

The Divine Lord explained, "Once the Dharma Realm is established and cultivation can be transmitted through it, true immortal stocks will be born."

"Anyone can invest their cultivation."

"Even a vocational college student can invest their cultivation in Dao Qiankun or Kuang Tianqing, letting them manage it."

"Geniuses will rapidly accumulate cultivation to climb higher."

"Gamblers can invest their cultivation in geniuses of the same realm, sharing in the profits of their cultivation."

"Everyone will jointly drive the growth of cultivation across society, share in the dividends of this growth, and optimize the allocation of resources in Kunxu."

The Divine Lord sighed, "And these immortal stocks are merely a minor application of the Dharma Realm."

"When the Dharma Realm is truly established and such applications proliferate wildly, society will undergo a monumental transformation. The development of immortal technology will accelerate once more, and the cultivation, realms, techniques, treasures, and dharma shells of all cultivators... everything will see an explosive surge."

"And Zhang Yu..." the Divine Lord looked at him and said, "You can be the one to usher in all of this right now."

Watching Zhang Yu lost in deep thought, the Divine Lord smiled faintly; in his eyes, all manner of files and data floated around Zhang Yu, ultimately coalescing into an exquisitely detailed psychological profile to help him persuade Zhang Yu in the most fitting manner.

Listening to the Divine Lord's exposition, Zhang Yu's mind was plunged into profound astonishment.

He could sense that if the Dharma Realm were to flourish, it would completely shatter the current immortal order. The significance and impact it held could never be summarized in a few words.

Zhang Yu had thought that when faced with the choice of immortal sect techniques, aside from his own interests, he would merely be choosing between what was bad for the world and what was worse.

But now another thought surged within him: "Can I truly judge which impact is worse?"

"Just the Dharma Realm before me involves so many implications for the world that I fear no single person could consider every aspect clearly."

"The spread of immortal sect techniques and the consequences it brings... I fear I cannot evaluate it at all. This is not merely a matter of the technology itself, but of how these technologies are applied."

At that very moment, the Divine Lord's brows furrowed almost imperceptibly, and he thought to himself, "The beggars are here."

...

At the same time.

Elsewhere in the Spirit Realm, an avatar of the Divine Lord of Heavenly Evolution descended slowly, gazing at the Divine Lord of Freedom, the Divine Lord of Nectar, and the other Soul Formation cultivators of the Four Heavenly Demon Schools.

"Freedom," the Divine Lord of Heavenly Evolution said coldly, "I fear Wan Hua has grown old and his signals are dull, perhaps misrelaying words or failing to hear you clearly."

"Say it to me again now, in front of everyone."

The Divine Lord of Freedom replied indifferently, "Heavenly Evolution, I think you are the one growing senile. I will say it again right now: if you insist on building the Dharma Realm, then all of us will join forces to strike at your Myriad Laws faction."

The Divine Lord of Heavenly Evolution: "Do you think those above will stand by and watch you make such a move?"

The Divine Lord of Freedom: "Do you think those above will stand by and watch you build the Dharma Realm like this?"

In the Spirit Realm, surging data and information crashed over them like a tsunami.

Countless figures on assets, military strength, cultivators, and soul cultivators... like an armed parade, frantically displaying the wealth and combat power of both sides.

As the data collided, the atmosphere grew increasingly heavy, as if the next instant would trigger an economic crisis, a shockwave of prices.

Just then, several divine lights representing Heavenly Sword, Vajra, and Immortal Armament descended one after another.

The principal of Immortal Armament University chuckled, "No fighting, no fighting. If we fight, how will anyone make money? Give me some face, everyone, and sit down to talk."

"Hmph," said the Divine Lord of Freedom. "What benefits has Myriad Laws given you to make you help them so?"

The three principals of Heavenly Sword, Vajra, and Immortal Armament naturally kept silent.

But even if they didn't speak, the Divine Lord of Freedom knew it was nothing more than trading technology for market access, participating in the construction of the Dharma Realm together, and ultimately profiting together.

Meanwhile, among the principals of the four great universities—Myriad Laws, Immortal Armament, Vajra, and Heavenly Sword—countless streams of information flowed as they engaged in high-speed communication.

Principal of Vajra University, Divine Lord of Precious Form: The Dharma Realm can be built, but all data from Vajra University and its affiliated schools must be stored locally and kept in our custody.

Principal of Heavenly Sword University, Divine Lord of Heavenly Star: The Divine Lord of Freedom truly dares to go bankrupt. With such immense pressure this time, I think the matter of share proportions needs to be renegotiated.

Divine Lord of Heavenly Star: Myriad Laws won this round relying on Seven Emotions' disciple, didn't they? She made an agreement with your Myriad Laws beforehand.

Principal of Immortal Armament University, Divine Lord of Star Forging: I believe all underlying technologies of the Dharma Realm must be open-sourced.

Reading the statements of each principal, the Divine Lord of Heavenly Evolution sneered inwardly.

Fight?

The Divine Lord of Heavenly Evolution knew that the time to fight was still far off.

If the Four Schools of the Heavenly Demons truly intended to fight, they would have launched a silent, unannounced surprise attack.

All these grandiose displays are nothing more than a show of force to compel negotiations.

The Divine Lord of Heavenly Evolution spoke in a resonant voice, "The Dharma Realm is the most fitting choice. Or do you truly believe that the immortal sect techniques you wish to select would not face opposition from one another?"

"Fine then, let us bring them all out for a parade and see who can offer a proposal superior to the one put forth by Wanfa."

Time within the entire Spirit Realm space accelerated rapidly, and as the eight Deity Transformation lords exchanged words, countless streams of information surged fiercely.

The Divine Lord of Sovereign Ease declared, "Impossible! Zhang Yu cannot be locked away by you; he must be guarded jointly by all of us, and we must be able to communicate with him at any time."

"If that doesn't work, let us just go to war."

Accompanying the Lord of Sovereign Ease's objection, a distant vocational college exploded with a deafening roar; a surging financial storm swept across the campus, reducing countless teachers and students to ashes.

The Divine Lord of Heavenly Evolution said coldly, "Do you not understand how crucial Zhang Yu's safety is? Besides, the students of our school are none of your concern."

"Fight if you want! What does bankruptcy matter? I will fight you until you die in this life, and then hunt you down to fight you in the next."

"Sovereign Ease, I will do nothing with the rest of my lifespan but hunt you down and kill you. Do you accept the challenge?"

Following the Divine Lord of Heavenly Evolution's threat, a torrential flood of information raged through the Spirit Realm; in an instant, the currency value of the Heavenly Demon University skyrocketed, violently liquidating the teachers and students who had shorted it with leverage after the finals, and no one knew how many people erupted into a pillar of divine light shooting into the sky at that very moment.

Thus they fought while negotiating, and negotiated while fighting, amidst constant competition and balancing... the exchange among the eight Deity Transformation lords soon yielded a phased result.

... Deep within the Spirit Realm.

Within the simulated university town of Wanfa University.

The avatar of the Divine Lord of Heavenly Evolution led Zhang Yu through the construction site, walking and expounding on the myriad aspects of the Dharma Realm.

"Zhang Yu..."

Suddenly, the Divine Lord of Heavenly Evolution spoke, "Regarding the significance of the Dharma Realm, I trust that after all I have said, you now possess a profoundly deep understanding."

"And you, in turn, are equally vital to the Dharma Realm."

"After all, you are the one who truly holds the right to use the 'Scripture of Divine Creation of the Dharma Realm.' The world needs you to cultivate, to attain higher realms and greater power, to advance the scripture, to delve into its technologies, and to propel the construction of the Dharma Realm."

"To achieve this goal, we will spare no effort in supporting you and advancing your cultivation."

The Divine Lord of Heavenly Evolution looked earnestly at Zhang Yu and said, "Only when your realm breaks through to the Golden Core, Nascent Soul, or even the Deity Transformation level, will you be able to cultivate the 'Scripture of Divine Creation of the Dharma Realm' to level forty or fifty."

"And throughout this process, you shall be the chief engineer of the Dharma Realm's construction, the founding father of its technology from the first to the tenth tier."

As he spoke, the interplay of light and shadow around them shifted once more.

Zhang Yu's figure appeared before the two of them; with a single point of his finger, a colossal torrent of spirit coins surged forth, symbolizing the outpouring of boundless resources in all directions.

"You will be able to mobilize astronomical funds and vast resources to build this world."

In the shifting light and shadow, as Zhang Yu stepped forward and pointed time and again, heaven and earth revolved according to his will; countless buildings and wonders rose from the ground at his command, and the entire world seemed to advance precisely according to his design.

"The Dharma Realm will change the world, and as the chief engineer of its construction, you will also be the architect of the world. This is a position uniquely yours, one that no one can ever snatch away."

Gazing at the scene before him and listening to the Divine Lord of Heavenly Evolution's words, it would be impossible for Zhang Yu's heart to remain entirely unmoved.

Zhang Yu could only keep telling himself to stay calm, suppressing the somewhat turbulent stirrings of his mind.

The Divine Lord of Heavenly Evolution continued, "Zhang Yu, I tell you all this simply because I want you to understand..."

"Compared to the benefits promised by any school or Deity Transformation lord, the transformation a single immortal sect technique brings to society—the profits and influence therein—constitutes the truly greatest benefit for you."

"And in this regard, no other choice can surpass the Dharma Realm."

"We do not even need to sign a contract, for I believe any other school could afford the penalty for breach. But only the prospects brought by the Dharma Realm are something no other school or alternative could ever offer you."

Zhang Yu's heart stirred, and he thought to himself, "Rather than a contract, do they feel that the information asymmetry granted to me today is the best guarantee?"

Zhang Yu nodded, "I understand, Principal. I will give the matter of the Dharma Realm careful consideration."

The Divine Lord of Heavenly Evolution smiled faintly and said, "New immortal dao technologies always tend to bring a sense of unfamiliarity, or even fear, but you must understand that in Kunxu... only by continuously embracing advanced immortal dao technologies can we continue to move forward."

"The current Spirit Realm and Dharma Relics, when first introduced, were attacked and boycotted by countless people, deemed heretical and demonic, feared and hated by the masses, and even deliberately sabotaged and systematically vandalized by certain cultivators."

"But look at today—who can live without them?"

"The cultivators who once opposed the Spirit Realm and the Dharma Relics have either joined the fold or been reduced to a handful of yellow earth."

"The progress of immortal dao technology, sooner or later, will inevitably sweep across the world; we cultivators must either join the tide and follow the will of heaven, or be utterly eliminated and cast into the dustbin of history."

Having said this, the Divine Lord of Heavenly Evolution waved his hand, "Well, that is all I have to say today. Feel free to seek me out whenever you have questions."

A flash appeared before Zhang Yu's eyes, and he saw a friend request sent by the Divine Lord of Heavenly Evolution.

Immediately after, the Divine Lord of Heavenly Evolution said, "The Divine Lord of Seven Emotions has been waiting for you for quite some time."

"She and her disciples helped a great deal in your decisive victory."

"As agreed, you may also listen to her choice."

Hearing this, Zhang Yu thought to himself, "Hmm? Letting the Divine Lord of Seven Emotions speak with me so easily? Could it be... that she went to cause a scene at Wanfa, and the two sides have already clashed?"

In the next instant, a gleam flashed in Zhang Yu's eyes, and his consciousness had already connected to another realm within the Spirit Realm.

...

Opening his eyes, Zhang Yu found himself facing a bustling ancient city with heavy traffic.

The Divine Lord of Seven Emotions stood beside him, saying indifferently, "This is my cave dwelling in the Spirit Realm; as for the backdrop... it is shaped from my memories."

At the same time, Bai Zhenzhen stood behind the Divine Lord of Seven Emotions, winking and making faces at Zhang Yu.

Zhang Yu clasped his hands in a salute and said, "Greetings, Divine Lord. Thank you for your assistance in this battle."

The Divine Lord of Seven Emotions replied casually, "You had better thank Bai Zhenzhen. If it weren't for the fact that there is still a woman as foolish as her in this world, I wouldn't have helped you."

"Now that you have won the top ten championship, no matter which technique you choose in the future, you won't lack spirit coins. Don't forget to set aside a generous portion to restore Bai Zhenzhen's physical body."

Zhang Yu's heart sank as he asked, "Has A Zhen's physical body not been restored yet?"

The Divine Lord of Seven Emotions said, "Hmph, the unity of human and sword is not so easily mended. Moreover, I have no money to waste on such matters. Sort out your own affairs; anyway, you won't be short of funds from now on."

Zhang Yu wanted to say more, but seeing Bai Zhenzhen secretly waving her hands at him from the side, he immediately suppressed the questions in his heart.

The Divine Lord of Seven Emotions continued, "I know Wanfa wants you to choose the 'Scripture of Divine Creation of the Dharma Realm,' and that fellow Heavenly Evolution has surely painted a rosy picture of its benefits for you."

"But with the emergence of the Dharma Realm, hasn't this world become even more deranged and mad?"

Sighing, the Divine Lord of Seven Emotions led Bai Zhenzhen and Zhang Yu through the ancient marketplace below.

"The world was not like this before."

"People lived normal lives, bore children, respected their teachers and honored the dao; a promise was worth a thousand gold, and there was no need for contracts or orthodox deities."

"Unlike now, where everyone, in their pursuit of the immortal dao, for profit, and for spirit coins, has become neither human nor ghost."

After speaking casually for a few moments, the Divine Lord of Seven Emotions shook her head and continued, "The technique I want you to choose is very simple... it is called the 'Red Heart Sword Art.' The so-called heart of a pure child seeks a heart that is flawless, utterly true, and perfectly sincere."

"And with this immortal sect swordsmanship, you can use it to perfect the Extreme Emotion Sword Dao, elevating it once more to the level of an immortal sect."

"Therefore, after choosing the 'Red Heart Sword Art,' you will possess two immortal sect techniques."

"Furthermore, the perfected Extreme Emotion Sword Dao can also mend the flaws in Bai Zhenzhen's heart, ensuring her Extreme Emotion Immortal Dao will never again spiral out of control."

Hearing these words, Zhang Yu's heart stirred slightly; he had already sensed the essence of this 'Red Heart Sword Art,' but a deeper concern and curiosity lingered in his mind, prompting him to ask, "Then what impact do you think the immortal dao technology within the 'Red Heart Sword Art' will have on the world?"

The Divine Lord of Seven Emotions sighed, "Impact... if everyone's mind could become flawless, utterly true, and perfectly sincere, and then harness this pure spiritual power to master matter and reshape the world, it would surely sweep away the arrogant arrogance of the heretical paths in today's Kunxu and return us to the moral era of the past."

"However, I do not expect any of you to comprehend such things."

Gazing at Zhang Yu, the Divine Lord of Seven Emotions spoke, "I wish to tell you that Tianyan has surely extolled the countless virtues of the Dharma Realm, along with the astronomical wealth it can bring you."

"Indeed, he was not wrong about any of that; the Dharma Realm can yield unprecedented profits, but... can you truly trust these Deity Transformation lords?"

The Divine Lord of Seven Emotions spoke with eloquent fluency, "Do not forget Tianyan's signature trick. Given how he plagiarizes immortal arts everywhere, crushing the original techniques with his imitations, how do you suppose he will treat you?"

"Moreover, for Wanfa to promote the Dharma Realm, they will inevitably have to fight and negotiate with the other nine academies. In the midst of all that... are you certain you can truly hold your own against those Deity Transformation cultivators?"

"Forging the Dharma Realm is akin to bargaining with a tiger for its skin; even if they refrain from using force, they will devour you until not a single crumb remains."

"The Crimson Heart Sword Art, on the other hand, will grant you far more people you can trust."

With a yearning tone, the Divine Lord of Seven Emotions continued, "Any cultivator who practices this art can become a trusted companion, joining you in reshaping Kunxu. You will share the same spirit, and to you... the rest of Kunxu's inhabitants are heretics and fiends, making you natural and perfect allies."

As her words fell, a friend request from the Divine Lord of Seven Emotions had already been sent.

Her voice followed, "I have said all there is to say. As for where you go from here, you must decide for yourself."

"Should you face any dilemmas, reach out to me again."

Beside him, Bai Zhenzhen gave a casual wave and sent a message to Zhang Yu: Do not worry about my physical body; I can handle it myself.

Bai Zhenzhen: Yuzi, the immortal sect's techniques are a matter of grave importance, so you must think it through carefully. But I feel the amount of profit is not the key; safety must come first.

Amidst the swirling flow of light and shadow, when Zhang Yu awoke once more, he found his consciousness had already returned to his physical body.

Yet his mind remained deeply engrossed in pondering his recent exchanges with the Divine Lord of Tianyan and the Divine Lord of Seven Emotions.

Just then, the avatar of the Divine Lord of Tianyan flickered to life within Zhang Yu's ocular socket.

Divine Lord of Tianyan: Zhang Yu, an old friend wishes to see you and discuss the matters of the Dharma Realm.

Zhang Yu's gaze condensed slightly as he thought to himself, "Sending someone else to continue tempting me with profit? Or are they trying to pressure me?"

He silently resolved that no matter who came, nor what pressures and benefits they offered, he would not be easily swayed and would need to ponder the matter thoroughly.

"I still need more time to verify certain things and to reflect on certain matters..."

Just as Zhang Yu made up his mind, he saw Director Gao push open the ward door and step inside.

Looking at his teacher, whose face was etched with deep concern, the momentum in Zhang Yu's heart involuntarily faltered for a moment.

And Director Gao's very first words upon meeting sent a jolt of shock through Zhang Yu's heart.

"Zhang Yu, did Seven Emotions tell you to choose the Crimson Heart Sword Art? You must absolutely not listen to her and pick that technique."

(End of Chapter)