Chapter 697: Spatial Ecology, Zhang Yu Draws Attention (Combined 6,650 words)

Chapter 697: Spatial Ecology, Zhang Yu Draws Attention (Combined 6650+)

Unlike the rushed display of the Formless Size Ring last time, Zhang Yu and the Magnetic Pole Deity were completely at ease on this occasion, able to lay out their plans with greater composure. They had formed a company in advance, stockpiled materials, established production lines, opened factories, and forged sales channels...

Unlike the Spatial Technology Research Association, which accepted investments from ten universities for technical research and development, this company—jointly funded by the Magnetic Pole Deity, the Aoki Deity, and Zhang Yu—existed solely to produce and sell the new product they were about to release.

To this end, Zhang Yu had poured all his spiritual coins into the company, which, combined with the technical shares the Magnetic Pole Deity had calculated for him, made him a major shareholder.

Of course, the company had also accepted capital injections from An Zhen, Qi Yun, and Qing Ming, the three Transformation Deities of the Myriad Laws.

Under his guidance, Zhang Yu's original civil engineering company had also made advance preparations, getting fully ready for the upcoming market shifts.

At this moment, although Zhang Yu only had a few dozen spiritual coins left in his account, seemingly returning to his former state of poverty, his heart was full of anticipation, solely because of his profound confidence in the product designed by himself and Magnetic Pole.

Yet as time gradually marched toward the day of the press conference, Zhang Yu's heart could not help but grow anxious.

When his consciousness arrived at the conference venue within the spiritual realm, he saw that the invited audience members were already waiting, staring at various spiritual realm projections.

In the very front row of the audience, streaks of divine light representing the Transformation Deities of each school floated quietly like natural wonders that had existed since antiquity.

The Thousand Puppets Deity of the Immortal Soldiers University thought to himself, "What tricks is Magnetic Pole up to now? Well, no matter what it is, we'll just copy it."

"Magnetic Pole, since you accepted massive investments from our other nine schools, you must open-source the various technologies of the research association... No matter what product you release, it will only end up being duplicated by us."

"And with similar technical levels, our school will inevitably achieve ultimate victory through the highest cost-effectiveness and extreme cost compression."

Just then, the conference venue in the spiritual realm suddenly darkened, and all light focused onto the stage, centering on the gradually materializing figure of the Magnetic Pole Deity.

Today, the Magnetic Pole Deity no longer wore a rudimentary spiritual realm projection as she had in the past, but completely projected her appearance from the physical world.

She smiled faintly, looked at everyone, and said, "Today I am extremely thrilled because, after countless days and nights of struggle by our entire team, we bring you a revolutionary product that is enough to change the lifestyle of all cultivators."

Accompanying the words of the Magnetic Pole Deity, a projected image from the material world appeared on the stage.

It was a palm-sized pouch that looked black and gold.

The Magnetic Pole Deity introduced from the side, "The Great Void Cloud Hidden. I call it a personal spatial platform."

"The previous Formless Size Ring could shrink objects for storage."

"Now, we have sealed a fixed scaling space, using spatial compression technology to allow this palm-sized area to store a vast amount of supplies."

In the display on the screen, various items were shrunk and cast into it; though the space was clearly palm-sized, it could store a massive quantity of goods.

As she spoke, columns of data materialized behind the Magnetic Pole Deity, showing the different parameters of the various versions of the Great Void Cloud Hidden.

They were the standard version at 30 cubic meters, the luxury version at 150 cubic meters, and the extreme version at 500 cubic meters.

The three parameters respectively meant that material of 30 cubic meters, 150 cubic meters, and 500 cubic meters could be shrunk into the Great Void Cloud Hidden.

"But it is not merely used for item storage; it is a miniature world belonging entirely to the user, a personal space that can also be used to withstand damage and protect oneself."

In the video demonstration, the scaling space of the Great Void Cloud Hidden unfolded like a shield. Combining the technology of the Kunlun in the Palm to distort space, it deflected various attacks through spatial warping.

The so-called miniature world claim was naturally an exaggerated marketing tactic, but the effect displayed at this moment genuinely made countless people feel a stir in their hearts.

"By applying different designs and operations to this space, various miraculous spatial applications can be achieved."

"Applications such as accelerated movement and spatial locks can be realized after warping and scaling space."

"In the future, based on this personal spatial platform, a wide variety of spatial applications will be developed, affecting every aspect of everyone's life..."

In addition to the Great Void Cloud Hidden, the Magnetic Pole Deity introduced flying vessels utilizing Great Void Cloud Hidden technology, as well as smart construction products integrating it.

As the Magnetic Pole Deity introduced item after item, the Vile Lotus Deity, who was watching the press conference, grew increasingly solemn.

He muttered, "This fellow Magnetic Pole... in such a short time, she has actually developed so many creations again?"

Particularly upon hearing the various introductions of the Great Void Cloud Hidden, the Vile Lotus Deity's gaze locked dead onto this product.

"A personal spatial platform?" The Vile Lotus Deity sighed, "This fellow wants to build an entire spatial ecology and bring us all into it."

Beside him, the Impermanence Deity, who also belonged to the Heavenly Demon University, asked in confusion, "A spatial ecology?"

The Vile Lotus Deity pointed to his own ocular husk and said, "This personal space of the Great Void Cloud Hidden is just like the ocular husk everyone possesses. The ocular husk contains various applications and services, and has already become a product no cultivator can do without."

"And what Magnetic Pole wants to forge is exactly such a thing, allowing every cultivator to have a personal space of their own, and developing countless spatial applications on this platform to forge an entire ecology..."

The Impermanence Deity nodded, instantly realizing, "However, the spatial technology of the research association is open to us. If we want to design similar products, we should be able to do it too, right?"

At this point, the Vile Lotus Deity said solemnly, "Magnetic Pole is no fool, so she didn't want to monopolize it with the power of Myriad Laws alone and be besieged by everyone. Therefore... although she gave herself a first-mover advantage, she also gave all schools the chance to continue participating in the competition."

"Through the technology shared by the research association, everyone with capability will try to participate in this competition, to try and build a complete spatial ecology."

"The upcoming market will likely see a hundred flowers bloom. Various personal space products mimicking Magnetic Pole will be born, all wanting to occupy this market, which will then trigger a brutal competition."

"Ultimately, the victor will dominate the entire market..."

The Vile Lotus Deity estimated, "In the end, it will probably be two to three spatial ecologies monopolizing the entire market. Most people in the market will only purchase these two or three kinds of personal spaces, giving rise to two or three titan companies."

"The failed schools will only be able to cater to these two or three kinds of personal spaces, using the spatial technology shared by the research association to develop spatial applications, drinking whatever soup and water is left."

The Vile Lotus Deity thought to himself, "Magnetic Pole... you truly are my worthy rival, catching me off guard every single time. Ever since becoming a Transformation Deity, every step you take has stirred a world-changing storm."

"Your view on spatial technology is also fundamentally beyond what those financial dregs of the Righteous Qi Alliance can compare to."

"But I... will catch up to you."

Thinking of this, the Vile Lotus Deity made up his mind, his consciousness sending information toward the direction of the Heavenly Demon University.

"Heavenly Demon University must establish its own personal spatial ecology and must become one of the ultimate victors."

"Halt the original research and development projects immediately, and march with full force into the personal spatial ecology."

Kuang Tianqing, acting as the advisor to the Vile Lotus Deity, had also come to the conference venue in the spiritual realm.

Looking at the new products introduced one by one by Magnetic Pole, thoughts swirled in his mind, "Is this... what the technology contained within the Kunlun in the Palm can achieve? And done in such a short time?"

Recalling various memories in his head, Kuang Tianqing felt somewhat uncertain.

"Did Magnetic Pole comprehend and create it herself?"

"Or... did Zhang Yu awaken more memories and help Magnetic Pole reach this step?"

From various clues, Kuang Tianqing had already judged that Zhang Yu was an existence possessing immortal memories, just like Dao Qiankun.

At this moment, his gaze turned toward Zhang Yu, who was also at the press conference, leaning even more toward the idea that Zhang Yu had assisted Magnetic Pole in reaching this step.

"If Zhang Yu assisted Magnetic Pole, then that means... Zhang Yu supports the Big Ten side?"

"Perhaps I should get closer to him."

"After all, if he rises in the future, I might be able to leverage his momentum... to return to the sect faster."

Just then, Kuang Tianqing received a message from the Vile Lotus Deity, urging him to return to work quickly.

Kuang Tianqing replied instead: I want to have more contact with Zhang Yu.

Kuang Tianqing: He is Magnetic Pole's disciple after all, and still works in the research association. Maintaining contact with him might yield a lot of intelligence regarding Magnetic Pole and the others.

With that, Kuang Tianqing's spiritual realm projection walked forward, wanting to approach Zhang Yu ahead and find an opportunity to converse with him.

But in the next instant, a notification materialized before him.

"Nascent Soul domain ahead, Core Formation stage prohibited from entering."

"Would you like to pay spiritual coins to enter the Nascent Soul domain?"

Kuang Tianqing's face darkened. Looking at the fee structure, he silently took a step back, thinking to himself, "No need to waste money."

So he began sending messages to Zhang Yu.

...

Netherworld University.

Inside a certain laboratory, a massive shipping container was shrinking one item after another before drawing them inside.

The crowd watching this scene erupted into cheers.

Wang Yin, serving as an assistant, stood among the jubilant throng, his heart filled with quiet reflection: “All tests have succeeded. I’ve heard many companies have already placed orders.”

“Once this product hits the market, it will likely reshape the entire logistics industry.”

Just then, someone spoke up: “The Wanfa launch event has begun.”

Instantly, a projection shimmered into existence within the lab, and everyone turned their attention to its contents.

As Ci Ji’s presentation unfolded, the previously festive atmosphere in the lab steadily evaporated. Wang Yin grew increasingly alarmed as he watched.

“Tai Xu Cloud Vault? Personal spatial storage?”

His heart sank even further when he saw the Tai Xu Cloud Vault integrated onto flying vessels—precisely because it directly clashed with their own product.

Yet seeing how the Tai Xu Cloud Vault could support a wide array of spatial services, Wang Yin knew instantly that they had already lost—defeated before even reaching the market.

Suddenly, the projection of Lord Yin Spring appeared, gazing at the assembled group. “You’ve all seen Wanfa’s launch event,” he said.

“Our gap with Ci Ji is vast,” he continued, observing their dejected expressions. Yet he offered encouragement: “But it’s not too late. Your efforts these past months haven’t been wasted—you’ve accumulated invaluable experience in spatial technology.”

“From now on, the university will invest heavily to build Netherworld University’s own spatial ecosystem…”

After rallying their spirits, however, Lord Yin Spring felt an immense weight pressing down upon his own heart.

“Ci Ji is already selling products, while we’re still starting from scratch…”

He could already envision Ci Ji ruthlessly seizing market share—especially during wartime, when demand for spatial products and the drive for technological transformation would far exceed anything seen in peaceful Kunxu.

“We must act swiftly. Every minute, every second from now on will shape the future landscape of the personal spatial storage market.”

Through spiritual encouragement, material incentives, and veiled threats to their futures, Lord Yin Spring assigned tasks throughout the research team, pushing full-speed ahead on product development—and simultaneously sent a sliver of his consciousness toward Wang Yin.

Lord Yin Spring: Go make contact with Zhang Yu.

Wang Yin blinked in surprise: Zhang Yu? Isn’t he just using research funds to cultivate himself in the society? Why approach him?

Lord Yin Spring: That alone shows how much Ci Ji values him.

Lord Yin Spring: Spend more time around him. You might glean valuable intelligence about Ci Ji from his words.

Wang Yin couldn’t help but protest: I’m at the Golden Core stage; he’s already Nascent Soul… I’m afraid he won’t even acknowledge me.

Lord Yin Spring: Then sell your dignity.

Lord Yin Spring: Believe in yourself. You are my son—and once Zhang Yu’s fiercest rival. Your dignity is worth something. It’ll fetch a good price with him.

Wang Yin sighed inwardly: “Alas, Mother lags far behind Ci Ji. Even Zhang Yu’s potential in the Immortal Path has quietly surpassed mine.”

After that day’s launch event concluded, countless eyes turned toward Ci Ji. Transcendent cultivators from every major academy designated monitoring Ci Ji and gathering intelligence on her operations as a long-term priority.

Thus, Zhang Yu—Ci Ji’s disciple—also drew considerable attention. Practitioners both familiar and unknown, acting on others’ instructions, began actively approaching him.

...

Immortal Arms University.

Although Tian Shenggong had broken through to Golden Core over a year ago, within this elite experimental team he remained among the lowest-ranked members.

Even so, Tian Shenggong still felt profoundly fulfilled—because here, every single day brought new learning and tangible progress.

Especially in the past month, every product newly released by rival academies arrived at their lab on day one for reverse-engineering.

Each successful dissection reaffirmed Tian Shenggong’s awe at his university’s strength.

“Our research into spatial technology must already rank among the top ten academies.”

The only regret was that the entire team operated under strict isolation—outside communication forbidden without special cause—leaving Tian Shenggong bursting with thoughts he couldn’t share.

Just then, the projection of Lord Qian Kui descended, his face grim as he addressed the group: “There’s something I must tell you. Starting today, our research direction changes…”

Having previously relied on relentlessly copying other academies’ products—slashing costs by squeezing factories, workers, and suppliers—Lord Qian Kui believed he’d prepared thoroughly for the coming market battle.

But Ci Ji’s launch had caught him completely off guard, rendering most of his prior efforts worthless and inflicting massive losses.

The thought that Ci Ji was already capturing market share filled him with burning urgency.

“She’s at least one to two months ahead of us.”

Below, Tian Shenggong sensed Lord Qian Kui’s displeasure. The man loomed like a coiled dragon over the lab, his oppressive aura making it feel as though the very air had grown thin—suffocating the entire team beneath unbearable tension.

A day later, Tian Shenggong finally understood why Lord Qian Kui was so frantic.

A spatial artifact called the Tai Xu Cloud Vault arrived at their lab—reportedly Ci Ji’s latest creation.

“It can hold up to 500 cubic meters? How is that even possible?”

“The scaled space is deformable? That’s like combining several different spatial artifacts into one!”

“It maintains stability while fully opening its interfaces… unbelievable…”

Amid the murmurs of astonishment, Lord Qian Kui’s expression darkened further. “Enough chatter,” he snapped. “Get to work reverse-engineering it immediately. No matter how brilliant Wanfa’s product is, we can build something better.”

He rallied them again: “You’re participating with me in a world-class project—an opportunity to change the world itself. Success here will make your futures limitless. Your names will shine in this industry for generations…”

Tian Shenggong thought silently: “Didn’t the Lord say the exact same thing last time?”

...

While academies and corporations alike scrambled in response to Lady Ci Ji’s launch event,

the Tai Xu Cloud Vault itself ignited a firestorm in the marketplace.

Countless Nascent Soul and Golden Core cultivators placed orders almost instantly.

The flagship store in the Spirit Realm sold out within just over two hours of opening.

Lady Ci Ji had to repeatedly urge factory expansions—even joining forces with Lord Qing Mu, their vast Transcendent powers accelerating construction at supernatural speed.

Meanwhile, Zhang Yu’s construction firm, thanks to early preparations, secured one contract after another for intelligent spatial infrastructure projects.

Watching all this unfold, Zhang Yu breathed a quiet sigh of relief: “It seems we’ve succeeded.”

“But right now, only Nascent Soul and Golden Core cultivators can afford the Tai Xu Cloud Vault.”

“In the future, we’ll need to cut costs and release a simplified version—one even Foundation Establishment cultivators can buy.”

At the same time, more and more messages flickered across Zhang Yu’s ocular implant:

Zhao Tianxing: President Zhang! Congratulations on your company’s explosive growth!

Zhao Tianxing, witnessing another surge in business performance, felt genuine joy—he knew Zhang Yu never hoarded success alone. Every profit spike meant real wage increases for his team.

Ying Xin: President Zhang, we’re running out of staff. Should we hire another batch of new employees?

Shi Huaiyu: President Zhang! When are we going public? I think we’re ready!

Yan Qianji: True Lord, I wish to return to the Research Society and work under you. I don’t even need a salary—I’d pay to work for you!

Yu Xinghan: Zhang Yu… have we really struck it rich this time? It feels like a dream.

Bai Zhenzhen: "Yu Zi, I bought a copy of the Grand Void Cloud Vault too. Your teacher is truly incredible—I feel this thing will become as indispensable as Eye Relics someday."

After replying to Zhang Yu, Bai Zhenzhen received his message: "Ah Zhen, find some time to come over to the research institute near the Great Hollow Abyss."

Zhang Yu added: "It’s been so long since we last saw each other."

At the same time, Zhang Yu thought inwardly, "The matters on my hands can wait for now. With my current abilities, I can finally help Ah Zhen elevate her Dao Seed’s grade."

Just then, Zhang Yu noticed that someone he hadn’t heard from in a long while had also sent him a message.

Kuang Tianqing: "Since our hurried parting after the Ten Great Leagues tournament, I never imagined that when we met again, True Lord Zhang, you’d have soared so high."

Kuang Tianqing: "Back then, constrained by those old Nascent Soul cultivators from the Four Demon Academies, I was forced to speak harshly—but in truth, I’ve always deeply admired you, True Lord Zhang."

Wang Yin: "True Lord, I was immature back in the First Layer. I’m here to apologize."

Wang Yin: "I don’t know if you’re free lately, but I’d like to offer my apologies in person. [100 Spirit Coins]"

Reading these messages one by one, Zhang Yu couldn’t help but sigh inwardly: "In Kunxu, it’s not just that your own strength changes how others treat you—helping your teacher grow stronger transforms your surroundings as well."

...

While the Ten Great Academies were thrown into upheaval by the emergence of the Grand Void Cloud Vault,

within the Dark Spirit Realm, the powerful members of the Righteous Alliance were also discussing the matter.

Xi Shen said, "Once the Ten Great Academies begin large-scale deployment of this Grand Void Cloud Vault, the battlefield situation will turn against us."

"As its user base expands and spatial applications develop, this device will gradually refine functions across transportation, storage, defense, mobility... It’s nothing short of a comprehensive, generational leap!"

Le Shen, a demon deity addressed as such, mused aloud, "This is a product of a new era. Why, despite all our investment in spatial technology, did we fail to create something like this ourselves?"

All eyes among the assembled demon deities turned toward the former finance cultivators originally from the Ten Great Academies.

Lian Shu Shenjun, resurrected long ago, spoke coldly: "I purchased and examined the Grand Void Cloud Vault developed by Ci Ji. My subordinates and I inspected it thoroughly."

Lian Shu Shenjun continued gravely, "Certain aspects of its technology resemble the Three Realms Ten Directions Grand Void Absolute Barrier. I suspect someone has leaked our technical secrets."

"I propose a thorough investigation throughout the Righteous Alliance to prevent any further leaks."

Bao Tong Shenjun, who had once battled Qing Mu Shenjun and had his spatial blockade pierced by the Boundary-Piercing Awl, remarked, "Xi Shen, if Ci Ji hadn’t held that press conference herself, would we ever have known what she’d actually created? It seems your demon deities’ intelligence work leaves much to be desired."

Xi Shen replied coolly, "Hmph. Are you implying someone leaked your technology to Ci Ji, enabling them to develop this war-altering product?"

As tensions flared between the two sides, Bao Shen raised his voice: "Everyone, now is not the time to debate blame."

"While the Grand Void Cloud Vault will strengthen the Ten Great Academies, it’s still far from enough to erase their current gap with us. The battlefield remains under our control."

"However, we must indeed upgrade our internal secrecy protocols—and intensify infiltration efforts against Ci Ji."

After the meeting, a sweeping investigation swept through the entire Righteous Alliance.

Simultaneously, bounties related to tasks involving Ci Ji Shenjun surged dramatically—and bounties tied to Zhang Yu skyrocketed alongside them.

Xiang Shen soon received a message from Bao Shen.

Bao Shen: "Xiang Shen, you’ve been keeping an eye on Zhang Yu, haven’t you?"

Bao Shen: "The Alliance Master has long wanted to recruit Zhang Yu into the Righteous Alliance. Since Zhang Yu is Ci Ji’s disciple, he likely knows many insider details."

Bao Shen: "Do you have any way to infiltrate Zhang Yu?"

Through this exchange, Xiang Shen immediately sensed that his longstanding efforts were finally being recognized.

He swiftly replied: "Many have said Zhang Yu is deeply loyal to old ties. From how he cares for classmates and fellow townspeople—and especially from his recent emergence from seclusion to rescue Le Mulan—it’s clearly true."

Xiang Shen: "According to my current intelligence, he shares an exceptionally close bond with Bai Zhenzhen of Heaven Sword University."

Xiang Shen: "However, Bai Zhenzhen excels at concealment; her whereabouts have remained mysterious until recently, when I finally uncovered some leads."

Xiang Shen: "If we can convert Bai Zhenzhen into a believer, we’ll gain an opening to convert Zhang Yu as well. That way, we’ll fulfill the Alliance Master’s directive and plant a spy right beside Ci Ji."

Bao Shen: "Excellent. Tell me what you need—I’ll support you fully."

Xiang Shen: "Isn’t Fu Shen very familiar with Myriad Arts University? I’ve been unable to contact her before—could you ask her to assist me in this matter?"

(End of Chapter)