Chapter 707: Zhang Yu's Fingertip (Combined)

Chapter 707: Zhang Yu's Fingertips (Combined)

Yu Xinghan: Zhang Yu, I arrived not long ago and had a brief chat. For now, she seems perfectly safe.

Staring at the message from Yu Xinghan, Zhang Yu understood that his companion had reached the vicinity of Heavenly Sword University's campus and, using Fuji's power, established a mental link with Bai Zhenzhen.

Ever since Fuji's outer god influence had surged, he, Yu Xinghan, and Bai Zhenzhen—as Fuji's devotees—could communicate telepathically across thousands of miles.

Yet the distance between the third layer's Great Cavity where Zhang Yu now resided and the second layer's Heavenly Sword University where Bai Zhenzhen stayed was far too vast, stretching well beyond thousands of miles, preventing him from establishing a direct mental link with her himself.

Entangled as he was by a myriad of pressing matters, Zhang Yu had simply asked Yu Xinghan to make the journey to Heavenly Sword University to speak with Bai Zhenzhen on his behalf.

While confirming that Bai Zhenzhen was temporarily out of harm's way, Zhang Yu had not ceased his work on the design of the Dharma treasure.

Floating before him were two design blueprints. One was the Void Cloud Vault embedded with a "Locking Feature"—once engaged, it isolated the interior from the exterior entirely, making it nearly impossible to breach without the proper unlocking password.

The other blueprint was the Void Cloud Vault to which Zhang Yu had added an "Anti-Gravity" feature. After synthesizing the blueprints of the Void Cloud Vault and the anti-gravity treasure, he infused his various understandings of the Earth Shifting Gravity and the Mountain-Moving Divine Might of Heavenly Kunlun, allowing the Void Cloud Vault to mitigate the weight of its stored contents.

"The anti-gravity feature still needs further reinforcement..."

As Zhang Yu studied the second blueprint, he once more activated the power of the Creation of Heaven and Earth. In an instant, a torrent of knowledge surged wildly before his eyes, interlocking and fusing in a flash until it finally coalesced onto the schematic before him.

"Anti-gravity shouldn't just lighten the stored cargo; it must also enable the Void Cloud Vault to fly and move independently."

Driven by the deductions of the Creation of Heaven and Earth, a flood of inspiration seemed unleashed within Zhang Yu's mind. His fingertips danced frantically across the spiritual projection before him, and soon, a brand-new design blueprint began to take shape.

Throughout this process, his Dao Heart burned intensely, ultimately dropping to Level 36 (18.44%).

Exhaling a long, deep breath, Zhang Yu looked at the draft before him and nodded slightly. "The anti-gravity feature can now be considered up to standard."

"Next up is..."

Zhang Yu began to channel the power of the Spiritual Essence Weapon Heart, burning his inspiration to synthesize the two blueprints containing the "Locking Feature" and the "Anti-Gravity" function.

"By combining these two major functions, the Void Cloud Vault can be sealed at any moment to complete transport missions."

Yet, peering at the newly synthesized blueprint, Zhang Yu frowned slightly. "The anti-gravity performance has been compromised, and the spatial volumetric efficiency has decreased as well..."

"Furthermore, if it is to fly, a positioning feature must be added..."

Thus, he had no choice but to burn his Dao Heart once more, pushing the Creation of Heaven and Earth to optimize and adjust the design blueprint.

During this process, two choices presented themselves to Zhang Yu.

Should he maintain the original appearance to let the Void Cloud Vault fly?

Or should he completely alter its form, utilizing a flying sword mode to enable its flight?

"A flying sword is indeed better suited for long-distance flight, but it would increase costs, expand the volume, and raise maintenance fees."

"If it retains its original shape, though its flight performance will be weaker, the cost will be lower and maintenance far simpler."

As Zhang Yu pondered, his gaze swept over the industrial data concerning Heavenly Sword University.

As a mature Dharma treasure designer, he naturally could not consider performance and functionality in a vacuum when crafting a design.

He also needed to factor in the current state of the industry and account for the various complications of mass production.

"To mass-produce flying swords, manufacturing would inevitably require a partnership with Heavenly Sword University. After all, they can drive the price down to the absolute minimum for this sort of work, and their output is vast enough."

"When the time comes, I'll likely have to contact many of Heavenly Sword University's foundry factories."

"But if we forgo the flying sword form, we only need to import positioning modules from Heavenly Sword University, Vajra University, or the Immortal Weapon University."

Zhang Yu thought to himself, "There are plenty of manufacturers capable of producing positioning modules, so there won't be a risk of relying on a single component supplier."

"Whether from a commercial perspective or a manufacturing risk standpoint, keeping the original form is indeed superior."

"Moreover..."

Zhang Yu glanced at the companies under the name of Lord Yufeng. "It can also resolve a certain nuisance along the way."

With this thought, a decision solidified in his mind.

Having analyzed the pros and cons to reach his conclusion, Zhang Yu moved on to consider other designs and component issues. Even as he decided which manufacturers, schools, and Transcendent spirits to collaborate with, he continuously adjusted the schematics.

It was precisely these individual decisions Zhang Yu made in his designs that made his fingertips, gliding across the blueprints, seem to stir the clouds and summon a tempest that would sweep in all directions.

In the days to come, this tempest would impact dozens, even hundreds of manufacturers, countless upstream and downstream enterprises, millions or tens of millions of industry workers, and even the immortal paths of individual Transcendent Lords.

Zhang Yu understood that this was the terrifying influence brought about by mastering advanced immortal technologies and steering societal development.

In the midst of it all, as his fingertips lightly traced lines over the design, settling the trouble surrounding Bai Zhenzhen was merely a casual afterthought.

Thus, as Zhang Yu repeatedly burned his Dao Heart and his inspiration, version after version of the Void Cloud Vault design appeared before him.

While Zhang Yu focused heavily on the locking and anti-gravity features, the Magnetic Pole Lord on the other side was likewise revising the design blueprints, adding a spatial layering function to the Void Cloud Vault.

Through this spatial layering effect, distinct zones could be partitioned within the Void Cloud Vault, categorizing items to ensure ease of retrieval.

Ultimately, the designs from both parties would need to be integrated to further optimize and perfect every metric of the Void Cloud Vault.

Zhang Yu's Dao Heart continued to burn through this process, gradually dropping to Level 35 (29.18%).

Though a deep exhaustion weighed on his consciousness, looking at the pristine design blueprint before him brought Zhang Yu a sense of profound satisfaction.

"Finally, the locking and anti-gravity functions have been perfectly combined."

Not long after he transmitted the blueprint to the Magnetic Pole Lord, a message arrived from her: Are you trying to get into transport logistics? Express delivery?

With its anti-gravity capability allowing for high-speed flight and the protective security of spatial locking, this new generation of the Void Cloud Vault could already carry out various logistics operations without hiring cultivators for protection.

The Magnetic Pole Lord mused inwardly, "Since the great upheaval of heaven and earth, governance costs across all sectors have risen precisely because the lack of comprehensive oversight from true deities has left illegal acts unchecked."

"Logistics and transport are hit hardest. What once required only a flying vessel and a crew of soul cultivators now demands the hiring of cultivators as guards, driving up the cost of every shipment."

"But the spatial lock of the Void Cloud Vault vastly increases cargo security, removing the need to hire cultivators for protection. Applying this to the current logistics industry amounts to an absolute dimensional suppression."

Facing the Magnetic Pole Lord's inquiry, Zhang Yu replied: I want to create a shared spatial bag network.

Magnetic Pole Lord: Continue.

As she listened to Zhang Yu's explanation, the Magnetic Pole Lord's eyes gradually brightened. She sensed immense potential in his concept and strategy.

Thus she replied: This project isn't something our faction can swallow alone. Judging by your blueprint, you intend to seek cooperation from Vajra University and Heavenly Sword University?

Zhang Yu: Exactly.

Zhang Yu: Particularly Heavenly Sword University. Currently, a massive number of their factories are struggling to survive; if they go much longer without orders, they will collapse. They are perfect for us to drive down prices.

Following this conversation with her disciple, the Magnetic Pole Lord felt a wave of admiration.

"This kid Zhang Yu has not only inherited my mantle in Dharma treasure design, but he also possesses great vision in business. He isn't rigid like old Gao, who only knows how to do one job to earn a single paycheck."

In the eyes of the Magnetic Pole Lord, working a set amount to earn a set wage was the hallmark of someone entirely devoid of talent for the immortal path.

A true prodigy of cultivation should perform one part labor to reap tenfold rewards, or even let wealth breed wealth without lifting a finger.

As Zhang Yu increasingly displayed his innate talent for the immortal path, the Magnetic Pole Lord could not help but admire that her cultivation of him had not been in vain.

With this in mind, the Magnetic Pole Lord replied: I will gather everyone. Come with me to negotiate with them.

The Magnetic Pole Lord thought to herself, "It is high time for Zhang Yu to step into the light and begin participating in the affairs of the university."

...

Efficiency in Kunxu had always been swift, and the efficiency of the Transcendent spirits from each university was faster still.

Barely an hour after the Magnetic Pole Lord and Zhang Yu concluded their discussion, the consciousnesses of the various Transcendent Lords had already gathered within the conference hall of the spiritual realm.

Lord Yufeng, in his capacity as the Vice Chancellor of Heavenly Sword University, naturally found himself among the invited guests.

Upon entering the spiritual realm's conference hall, he noted that several familiar Soul Transformation Lords had already taken their seats.

"All-Methods, Diamond, and our own Heavenly Sword," Yufeng mused silently. "Magnetic has gathered the Soul Transformation masters from all three universities. What is she plotting this time?"

He glanced toward Lord Poyao, the Chancellor of Heavenly Sword University, who sat nearby.

Yufeng knew that Lord Poyao was a veteran cultivator of their institution, a figure heavily marked by the traits of the ancient cultivators.

His Dao title, Poyao, meaning 'Destroyer of Radiance,' had originally been written as 'Destroyer of Demons,' but he had been forced to change it after the Heavenly Court's Dao Title Management Law came into effect.

Yet it was precisely due to his ancient seniority and profound heritage, coupled with an uncanny ability to adapt to the changing eras and tides, that the Heavenly Court had chosen Lord Poyao to become the new Chancellor of Heavenly Sword University after the Great Transformation of Heaven and Earth.

"Chancellor," Yufeng inquired softly, "Magnetic has summoned us all here. Could she be seeking our support to counter the spatial products of the Heavenly Demons, the Immortal Soldiers, and the Netherworld?"

Lord Poyao replied with calm indifference, "The design for the next generation of the Void Cloud Vault should be nearly complete. Magnetic has likely brought us here to discuss the procurement of components and foundry contracts."

As they spoke, the projections of the Soul Transformation masters from the three universities had fully materialized within the hall.

What caught Lord Yufeng by surprise, however, was the figure standing beside Lord Magnetic—the sole non-Soul Transformation cultivator projecting into the room.

Recognizing the youth, Yufeng's thoughts raced: "Zhang Yu? Magnetic actually brought him along?"

While Yufeng pondered this, Lord Magnetic broke the silence. "I have called you all here today to discuss the matter of the second-generation Void Cloud Vault."

"Zhang Yu, please distribute the product specifications to everyone." Yufeng skimmed the document before him, initially dismissing it with a hint of nonchalance; to his mind, spatial bags were all largely identical, differing only in their specific focus and minor advantages.

But within moments, Yufeng’s expression grew increasingly grim.

At the same time, Zhang Yu spoke from the platform: "Lords, current spatial bag products have consistently failed to effectively resolve security vulnerabilities."

"In particular, the massive storage capacity of these bags has made them prime targets for criminals. Reports of spatial bag robberies are increasing by the day."

"How to guarantee the safety of vast fortunes stored within a spatial bag has become the paramount concern for every user."

"The primary feature of the second-generation Void Cloud Vault is, therefore, absolute security."

"Without the correct passcode, the locked space remains utterly inaccessible. Repeated incorrect attempts, or any endeavor to force entry, will trigger the internal restrictions of the Vault, initiating an automatic alarm, broadcasting its precise location, and entering a twenty-four-hour lockdown during which the internal spatial barrier cannot be breached."

"Alongside this security, the integration of anti-gravity functionality will drastically reduce the perceived weight of cargo and provide independent flight capabilities."

"In the past, no matter how vast a spatial bag's capacity, weight restrictions prevented cultivators—especially those of the lower echelons—from storing too many items."

"The anti-gravity feature, however, allows lower-tier cultivators to gather goods without restriction, clearing the final obstacle to universal adoption."

"Furthermore, by utilizing the flight capabilities of the second-generation Void Cloud Vault, any user can launch the device directly toward a destination, transporting goods with maximum safety and efficiency."

"Additionally, alongside the personal edition, we will aggressively push a shared edition of this Void Cloud Vault."

"Our ultimate objective is to deploy Void Cloud Vaults of various dimensions across every campus of the Ten Great Universities and on every street corner."

"We will enable all cultivators—from Qi Condensation and Foundation Establishment to Golden Core, Nascent Soul, and Soul Transformation—to lease and utilize the Void Cloud Vault, storing and transporting goods whenever and wherever they please."

"The entire logistical framework of the Ten Great Universities will undergo a revolutionary transformation, rendering the flow of resources unprecedentedly seamless..."

As Zhang Yu continued his presentation, a cold dread began to grip Lord Yufeng's heart.

"Security, weight negation, flight... once these issues are solved, the user base for spatial bags will experience an exponential explosion."

"Traditional logistics, such as flying vessels and flying swords, will suffer a catastrophic blow, entirely supplanted by the Void Cloud Vault."

Even as fear seized him, an intense anxiety mounted; scanning the specifications, he could find no place for himself in this new order.

Worse still, several logistics and courier firms under his own purview would likely face total ruin.

In stark contrast, Lord Poyao’s eyes gleamed with a brilliant light, as though the veteran Soul Transformation master already beheld a vast, unprecedented market beckoning to him.

The positioning modules manufactured by several companies under his control happened to be an essential component required by the Void Cloud Vault.

"A shared Void Cloud Vault... a shared spatial bag," Poyao murmured to himself. "Once this venture succeeds, how many units will need to be produced each year? Hundreds of thousands? Millions? Tens of millions?"

"Combined with the overhaul of the existing logistics network, the future annual demand for these vaults... will likely dwarf the current total production of all spatial bags combined."

"What a colossal feast this is."

"If I can secure the contract to supply the positioning modules..."

Yet Poyao was well aware that he was not the only Soul Transformation master present capable of manufacturing such modules.

At that thought, a fierce competitive drive surged within Poyao, and he resolved to secure the orders for the Void Cloud Vault at any cost.

On the other side of the room, Lord Mujian, also of Heavenly Sword University, maintained an equally solemn countenance.

In his youth, this master had followed Lord Seven Emotions, immersing himself in the cultivation of the Way of the Extreme Emotion Sword.

However, he quickly realized that the Way of the Extreme Emotion Sword was a heterodox path, and he sought to return to the righteous way.

Fortunately, his initial investment in that path had not been too deep; by transitioning to the grand Dao of dual cultivation, he soon severed his ties to the heterodox school, embarking instead on the path of placing his extreme emotions into swords rather than people.

"The Way of the Extreme Emotion Sword fails precisely because human beings are unreliable," he reasoned.

"Unlike humans, who are fickle, uncontrollable, and prone to betrayal or backstabbing,"

"A sword spirit is humanity's finest companion."

From then on, he took sword spirits as his partners in dual cultivation, discarding physical unions to focus entirely on the resonance of mind and spirit, dedicating his ultimate devotion to the blade.

Today, his private armory housed over a thousand life-sized swords, each harboring a cherished sword spirit belonging uniquely to him—each one the love of his life, his sword of extreme emotion.

The reason for Lord Mujian’s current solemnity was that his companies were perfectly equipped to manufacture the navigation modules for the Void Cloud Vault, granting him a direct role in this coming revolution.

Aside from Poyao and Mujian, the remaining two Soul Transformation masters of Heavenly Sword University were likewise lost in turbulent thoughts, their minds racing.

Thus, shortly after the main conference concluded, the five Soul Transformation masters of Heavenly Sword University convened for a private meeting.

Lord Poyao began, "Gentlemen, the orders for the second-generation Void Cloud Vault are something our Heavenly Sword University must secure."

Lord Mujian agreed, "Indeed. Securing these contracts will surely reverse our institution's current decline. To this end, we must stand united and refrain from undermining one another; our true rivals are those meat-mongers over at Diamond University..."

Watching the four masters converse with such fervor, Lord Yufeng felt utterly alienated, trapped between anxiety and helplessness, simply because his vast array of industries offered no entry point into a business of this magnitude. On the contrary, his logistics companies were likely facing a succession of crippling losses.

He felt like a Qi Condensation novice staring at a feast of filth—unable to partake, yet already suffering the agonizing pangs of an upset stomach, a truly wretched predicament.

Suddenly, his gaze narrowed as he heard Lord Poyao declare, "I intend to reallocate all my production lines entirely to the positioning modules for the Void Cloud Vault..."

The other masters voiced their agreement, each claiming the piece of the feast they intended to seize and detailing the manufacturing capacity they would commit.

Lord Yufeng broke in, "Chancellor, the flying sword factories under my command still require the positioning and navigation modules you provide..."

Lord Poyao dismissed him with a wave of his hand. "Yufeng, the university's primary focus now is the Void Cloud Vault. Your factories can halt their operations for the time being."

Stunned by the directive and mindful of the financial ruin a shutdown would entail, Yufeng pressed, "How can we simply halt production?"

Poyao frowned slightly. "Yufeng, your factories are university assets and must operate in alignment with our institutional strategy. The university is facing a critical juncture, a time for us all to pull together. You must bear this temporary hardship and cooperate with our directives."

Beside him, Lord Mujian nodded repeatedly. "The rise of the second-generation Void Cloud Vault is an unstoppable tide. Anyone attempting to swim against it opposes us all."

He turned his gaze upon Yufeng. "Yufeng, you have cultivated all the way to the Soul Transformation realm; you should well know that the path of immortal cultivation requires one to accord with the times, never to defy the greater trend."

Another master nodded in concurrence. "Yufeng, you are a Soul Transformation lord now. Show some nobility of character; do not let your petty personal assets impede the progress of the university."

As the piercing stares of the four masters locked onto him, Lord Yufeng felt his vast holdings across the breadth of Heavenly Sword University being targeted by countless spiritual realm signals; companies, factories, and accounts were already receiving notices of inspection and warnings of risk...

If the projection within this spiritual conference room represented but a single thought of Lord Yufeng, then his sprawling assets across the university constituted his true corporeal form.

And at this moment, as those assets were pinned down by spiritual signals and besieged by warnings and notifications, he felt as though his very body were being firmly held down by the four masters. Should he dare offer the slightest resistance, a torrent of sanctions would inevitably follow.

Sensing the overwhelming pressure closing in on him, the consciousness Lord Yufeng had scattered throughout the spiritual realm began to tremble faintly.

“These four… they’d already decided to join forces before even meeting me.”

“Then again, they can clearly see what spoils they’ll claim in this round—and just as clearly see that I won’t get a single bite…”

Yet Lord Yufeng understood perfectly well: facing these four fellow Divine Ascendants from his own university, resistance was utterly futile.

Gritting his teeth, he could only say, “I understand. I’ll cooperate with the university’s plan and arrange for the work stoppage accordingly…”

“One more thing,” added Lord Poyao, Chancellor of Tianjian University. “Wanfa University is deeply concerned about our credibility.”

Staring at the four Divine Ascendants’ unwavering gazes, Lord Yufeng blinked in slight bewilderment. “Credibility?”

Lord Poyao spoke calmly. “There are unfounded rumors circulating about how the university recently handled the Sword Repository left by Lord Qi Qing—wild claims of all sorts.”

Beside him, Lord Mujian remarked coolly, “Certain leaders at Wanfa University, upon hearing the rumor that we intended to forcibly breach the repository, deemed it a blatant lack of integrity—a serious breach of commercial trust. They’ve expressed grave concerns about Tianjian University’s business environment.”

Lord Poyao sighed. “Yufeng, the Sword Repository belongs to our predecessor Lord Qi Qing—it’s his legacy. Didn’t I explicitly tell you to handle it with the utmost caution?”

“Yet you went ahead with violent demolition, triggered sword-weapon detonations, and even imprisoned his disciples! The whole affair has caused an uproar—the damage to our reputation is severe.”

“How many people abused their power for personal gain? How many acted corruptly under the guise of authority?”

“I’ll say this plainly: in my entire life, nothing incenses me more than bullying the weak through influence or exploiting power for private benefit.”

“Yufeng, you must deal with this matter seriously. Anyone who thinks they can slip through the cracks this time should go ahead and test their luck—let’s see whether their connections are stronger, or whether Tianjian University’s rules hold firmer.”

Listening to Lord Poyao’s words, Lord Yufeng glanced around at the four stern-faced Divine Ascendants present and gave a bitter smile inwardly.

A moment later, he sent a message to Lord Ciji—only to find it rerouted to Zhang Yu.

Apparently, Lord Ciji was too occupied with affairs and had temporarily delegated communications to Zhang Yu.

(End of chapter)