Chapter 745: Sect Posts (Thanks to 'Heavily Dependent on Goblins')

Chapter 745: Sect Positions (Deepest gratitude to "Goblin Addict" for gifting Bai Zhenzhen 10 pairs of silk stockings)

After Zhang Pianpian left the Supreme Clarity Realm, Zhang Yu first retrieved the Sutra of Soul-Washing in Hell and the Sword of Heaven and Earth as My Own from the Soul-Attracting Pool, committing the contents of both volumes to memory one by one.

At the same time, he thought to himself, "This way, counting the Kunlun in the Palm and the Ultimate Barriers of the Three Realms and Ten Directions, I have four immortal sect techniques in my possession."

"If I include the Myriad Transformations Free Mystic Art, a black technique suspected to be of the immortal sect level, that makes five."

Zhang Yu then gave a wry smile. "Unfortunate that apart from the Kunlun in the Palm, the rest have no copyright."

Zhang Yu pondered, "I wonder if there is any way to secure the copyrights for these techniques?"

Shaking his head, he pushed the matter aside for the time being. Having fully memorized the two immortal sect techniques, he withdrew from the Supreme Clarity Realm and sent messages to Divine Lord Magnetic Pole, Divine Lord Green Wood, and Perfected Lord Spark, inquiring about the selection examination for sect civil servants and information regarding work positions within the sect.

Before the three mentors could reply, Bai Zhenzhen, who was by his side, looked over curiously. "Yuzi, what is on your mind?"

Proficient in the Sword Dao of the Seven Emotions and the Sword Dao of Extreme Emotion, Bai Zhenzhen was often acutely sensitive to changes in the emotions of others. At this very moment, she sensed an unprecedented fighting spirit emanating from Zhang Yu.

After a brief deliberation, Zhang Yu decided to inform Bai Zhenzhen about the sect civil servant selection examination. After all, she would find out sooner or later, and he profoundly hoped she could take the examination alongside him so they might enter the sect together.

"The selection examination for sect civil servants?" Hearing this, Bai Zhenzhen was indeed stunned, saying, "To think such an opportunity actually exists."

In that instant, Bai Zhenzhen understood why Zhang Yu was suddenly filled with such burning ambition.

How did one enter the sect? Originally, it was a matter shrouded in layers of mystery, a path forward that was difficult to discern.

But now... to use Zhang Yu's terms, the boss's health bar had finally been revealed.

Bai Zhenzhen understood that for students like them, who had climbed up from the absolute bottom step by step relying on studying, cultivation, and examinations, taking tests was what they excelled at most.

If they could use an examination—a selection method with explicit standards—to compete for the opportunity to join the sect... Bai Zhenzhen felt her own fighting spirit surge.

She said excitedly, "Wonderful! If we can pass the exam and get into the sect, we will never have to worry about unemployment for the rest of our lives!"

"I heard Master Seven Emotions say that unless you commit some catastrophic blunder, the sect will not easily expel you. It is a place where you can earn money for a lifetime, with no more fear of being eliminated."

Hearing Bai Zhenzhen's words, Zhang Yu thought to himself, "The fear of unemployment and the yearning for a stable income are already etched into the very bones of the Kunxu people. But... does a truly stable lifetime job genuinely exist in today's Kunxu?"

The figure of Perfected Lord Spark gradually surfaced in his mind. "I wonder how Master Spark ended up being demoted down here."

Reflecting on his journey from the first layer to the fifth layer, Zhang Yu felt that the entirety of Kunxu resembled a massive, raging furnace. New changes erupted every single moment, hurtling forward at a violently furious pace, and absolutely no one could stand aloof from it.

Of course, at this moment, Zhang Yu still desired the sect immensely.

After all, the power of the ritual had been driving him forward; he had to enter the sect.

Furthermore, only after entering the sect could he obtain more opportunities to learn immortal sect techniques, become stronger, wealthier, and better command his own destiny.

And according to legend, only by joining the Ten Great Sects could one attain the opportunity to ascend and become an immortal.

"Becoming an immortal..."

Though Zhang Yu was merely at the Nascent Soul stage right now, a surge of fighting spirit welled up in his heart. He wanted to become an immortal; he wanted to climb to the absolute summit of Kunxu.

Just then, a slight flicker appeared in Zhang Yu's optical implants, displaying messages from Divine Lord Magnetic Pole and Divine Lord Green Wood, sending him an invitation to a spiritual realm conference.

After a moment's thought, Zhang Yu simply brought Bai Zhenzhen along to save himself the trouble of repeating everything later.

...

Inside the spiritual realm conference room.

Seeing Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen arrive side by side, Divine Lord Magnetic Pole sent a message to Divine Lord Green Wood: Your precious disciple never forgets to bring this Bai Zhenzhen along, no matter where he goes.

Divine Lord Green Wood replied: I think Little Bai is quite excellent. Especially last time, when she supported Zhang Yu alone with her sword, and together they defeated and executed an Immortal-Slaying cultivator. That is not something an ordinary person could achieve.

Divine Lord Magnetic Pole: I am not saying she is bad. I only fear that what is achieved through extreme emotion may also be destroyed by extreme emotion.

Looking at Divine Lord Magnetic Pole's reply, Divine Lord Green Wood fell silent.

Meanwhile, Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen greeted the two Divine Lords together.

Divine Lord Magnetic Pole spoke, "Zhang Yu, we have read the message you sent us. The reason we did not reply immediately was partly because we were handing over our duties to others, and partly because we were inquiring about news from the sect."

Zhang Yu asked curiously, "Handing over duties?"

Divine Lord Green Wood explained, "The newly ascended Deity Transformation cultivators from the ten universities are all required to head to the sect for training this time, which will last for about five years. During this period, the higher-ups will dispatch Deity Transformation cultivators to station themselves at each school."

Divine Lord Magnetic Pole said, "We have already completed the handover with the incoming Deity Transformation cultivators. For the next five years, they will temporarily assume the role of principal..."

Hearing this, a figure stirred in Zhang Yu's mind, and he asked, "Among the newly arrived Deity Transformation cultivators, is there one named Yun Zhiguang?"

Divine Lord Magnetic Pole replied, "Oh? It seems she has already contacted you. Yes, besides her, there is another Deity Transformation cultivator. Both hail from the sect and will be stationed at Wanfa University for the next five years, also taking charge of advancing the reconstruction tasks inside and outside the school."

Divine Lord Green Wood reminded him, "These sect disciples possess extraordinary backgrounds and hold high power and authority. Make sure you do not offend them under any circumstances."

Divine Lord Magnetic Pole nodded and said, "In this university war, you have already drawn more than enough attention. Next, you should rein in your focus and concentrate on your own cultivation."

"It just so happens that the sect civil servant selection examination is being organized. Devote yourself entirely to preparing for the exam from now on."

Divine Lord Magnetic Pole spoke with a complex expression, "If you can pass into the sect, it will be a literal leap through the dragon's gate, and your prospects on the immortal path will truly become vast."

Divine Lord Green Wood sighed, "Once inside the sect, not only will there be superior cultivation conditions, but there will even be opportunities for retirement into seclusion."

Retirement into seclusion? Hearing these words, Zhang Yu was stunned. Was that a concept that could even exist in Kunxu?

Divine Lord Green Wood said, "It is said that within the sect, when a cultivator of the Void Refinement stage reaches the final century of their lifespan, they can choose not to participate in sect work while still receiving an annual cultivation stipend. It can truly be called transforming into an immortal at leisure, attaining great freedom."

As he spoke up to this point, Divine Lord Green Wood's eyes were already filled with deep envy.

Zhang Yu was shocked once more. Did such a wonderful thing actually exist in Kunxu? It was just that this sort of benefit belonged exclusively to sect disciples of high cultivation realms.

Divine Lord Green Wood continued, "Beyond Void Refinement, it is said that for every higher realm one achieves, the duration of retirement becomes even longer. Upon final ascension into immortality, one never has to work again, naturally provided for by both the Heavenly Court and the sect together."

The higher the realm, the more free time and the larger the stipend one gets? Zhang Yu cursed inwardly that this was utterly preposterous. The higher the realm, the more one ought to work and dedicate themselves to the sect. What nonsense was this about resting?

But in the next moment, he realized that given the typical nature of the people of Kunxu, even if these high-realm cultivators retired, their so-called lack of work merely meant not working for the sect. Instead, they would undoubtedly be working desperately hard for their own cultivation and wealth.

Hearing this, Bai Zhenzhen grew increasingly excited, sending a message to Zhang Yu: Yuzi! The benefits of the sect are truly too wonderful. We must definitely break through to the Void Refinement stage together in the future! Retire together for a hundred years! Getting paid for doing nothing year after year, we will finally be able to master our own time.

Divine Lord Magnetic Pole added from the side, "Furthermore, only within the sect can a Deity Transformation cultivator break through to the Void Refinement stage."

She looked at Zhang Yu and explained, "You are not a Deity Transformation cultivator yet, so you do not know. If a cultivator at our realm wishes to refine the spirit back into emptiness and break through to a higher state, they must reach the fifteenth layer of Kunxu."

Divine Lord Magnetic Pole sighed, "Only the fifteenth layer and above possess the essential immortal path elements required to refine the spirit back into emptiness."

"If one needs to continue breaking through after the Void Refinement stage, they must climb to even higher layers."

"The subsequent realms simply cannot be breached unless one is in those higher layers."

Zhang Yu was startled, thinking to himself, "So only by entering the sect and continuing to climb layer by layer can one break through to higher realms?"

At this thought, Dao Qiankun came to his mind. "I wonder if Brother Dao, having seized the sixth layer, has any way to allow Deity Transformation cultivators to break through the realm limitations within the sixth layer?"

As Zhang Yu pondered, Divine Lord Green Wood continued, "The benefits of entering the sect are far too numerous. Unfortunately, your master and I no longer have the chance. You must seize this opportunity firmly."

Divine Lord Magnetic Pole spoke up, "Regarding some matters of the sect civil servant selection examination, we asked the two newly arrived Deity Transformation cultivators. The first thing to consider for this exam is which sect and which job position to apply for in the future."

"The choice of sect goes without saying. With your credentials from Wanfa University, applying to the Wanfa Sect will give you the absolute greatest advantage. There is no need to consider other sects."

Divine Lord Green Wood reminded him from the side, "It is currently July. Zhang Yu, you are in your second year of graduate studies, correct? Apply for early graduation as soon as possible. If you can sign up with a master's degree, that will also be an additional advantage."

"However, with the constant warfare over the past two years, you have fallen behind quite a bit on your graduate coursework, haven't you? Hurry up and make up for it, and strive to secure your master's graduation certificate first, the sooner the better."

Divine Lord Magnetic Pole agreed with this. "I will have Perfected Lord Xianyin arrange it for you, so you can complete the required learning, the examinations, and the thesis all in one go."

Then, Divine Lord Magnetic Pole returned to the topic of the sect examination, "I heard from Yun Zhiguang and the other... that for this sect civil servant selection examination, almost all factions within the sect, including the Halls, Pavilions, Palaces, and Institutes, will be recruiting people."

"There are even core central agencies like the Palace of Immortal Ascension. Entering there allows one to directly face the Sect Master, the Deputy Sect Master, and the Grandmasters of various factions. It can truly be considered ascending to heaven in a single step."

Beside him, Qingmu Shenjun remained unconvinced. “The competition in such places is far too fierce. Every disciple within those sects comes from a formidable background—Zhang Yu might struggle for years without any chance of advancement.”

“Besides,” he added, “sect affairs are endlessly complicated. I fear that once he’s inside, he’ll be buried under administrative drudgery and menial tasks, leaving him no time at all for his own cultivation.”

“And in such an environment,” Qingmu continued, “he’d be constantly watched by powerful cultivators on every side. His every word and deed would likely be scrutinized and constrained—it’s simply unsuitable for Zhang Yu.”

At the same time, Qingmu thought inwardly, “And then there’s the social etiquette among the sect’s upper echelons… Zhang Yu probably won’t adapt easily. If he offends someone because of it, he might invite disaster upon himself.”

Ciji Shenjun nodded in agreement. “I feel the same way. Compared to these bureaucratic institutions, a position focused on Immortal Dao technology would suit Zhang Yu far better.”

“For instance,” Ciji went on, “the Tianzao Pavilion is excellent—it specializes in puppetry research. Given your experience with Tianri Huangshen and Bishui Jinjing Armor, and your talent for artifact refinement—which rivals even my own back in the day—you’d surely make rapid progress there.”

“Or consider Qiankun Pavilion,” he added with a smile. “It focuses exclusively on spatial Immortal Dao techniques. You’ve already made considerable strides with *Palm-Sized Kunlun*, and your work developing the Taixu Cloud Vault gives you a significant edge.”

“If you can establish yourself through artifact refinement within the sect,” Ciji concluded, “your lack of influential connections won’t matter much. As long as you advance steadily, even if slowly, you’ll still rise.”

Qingmu Shenjun nodded. “If you aim for positions in this field, the exam content will likely align well with your strengths—especially your specialization in artifact refinement. That’s a clear advantage.”

*But what about my civil engineering background? Will that hurt my chances of entering a sect?* Zhang Yu very much wanted to ask this aloud, but after a moment’s thought, he held his tongue.

He muttered inwardly, “Never mind—I’ll ask someone else about this later.”

After finishing his conversation with Ciji Shenjun and Qingmu Shenjun, Zhang Yu had indeed grown interested in Immortal Dao technical roles.

“With my natural talent—and with Yushu’s help—I’ll master any cultivation method or technique incredibly fast,” he reflected. This had always been his experience, and now, with the *Myriad Transformations Self-Mastery Profound Art* at his command, his sixteen extra avatars would accelerate his learning and cultivation even further.

Of course, he couldn’t openly use this art—he’d have to secretly leverage it to speed things up.

“So, advancing in Immortal Dao technology shouldn’t be difficult for me. Should I go down this path, then?”

Beside him, Bai Zhenzhen was thinking quietly to herself, “No good. All the information Ciji Shenjun and Qingmu Shenjun gave us concerns Wanfa Sect. Does that mean I’d have to take the entrance exam for Wanfa Sect?”

She’d be perfectly happy taking the exam alongside Zhang Yu. In fact, if not for the unexpected incident back on the First Layer that landed her in Tianjian University instead, she would have entered Wanfa University with him from the start.

“Sigh… But now I’m already a bachelor’s and master’s graduate from Tianjian University. It’ll be awfully hard for me to apply to Wanfa Sect.”

For a moment, Bai Zhenzhen’s thoughts churned wildly, and a faint trace of worry appeared unbidden in her eyes.

Just then, Zhang Yu spoke up beside her: “Xinghuo Zhenjun has replied. Let’s go hear what he has to say.”

…

Another spirit-realm conference room had been prepared.

Xinghuo Zhenjun took a deep breath, stretched his neck and swung his arms with evident relief, thinking inwardly, “Finally, I don’t have to worry about running out of spirit-realm bandwidth credits.”

At that moment, three figures—Zhang Yu, Bai Zhenzhen, and Yu Xinghan—materialized before him one after another.

“You’re all here?” Xinghuo Zhenjun said. “Registration for the Sect Affairs Officer selection exam opens in two months, and the actual exam begins one month after that.”

Both Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen tensed inwardly. “So soon?”

Yu Xinghan, however, looked puzzled. “Sect Affairs Officer exam?”

Xinghuo Zhenjun gave a brief explanation, then summarized: “According to my sources, this year’s registration is open to cultivators across Layers 1 through 10.”

Yu Xinghan exclaimed in surprise, “Even Layer 1?”

“In theory, yes,” Xinghuo replied. “But practically speaking… applicants must be Golden Core cultivators under 150 years old, or Nascent Soul cultivators under 400. No one on Layer 1 meets those criteria.”

Yu Xinghan nodded slightly, then suddenly realized something. “Master… does that mean… you could also register for this exam?”

Xinghuo chuckled. “Indeed. Who would’ve thought this old man would get another chance to return to a sect? This time, I’ll be taking the exam right alongside you.”

“Back in my youth,” he mused, “I was favored by a benefactor and managed to transition from contractor to full member—never imagining I’d escape the agony of sect exams forever.”

“But fate turns in circles. Here we are again.”

Shaking his head, Xinghuo looked at his three students. “Before you take the exam, you must first choose your desired post. Any ideas?”

Seeing them all shake their heads, he wasn’t surprised and began explaining: “Broadly speaking, Wanfa Sect divides its paths into two tracks.”

“One focuses on Immortal Dao technology; the other on comprehensive administration.”

“Both offer opportunities for advancement and promising futures—but their emphases differ greatly…”

As he spoke, Xinghuo’s mind drifted involuntarily to memories of guiding these three students back on Layer 1. He never imagined that after merely six or seven years, they’d meet again—this time, all as fellow examinees.

Listening intently, Zhang Yu finally gained a vague understanding of Wanfa Sect’s internal structure and asked, “Master Xinghuo, which path do you think we should take?”

“Comprehensive administration, of course,” Xinghuo replied without hesitation.

Bai Zhenzhen was taken aback. “We have no connections up here, but our talents are solid. Shouldn’t we focus on Immortal Dao technology instead?”

“Talent?” Xinghuo scoffed. “After cultivating this long, you still believe in that nonsense? What matters most in Immortal Dao research is money. Talent alone is useless.”

“Besides,” he added, “can’t talent be bought? In the sects, there’s hardly anything money can’t acquire.”

He sighed. “Moreover, the higher the level of Immortal Dao technology, the more secrets, patents, and restrictions involved—and the tighter the sect’s surveillance becomes.”

“And under that watchful eye,” he warned, “you yourselves might become subjects of study.”

“Many advanced Immortal Dao technologies are inherently dangerous,” he continued. “Merely handling them could lead to irreversible consequences.”

Hearing this, Zhang Yu and the others immediately sensed the perils lurking within Immortal Dao research.

Xinghuo went on: “On the administrative track, yes, some posts demand wealth, connections, or lineage—but others reward sheer grit and effort.”

He looked at them meaningfully. “Do you know that the sects are constantly engaged in ‘sect wars’ and ‘orthodox-versus-demonic conflicts’?”

Yu Xinghan gasped. “Are tensions between the Ten Great Sects so intense that they’re always at war?”

Xinghuo shook his head. “Not due to conflict—but profit. Through these orchestrated ‘wars,’ sects not only spur technological advancement and clear inventory, but also harvest specific Immortal Dao elements they require. Beyond that, they generate calamity karma, market stabilization, merit, heavenly gang qi, earthly sha qi…”

“To produce these Immortal Dao elements,” he explained, “sects deliberately manufacture events at scheduled times and locations.”

Zhang Yu’s heart stirred. *Could all the major events I’ve experienced in the past have been manufactured to fulfill some hidden demand?*

Xinghuo continued: “In short, the sects offer countless frontline posts tied directly to these grand schemes—posts deeply involved in producing Immortal Dao elements. They offer rapid merit accumulation and exceptionally high base salaries. For people like us—with neither money nor influence—they’re ideal.”

“But it sounds extremely dangerous,” Yu Xinghan said hesitantly. “Wouldn’t it be easy to go bankrupt?”

Xinghuo sighed. “If it weren’t dangerous, how could it possibly be available to us?”

“Don’t think that just because you enter a sect, you’re safe forever,” he warned. “Competition and pressure exist inside too. Income may be high, but expenses are even higher. Fall behind once, and you’ll fall behind forever—until there’s no way out.”

Watching his thoughtful students, Xinghuo added firmly, “Remember everything I’ve told you today. If you have any questions about the sects, come ask me anytime.”

“Choose your exam path quickly. Different posts have vastly different exam content. Once you decide, we’ll plan your preparation together.”

Yu Xinghan nodded repeatedly, thinking that official details about the Sect Affairs Officer exam would likely be released later by the True Deities. Getting a head start under Xinghuo Zhenjun’s guidance was already a significant advantage.

Xinghuo Zhenjun added gravely, “Don’t for a moment assume your current strength guarantees success in this exam.”

“As far as I know,” he said, “there’s strong opposition within the sects to holding this exam in the lower layers. The difficulty won’t be trivial.”

Not long after Zhang Yu finished speaking with Xinghuo Zhenjun, Yun Zhiguang appeared once more.

Her projection shimmered before Zhang Yu. “You want to take the sect exam?”

When Zhang Yu nodded, Yun Zhiguang smiled faintly. “Guess how many years I spent trying to get into a sect.”

“Twelve years.”

“The Ancestral Examination isn’t that easy. To imagine passing it within just a few years is pure delusion—let alone with only three months left.”

“Besides, the sect has already decided: none of you in tiers two through five will pass this time. Not a single one.”

Yun Zhiguang patted Zhang Yu on the shoulder and said, “Just stay at the university and help me run the company well, spreading the Dharma Realm.”

“Work hard in this life, and in your next I’ll arrange for you to be reborn into tier eleven—your chances of entering the sect will be far greater then. Once you’re in, I’ll put in a good word for you. With another few decades of effort, you might even reach my position.”

(End of chapter)