Chapter 761: Immortal Spiritual Root is Gone? Departure Day (Thanks to 'Shi Jiao')

Chapter 761: The Immortal Spirit Root Is Gone? The Day of Departure (Thanks to Patron “Shi Jiao Qiao Xia Shui Jin Xi Dao Xiang Zhong”)

As Zhang Yu repeatedly circulated his cultivation techniques, he could feel the True Spirit Root within him unfurling ever more expansively.

It was as if a lotus about to bloom—its petals gradually swelling and stretching outward—was absorbing each of the cultivation methods Zhang Yu practiced, transforming them into nourishment that fueled its continued blossoming.

Just as the tenth Level-40 technique he was circulating was on the verge of being fully absorbed, Zhang Yu suddenly sensed something. In an instant, he clasped his hands together and activated the Level-40 strategic-grade immortal sect technique, *Palm Containing Kunlun*.

All light, sound, and spiritual energy in the room were instantly drawn into the immortal space within his palms.

Centered on Zhang Yu’s body, the entire space plunged into absolute darkness—a void like a black hole devouring everything within it.

Yet from this utter darkness, faint threads of azure light emerged like tender shoots breaking through stone, slowly unfurling from the abyss.

These strands of azure light, warped by spatial distortion, stretched into luminous filaments until they coalesced into the form of a blue lotus.

Watching this unfold, Zhang Yu simultaneously felt the transformation of the spirit root within him. He thought inwardly, “So it truly is… an Immortal Spirit Root.”

“And such a tremendous disturbance—if I hadn’t used *Palm Containing Kunlun* to its fullest to conceal it, the radiance released during the Blue Lotus Sword Embryo’s ascension would have lit up the entire sky.”

In Zhang Yu’s perception, the azure radiance emanating from the Immortal Spirit Root seemed to be gradually adapting to his *Palm Containing Kunlun*, struggling to break free from his control.

A thought struck him: “Is it trying… to return? To complete its holistic transcendence?”

Without hesitation, Zhang Yu wrapped his arms around Bai Zhenzhen from behind and whispered into her ear, “Ah-Zhen, it’s coming! Catch it!”

In the next moment, Bai Zhenzhen felt the spirit root surge into her lower dantian, returning to her body.

But the familiar True Spirit Root had changed beyond recognition.

If before, after countless upgrades, it had resembled a blue lotus woven from countless neural tendrils, now it had transformed into streams of luminous particles, threading through every fiber of Bai Zhenzhen’s flesh and finally coalescing in her dantian into a glowing blue lotus wreathed in halos.

In that instant, Bai Zhenzhen realized the spirit root was no longer merely fused with her flesh—it had become something both real and illusory, deeply rooted within her nascent soul and sea of consciousness.

Thanks to this profound integration, the spirit root’s adaptability surged once again. No matter how her body, nascent soul, or consciousness might change, this Immortal Spirit Root would perfectly adjust.

Moreover, Bai Zhenzhen noticed another new trait: the ethereal True Spirit Root within her now possessed far greater concealment ability.

With but a thought, the radiant spirit root dissolved into a shimmering aura and vanished entirely within her.

She understood—this meant the True Spirit Root had fully dispersed and hidden itself within her flesh. At this very moment, no matter how thoroughly she was examined, she would appear completely devoid of any spirit root.

Of course, in this fully dispersed state, she could not access any of the True Spirit Root’s powers.

While Bai Zhenzhen explored the newfound strength of her upgraded spirit root, Zhang Yu, too, was examining the effects of his own Blue Lotus Sword Embryo, now elevated to Tier 4.

His Feather Spirit Root likewise bloomed as a luminous blue lotus within his lower dantian.

Glancing at the Dao Seed Codex while sensing the changes in his Feather Spirit Root, he mused inwardly, “Since evolving into an Immortal Spirit Root, all foundational capabilities of the root have surged dramatically—but… in terms of evolutionary direction, Ah-Zhen and I have grown even more distinct.”

Zhang Yu could sense that his Feather Spirit Root, upon becoming an Immortal Spirit Root, had further aligned itself with the Chain Dharma Diagrams.

“If previously, wearing a full set of Chain Dharma Diagrams for a month allowed my Feather Spirit Root to adapt to roughly 1% of their effects—maintaining that 1% even after switching sets—now it can gain 2% adaptation per month. In twenty months, that’s 40%…”

“The noble independent multiplier zone has grown even stronger.”

He silently calculated, “And the upper limit of this adaptation has also increased significantly. Could it eventually raise the Chain Dharma Diagrams’ adaptation ceiling to 40%? Or even 50%?”

Zhang Yu knew that different Chain Dharma Diagrams varied wildly in their adaptability effects—he would need time to experiment carefully.

Regardless, this was an immense enhancement.

“It greatly raises the ceiling of my Chain Dharma Diagram potential.”

“The only issue is time—I need time to grow.”

“Whether it’s the previous infinite Chain Dharma Diagrams or my current Feather Spirit Root, improving any single set demands considerable time.”

He reflected, “Which means… in terms of efficiency for enhancing Chain Dharma Diagrams, I should now focus on ‘specialization’ rather than ‘breadth.’ I must concentrate on one or two diagrams and push them to their limits, rather than spreading myself thin across many.”

As Zhang Yu pondered, Bai Zhenzhen beside him was also beginning to grasp the power of her evolved spirit root.

Her comprehension of sword arts, her practice of sword techniques, and even the efficiency of her foundational cultivation data—all accelerated dramatically, causing her sword talent and immortal path aptitude to surge.

At the same time, she discovered she was now adapting to the presence of the Kao Sect avatar within her.

This adaptation didn’t mean she was transforming into the avatar’s likeness, but rather that she could exert deeper control over it.

Streams of light from the True Spirit Root pierced through the Kao Sect avatar, drawing it under her dominion.

Through subsequent trials, Bai Zhenzhen gradually realized she could now voluntarily summon the Kao Sect avatar—and even begin to adapt to and master its Love Sect variant of the Supreme Emotion Sword Dao.

In a flash, her figure moved, a wicked smirk appearing on her face as she charged toward Zhang Yu with overwhelming aura.

“Hand it over!”

Seeing her reach for his lower abdomen, Zhang Yu sidestepped instantly.

Bai Zhenzhen froze mid-motion, her expression returning to normal.

But in the next breath, the Kao Sect avatar surged forth again. “You useless fool!” it snapped. “Your petty romantic attachments could never compare to my grand love for the sect!”

“Not to mention… in the future, I’ll elevate the Supreme Emotion Sword Dao to the level of Loving Kunxu! From the Love Sect realm, I’ll step into the Loving Kun realm!”

“Release me at once! I must cultivate with Zhang Yu day and night, scaling the peaks of the immortal path together!”

“How can I attain the Loving Kun realm if I don’t cultivate alongside all under heaven?”

After another bout of internal struggle, Bai Zhenzhen suppressed the Kao Sect avatar once more.

Only then did she speak: “Yu-zi, I think I can now use the spirit root to suppress the Kao Sect avatar.”

“Give me some more practice, and I’ll get even better at it.”

She had already resolved: before entering the sect, she would fully master the Kao Sect avatar.

She also intended to study its Supreme Emotion Sword Dao.

Through her recent immersion in Kao Sect teachings, Bai Zhenzhen had gained deeper insight into the Heavenly Sword Sect. She knew that in her current state, she lacked sufficient competitive edge within the sect.

“In the Heavenly Sword Sect, sword dao and sword intent have already advanced to far more sophisticated levels.”

“It’s not just the Supreme Emotion Sword Dao that can break through to the Love Sect realm—even all manner of emotions can serve as nourishment for sword dao.”

“And it’s not only positive emotions like ‘love’—even negative ones can be harnessed…”

Suffering, hatred, sloth, greed, lust… Bai Zhenzhen knew that in today’s Heavenly Sword Sect, sword arts fueled by every kind of emotion flourished widely, with thriving industries and research dedicated to them. She had so much ground to cover.

Watching Bai Zhenzhen repeatedly suppress the Kao Sect avatar, Zhang Yu thought inwardly, “Because she couldn’t fully subdue the avatar like I can, her True Spirit Root evolved the ability to suppress it upon ascension?”

He felt genuine joy at this—it meant Bai Zhenzhen would be far safer in Kunxu.

Yet there remained one untested ability granted by the evolved Blue Lotus Sword Embryo—an ability that bound Bai Zhenzhen and Zhang Yu together even more deeply.

The moment Bai Zhenzhen sensed this connection, the True Spirit Root in her lower dantian abruptly dissolved into light, leaving behind an utterly empty dantian.

She realized—the spirit root hadn’t merely hidden itself. It had truly vanished from her body.

“Holy crap! My Immortal Spirit Root is gone!”

Meanwhile, Zhang Yu glanced at the Dao Seed Codex and gave a mysterious smile.

In the next instant, Bai Zhenzhen felt a sudden warmth and tightness in her lower abdomen—as if something had pierced through space itself and plunged directly into her dantian, sending a shiver through her entire body.

Startled, she cried out, “What the hell just entered me?”

Then she saw it—the Feather Spirit Root now residing in her dantian.

“Yu-zi… is that your spirit root? How did your spirit root just teleport straight into me?”

Zhang Yu’s voice rang out: “Ah Zhen, do you sense the new connection between our spiritual roots?”

Bai Zhenzhen nodded. “It feels… like there really is something there.”

Having comprehended the Dao Seed Manual, Zhang Yu now understood this newfound ability. He explained, “Our Feather Spirit Root and True Spirit Root can now teleport between us.”

At his mental command, the Feather Spirit Root within Bai Zhenzhen’s lower abdomen shimmered into light and vanished—reappearing instantly within his own body.

Then it disappeared again, returning once more to hers.

“Hss…” Bai Zhenzhen let out a soft gasp, seemingly unaccustomed to such transference through empty space. “It goes so deep… much deeper into my dantian than when you’re holding me.”

She then focused inward, summoning her True Spirit Root back from Zhang Yu’s body.

The two spent the next while testing this strange new power again and again, delighting in the way their spirit roots flickered in and out of existence within their dantians, slipping back and forth like playful fish.

Beyond mere transference, they discovered they could also channel spiritual energy through their celestial spirit roots.

As Zhang Yu’s spiritual power flowed into her dantian and spread through her meridians, Bai Zhenzhen sighed in wonder: “Yu-zi, with this, even if we’re far apart, we can still support each other.”

“But I wonder,” she added, “just how far this spirit-root transference can reach.”

Zhang Yu replied, “Within the same layer of Kunxu, it should work without issue.”

Inwardly, he mused: *Support is one thing—but the real advantage lies in nourishing my Green Lotus Sword Embryo, pushing its grade higher in the future.*

He glanced at the Dao Seed Manual. His Green Lotus Sword Embryo had already reached level 4, but to advance further would require the nourishment of no fewer than thirty distinct cultivation techniques, each at level 50.

“The requirements have skyrocketed.”

Yet this didn’t surprise him. Now transformed into a celestial spirit root, the Green Lotus Sword Embryo had grown immensely stronger—it made sense that upgrading it would demand far greater resources. “Level 50 techniques… that’s the peak for Nascent Soul cultivators. I’ll have to wait until I reach the Divine Transformation realm before I can even begin gathering them.”

“But with this new ability,” he thought, “once I break through to Divine Transformation—even if Ah Zhen remains at the Heavenly Sword Sect—I can simply send her True Spirit Root over and help her upgrade the Green Lotus Sword Embryo anytime.”

Of course, reaching Divine Transformation required a Divine Transformation Certification.

Unlike the Ten Academies, sects weren’t nearly as strict about these certifications. As far as Zhang Yu knew, upon joining the sect, an administrative disciple started at Rank 1; promotion to Rank 4 granted access to a Divine Transformation Certification, and Rank 5 even conferred a Refining Void Certification.

After thoroughly exploring the capabilities of their celestial spirit roots, Zhang Yu began teaching Bai Zhenzhen how to use the “Law-Severing Talisman.”

“Ah Zhen, you’d better learn this talisman before entering the sect…”

After explaining its function, he warned gravely, “Remember—never share this talisman with anyone you don’t absolutely trust. If it leaks to the sect or the Heavenly Court, it’ll become useless.”

Bai Zhenzhen nodded vigorously, gazing at him with unwavering sincerity. “Don’t worry, Yu-zi. I won’t teach it to anyone. You’re the only person I truly trust.”

She then looked at the talisman traced by his fingertip and asked eagerly, “Now hurry up and teach me how to use it!”

Zhang Yu blinked. “Huh? You don’t understand it? It’s pretty straightforward…”

Her expression turned icy. “Did you understand it the first time you saw it?”

“Of course I did,” he said confidently.

“Bullshit!” she shot back. “I don’t believe you! You copied my talisman homework back in high school!”

After successfully teaching her the Law-Severing Talisman, Zhang Yu left the cultivation chamber, leaving Bai Zhenzhen alone to practice.

He hadn’t walked far down the corridor when he spotted Yu Xinghan waiting nearby.

Yu Xinghan’s gaze swept toward him—and for the briefest instant, a golden thread flickered between his brows.

He was using his upgraded Three-Eyed Insight to observe Zhang Yu.

Through his eyes, Zhang Yu’s entire body glowed green—except for one minuscule spot, where an almost imperceptible red glimmer hovered.

This was the new ability granted by advancing his Three-Eyed Insight to level 4: the power to perceive physical wear and tear in others.

A flawless body appeared entirely green.

The more damaged or strained a part was, the redder it became—deep crimson indicating extreme vulnerability.

“If my third eye before revealed flaws in martial techniques,” Yu Xinghan mused, “then now it reveals weaknesses in the flesh itself.”

“Striking those weak points should yield greater effect. Truly…”

“…useless. I’m not some brawler like Old Deng Xinghuo. Why give me this ability?”

“Though,” he conceded, “aside from combat, it’s useful for self-monitoring—helping me avoid injury during cultivation or overtime work.”

Beyond that, he hadn’t yet figured out any particularly lucrative applications.

Under his third eye’s scrutiny, Zhang Yu’s body usually radiated perfect, unblemished green—a sign of constant, pristine condition.

But right now, a faint red speck shimmered near his lower abdomen, so delicate it seemed ready to vanish within a few breaths.

Still, Yu Xinghan was startled. “You’re injured?”

Zhang Yu paused, switched his Green Lotus Sword Embryo to Three-Eyed Insight mode, scanned himself—and immediately understood. This tiny wound must be residual damage from today’s evolution and restructuring of his sword embryo.

He shook his head. “It’s nothing.”

Then, frowning, he looked at Yu Xinghan. “But why are you so worn down?”

In Zhang Yu’s vision, the area below Yu Xinghan’s navel burned deep crimson—as if about to ignite.

Yu Xinghan merely smiled with quiet confidence. “Just been working overtime lately. While my seed still fetches a good price in the mortal realm, I intend to squeeze every last drop of potential from myself before joining the sect—transforming it all into celestial potential to prepare for life within.”

Time and hardship had tempered Yu Xinghan. He’d witnessed the dizzying highs and crushing lows of fate. No longer was he the insecure, emotionally turbulent high school boy who once blushed with shame and doubt.

He… had grown up.

If the present-day Yu Xinghan ever met his younger self, he’d simply say: “Kid, your thrusts weren’t fast enough—or ruthless enough. To reach the pinnacle of the Immortal Path, you must cast aside those useless emotions.”

Zhang Yu led Yu Xinghan into his office. He’d arranged this meeting specifically to pass on the Law-Severing Talisman.

Over the following days, Zhang Yu continued his preparations, leveraging every resource at his disposal from the Ten Academies to ensure he entered the sect in peak condition.

Through relentless focus, his Dao Heart and physical strength had already reached the Nascent Soul limit—and now, his spiritual power finally crossed the threshold of 100,000 units, matching that same peak.

All three of his core attributes had maxed out. As a result, his Nascent Soul underwent triple reinforcement: his flight speed, spellcasting range, and control distance all surged once more.

Even as he honed himself, Zhang Yu didn’t neglect his responsibilities. He completed handovers for all his companies, delegating key authorities to trusted employees.

Yet he knew full well: once he departed, and with Yun Zhiguang and other sect disciples steadily increasing their influence over Wanfa and the Ten Academies, the future direction of his enterprises would slip beyond even his control.

Then, on this day, Wang Yin—who hadn’t contacted him in ages—finally reached out.

Wang Yin: “True Lord Zhuyi, might I trouble you to deliver a message to Lord Shenquan of the Nether Spring once you arrive at the sect?”

Wang Yin: [100 Spirit Coins] A humble token of appreciation.

Zhang Yu knew that 100 spirit coins was no small sum for Wang Yin anymore.

He couldn’t help but recall their past entanglements—and marveled at how the once-lofty CEO now seemed utterly insignificant before him.

Zhang Yu: “Speak.”

Besides Wang Yin, old acquaintances kept approaching him daily.

That very day, Wen Wuya rushed all the way to the research institute to request an audience.

Grateful for the generous spirit coin support Wen had given him back in university, Zhang Yu cut straight to the point: “What is it?”

Wen Wuya: “True Lord, could you ask Zhenzhen to take me to the Heavenly Sword Sect? I want to work as an outsourced contractor there while preparing for the entrance exam—immerse myself in the sect environment, then return to take the official examination below.”

Zhang Yu asked, puzzled, “Why don’t you just contact Ah Zhen directly?”

Wen Wuya sighed helplessly, “Zhenzhen hasn’t replied to me at all.”

In truth, the moment Wen Wuya sent his first message, he realized it had failed to go through.

Afraid that she might have accidentally deleted him as a friend, he tried sending a new friend request—but received no response. That silence made it painfully clear: he’d likely been blocked by Bai Zhenzhen.

“Could it be… that after Zhenzhen entered the sect, she deliberately chose to cut ties with those of us outside?”

The thought pierced Wen Wuya’s heart like a blade.

Yet driven by his own desperate ambition to join the sect, he could no longer hold back—he had come today seeking Zhang Yu’s help.

Seeing Zhang Yu’s gentle demeanor eased Wen Wuya’s nerves just a little.

Hearing this, Zhang Yu’s mind stirred faintly. “Could it be… that Zhenzhen’s sect-avatar blocked Wen Wuya back then?”

The more he pondered it, the more plausible it seemed. With a sigh, Zhang Yu said, “I’ll pass your message along to Bai Zhenzhen. But in the end, what she decides is up to her alone.”

Not long after ending his conversation with Wen Wuya, four familiar faces appeared once more in Zhang Yu’s office.

Gazing at Shi Huaiyu, Xiao Qingxuan, Shi Yunxiang, and Ying Xin before him, Zhang Yu remarked wistfully, “After I enter the sect this time, I likely won’t be returning for a very long while. Before I leave—do any of you need anything from me?”

Ever since they’d slain that demonic cultivator’s Golden Core together, Zhang Yu had forged bonds of deep trust with them.

Later, when Zhang Yu founded his company, Shi Huaiyu and the others contributed greatly—earning him substantial wealth.

But now, standing before Zhang Yu—the newly minted “Sect Lord”—the four exchanged uneasy glances, none daring to voice a single request.

Noticing their hesitation, Zhang Yu spoke gently:

“In other companies, perhaps bosses strive to squeeze every last drop of utility from their employees—believing that the more profit they extract, the more wealth and status they gain, climbing ever higher on the path of immortality.”

“But you know I’ve never favored such ways.”

“Whether it’s raising salaries or handing out red envelopes—even if it costs me money, even if others call me foolish—I simply choose to do it.”

“Today, before I depart, I only wish to help you one last time.”

“I’ve always said: I will never hoard glory for myself alone.”

Looking at Zhang Yu’s earnest face, the four were swept back in memory—to the competitions they’d entered together, the fierce battle against the demonic Golden Core, tunneling through the Yuan Magnetic Passage, and toiling side by side in the company.

Shi Huaiyu sighed inwardly: “Yes… Zhang Yu is still the same. Even now, on the verge of entering the sect, he hasn’t changed. He’s still the man who’d sacrifice his own interests for us—the man worthy of our utmost trust, even unto death.”

With that realization, Shi Huaiyu steeled himself and spoke without hesitation: “True Lord, I too wish to take the sect entrance exam.”

Meeting their resolute gazes, Zhang Yu sighed inwardly. Just as he’d expected—people of Kunxu would forever hunger for the Dao of Immortals, without end.

Without delay, Zhang Yu sent over a document. “This is my compiled study guide for the sect exams. It includes my own insights, reflections, and suggestions tailored to the positions you’re applying for. Take it.”

“And before I leave, I’ll arrange to transfer you all into the Artificer Department. That should give you an edge for next year’s exams.”

Hearing this, joy lit up their eyes.

In the days that followed, as Zhang Yu wrapped up task after task, the hour of departure steadily drew near.

(End of Chapter)