Chapter 765: Tonghui Workshop, After-school Homework

Chapter 765: Tonghui Market, Homework Assignment

“The simplest way to boost work efficiency is naturally to turn one of you into two, two into four—the more people you have, the higher your productivity becomes,” the instructor on stage declared confidently. “Take, for example, purified souls imported from the Heavenly Demon Sect. Inject them with copies of your own memories—wouldn’t that instantly create an excellent soul cultivator?”

At this, Zhang Yu’s heart sank. “So they’re turning themselves into soul cultivators? No… that doesn’t sound quite right either…”

Though it sounded like merely copying one’s memories, Zhang Yu felt it was practically no different from duplicating oneself entirely.

He could almost picture himself opening his eyes one day only to find he’d become a clone—forced to labor for free on behalf of his original self, ruthlessly exploited…

Zhang Yu sighed inwardly. “This is nothing short of self-exploitation, self-oppression. It seems even disciples within sects—especially junior ones—don’t live very well at all.”

Just as he thought this, the instructor continued, “Of course, copying your own memories is the cheapest method—but also extremely risky.”

“After all, everyone’s memories contain private information. Naturally, you’d worry that if you send out a copy to work, your personal data might leak, and your secrets be sold off.”

“The previous incident involving leaked memory banks of outsourced workers still haunts countless cultivators across the Ten Great Sects to this day.”

The instructor shook his head and went on, “Moreover, once memories are copied, the duplicate not only knows all the original’s secrets but often retains the same personality—and may even believe itself to be the true original.”

“Such duplicates will never willingly accept their status as copies. Instead, they’ll seek to overthrow their originals and reclaim their rightful place.”

“There have been several historical cases where clones rebelled against and ultimately replaced their originals.”

“Ever since then, many cultivators resolved never again to replicate their own memories.”

“Of course,” the instructor added quickly, “I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with the field of self-replication itself. Techniques like memory editing to reduce risks, or openly accepting challenges from duplicates—using ‘memory duels’ to determine who truly deserves to be the original—are perfectly legitimate paths in immortal cultivation. It’s just that the general public hasn’t fully embraced them yet…”

Hearing this, Zhang Yu mused silently, “Is he… trying to cover his own backside?”

Jian Xian affirmed immediately, “Naturally. Who knows how many people are recording this lecture? If he didn’t clarify himself, those remarks could easily be twisted into an attack on cutting-edge technologies—and that would bring serious trouble.”

“As far as I know, those who practice memory dueling or self-memory editing tend to be extremists, yet they’re backed by powerful factions. Once they target someone, it can truly become a fight to the death.”

Zhang Yu asked in surprise, “To the death? Do they actually kill people?”

Jian Xian replied, “Of course not literally. What I mean is lawsuits dragged out until you’re bankrupt—until you’re dead broke. All the major supporters behind these frontier technologies are high-ranking figures within the sects. Ordinary cultivators simply can’t stand up to them.”

Meanwhile, the instructor on stage had already resumed speaking: “In short, while self-memory replication has a bright future, I still advise new sect disciples not to rush into it. Instead, consider lower-risk alternatives.”

“For instance, purchase inexpensive work-oriented memory packages and inject them into low-tier puppets or entry-level outsourced cultivators. That way, you’ll create highly effective subordinates.”

As he spoke, the instructor flicked his finger, summoning a luminous screen displaying rows upon rows of memory products labeled things like “Hardworking Uncle,” “Dual-Cultivation Doll,” “Hypnotized Student,” and “Honest Laborer”…

“These are popular, affordable memory packages suitable for various job roles, each preloaded with practical work skills…”

He tapped one video file open, revealing a young man whose body had just received a memory injection. The youth suddenly shouted in confusion, “Where am I?!”

“Who are you people?! Do you even know who my father is?!”

“I went bankrupt?!”

“My memories were sold off?!”

Onscreen, the young man’s expression shifted rapidly—from fury to terror, then despair—before he began learning new work skills, eventually completing memory encapsulation and becoming a finished memory product.

While showcasing various cheap memory commodities, the instructor added, “Tonghui Market is the largest memory trading platform in the Dharma Realm. Aside from budget options, they release plenty of premium items every month. Feel free to browse when you have time.”

At that moment, the instructor’s eyes lit up as he selected a memory product labeled “Criminal Case #8003.”

Once injected into a girl’s body, she snapped her eyes open and roared, “My master is Ying****! How dare you lay hands on me?!”

Hearing that furious cry—laced with censored words—Jian Xian suddenly said coldly, “Is that… Master’s senior sister? Or junior sister?”

Zhang Yu was startled. “Senior or junior sister of Fu Xian Tian? Then she must be Dao Ge’s—or rather, that Ying Xin Tian’s—disciple?”

Jian Xian’s voice grew somber. “Not everyone agreed with what Master and the others did. Aside from a few absolutely trusted individuals, most had no idea what was coming.”

“It seems after everything unfolded, those left behind in the sect were purged. They likely lost all their assets—even down to every drop of blood and fragment of memory—devoured completely by the sect’s insatiable maws.”

At the same time, the instructor continued, “Occasionally, you’ll even find memories of utterly irredeemable criminals listed for sale. Though such memories carry some risk and may be incomplete, you might get lucky—sometimes their performance is surprisingly good…”

Watching this unfold, Jian Xian sighed. “Their memories were probably shattered into countless fragments. Some used for experiments, some sealed away, those containing too many secrets turned into high-value resources, while less sensitive portions were sold cheaply as disposable labor memories…”

Zhang Yu watched with complicated feelings as the sales counter climbed steadily upward. He could already envision her being bought by laboratories, factories, offices—waking up to find her entire past erased, replaced only by endless labor stretching until death.

Though he knew these were merely memories, Zhang Yu still felt as if a person was being exploited for eternity.

“Not quite eternity…” Jian Xian murmured. “As immortal cultivation technology advances, once her work experience becomes outdated, fewer and fewer buyers will use her. Eventually, she’ll be discarded entirely.”

“Zhang Yu, this is the consequence of defying Kunxu. Are you prepared for it?”

Zhang Yu’s heart tightened at the words. Just then, the instructor resumed speaking: “Of course, beyond memories, if you can afford powerful puppets, injecting memories into them yields even greater efficiency.”

“If you manage to acquire the body of a formidable cultivator and implant high-performance memories, you’ll gain an exceptional assistant—especially since both flesh and memory belong solely to you. You retain full ownership; even their acts of remembering or forgetting require your explicit authorization…”

“Naturally, these methods are expensive. I understand most of you are new sect disciples and may not afford them.”

“So I recommend leasing outsourced cultivators—particularly those you brought into the sect yourselves.”

“These newly arrived outsourced cultivators lack experience in sect duties. Their only real value lies in their cultivation base and physical bodies. Injecting them with outsourced memories and putting them to work is an excellent choice…”

As he spoke, the instructor began teaching the class how to manage outsourced cultivators.

“We sect disciples should primarily focus on cultivation and innovation—advancing the frontiers of immortal arts.”

“Therefore, managing various types of outsourced personnel is a core skill every Sect Affairs Officer must master.”

“One effective method is Dharma Pills. Only sect disciples may purchase them. By supplying Dharma Pills to your outsourced workers, you gain strong control over them.”

Just as Zhang Yu listened intently, a row of Dharma Pill advertisements suddenly floated before his eyes.

Adjustments to sensory perception, prolonged states of heightened cognition—it seemed that with just a thought and a tap of his finger, he could effortlessly obtain their effects.

“This stuff is… impossible to guard against,” Zhang Yu thought grimly. Back in high school, one had to actively inject drugs; in university, pills were swallowed like meals. Now, under the Dharma Realm’s pervasive influence, merely tapping a finger granted instant access to pharmaceutical enhancement.

“It’s like clicking a tiny ad online and instantly getting high…”

Everything had become more convenient and efficient—but also far more addictive, making dependence on the Dharma Realm and its pills dangerously easy.

“At first glance, the Dharma Realm resembles the Spirit Realm, but whether trading memories, exchanging cultivation techniques, leasing cultivation bases, optimizing oneself, or consuming Dharma Pills—the Dharma Realm’s ability to interfere with reality vastly surpasses that of the Spirit Realm.”

Finally, the instructor concluded, “Dharma Pills cost money, and each person’s daily purchase limit is restricted. Learn to use them wisely.”

“Today’s homework is simple: administer pills to your outsourced cultivator, engage in dual cultivation with them, or act as their loan referral agent—choose one of the three. Show me how you manage your outsourced staff. Don’t forget to send me your assignment videos.”

Reflecting on the lesson, Zhang Yu couldn’t help but feel a quiet sense of awe.

At first, he’d assumed they’d be taught how sect disciples further exploited themselves.

But now he realized—that wasn’t it at all.

“Compared to exploiting oneself, becoming a sect disciple means systematically learning how to exploit others—how to harvest them?”

Zhang Yu understood more clearly than ever: in the sect’s eyes, disciples weren’t mere base-level workers—they were managers.

After class, Starfire True Lord created a Dharma Realm group chat and added everyone one by one.

Then came Starfire True Lord’s message in the group: “Don’t rush into your homework yet. Come to my room first—I need to say something.”

…

As Zhang Yu walked out of the classroom, a message from the instructor suddenly appeared before his eyes.

It read: Zhang Yu, do you really only have a Heaven-grade spiritual root?

The instructor who sent the message was named Hong Jian—the very same trainer who had initially guided them through installing the Myriad Methods Manager.

Zhang Yu figured this must mean the other party was reviewing his self-inspection report, so he simply replied with a “Yes.”

Hong Jian continued: “Your Heavenly Spirit Root will only hold you back more and more. You need to replace it as soon as possible.”

Hong Jian added: “I happen to have some spare Immortal Spirit Roots lying around—take a look and see if any interest you.”

As he spoke, a long list of recommended Immortal Spirit Roots appeared in Zhang Yu’s feed. He sighed inwardly: “So he’s trying to sell me Immortal Spirit Roots?”

“Secondhand spirit roots are full of pitfalls,” Zhan Xian remarked. “Don’t even consider them.”

Zhang Yu gave a slight nod, thinking to himself, “Sure enough, the Heavenly Spirit Root draws too much attention. I’d better earn more money quickly and switch to an Immortal Spirit Root.”

Just as Zhang Yu was lost in thought, Hong Jian sent another message: “Short on funds? I can lend you some.”

Zhang Yu naturally declined. Until he had a stable income, he had no intention of taking on a heavy debt.

Yet, without realizing it, his yearning for an Immortal Spirit Root grew just a little stronger.

“It’s not just about the Immortal Spirit Root,” Zhan Xian said. “You must hurry to reach Rank Four and obtain your Nascent Soul Certification, advancing into the Nascent Soul Realm.”

“Once you achieve Rank Four, you’ll gain far more freedom within the sect. Various policies that currently bind and restrict you will lose much of their influence.”

Zhang Yu nodded. “Right. Upon joining the sect, I started at Rank One. I’ll do my best to reach Rank Four within five to ten years.”

In Zhang Yu’s view, reaching Rank Four in five to ten years would already be astonishingly fast.

But Zhan Xian countered, “Three years. You’d better make it to Rank Four within three years.”

Zhang Yu’s eyes flickered slightly. “Why?”

His first thought went to the Law-Repelling Talisman—its effects would expire in three years.

“The talisman is only part of the reason,” Zhan Xian explained. “There’s also… Master left behind an inheritance hidden on the 14th floor. But you need at least Rank Four clearance to access it.”

“And it won’t stay hidden much longer—three years at most before someone discovers it.”

“In fact, after just one year, the chances of discovery skyrocket. The longer you wait, the likelier it is someone else finds it first.”

Zhang Yu’s heart stirred. An inheritance left by Fu Xian Tian?

He asked aloud, “What kind of inheritance? What’s inside?”

“I don’t know,” Zhan Xian replied. “Master only told me it contains something left by Ancestor Ying Xin Tian… If you ever get another chance to rejoin the sect, those items could prove invaluable.”

Naturally, Zhang Yu cared deeply about this so-called inheritance.

But climbing from Rank One to Rank Four in just three years? He wasn’t confident at all. All he could say was, “I’ll do my best.”

…

When Zhang Yu and Yu Xinghan arrived together at the room assigned to Starfire True Lord, they found Ye Xingli, Le Mulan, and Li Xuelian already gathered there—having finished their outsourced training.

Seeing Zhang Yu enter, Ye Xingli immediately messaged him: “Junior brother, I’ve received your homework assignment. Whether you choose medicinal pills, dual cultivation, or borrowing funds—just let me know which option you pick, and I’ll fully support you.”

Looking at Ye Xingli, Zhang Yu thought silently, “Medicinal pills… definitely out of the question.”

At the mere mention of medicinal pills, Zhang Yu pictured Ye Xingli becoming obsessively dependent on them—begging him daily for doses, willing to do anything just to get another fix…

He didn’t want Senior Sister Ye Xingli to end up like that.

“As for dual cultivation…”

Before Zhang Yu could finish his thoughts, Starfire True Lord spoke up: “None of you should take those medicinal pills.”

He let out a sigh, then said with deep emotion, “Though they seem beneficial—sharpening your will, making you disciplined as a machine, elevating every aspect of your character into a true cultivator’s seed—the stronger the effect while under their influence, the worse the backlash once it wears off.”

“Most people, after the effects fade, can no longer accept their flawed former selves.”

“In the end, driven by ambition and competition, they keep increasing their dosage, twisting their perception further and further, until they’re utterly enslaved by the pills. This path is disastrous for one’s Dao.”

Hearing Starfire True Lord’s warning, everyone nodded slightly. Since none of them had ever taken the pills, they felt no attachment and readily agreed.

But Starfire True Lord still seemed uneasy. With concern in his voice, he added, “Compared to what I knew before… these days, obtaining medicinal pills has become far too easy. Just a couple clicks in the Dharma Realm, and you’re instantly infused.”

“I checked—it’s everywhere now. You might unknowingly ingest them through a simple gift, a message from a friend, or even a freebie bundled with some service.”

“So be careful about this.”

After finishing his warning about the pills, Starfire True Lord frowned and said, “As for dual cultivation…”

Personally, he strongly discouraged reckless dual cultivation.

But he understood that Zhang Yu and the others were cultivators raised in a new era, with views vastly different from his own. So he didn’t intend to forbid it outright.

Instead, he said carefully, “I don’t advise any of you to engage in dual cultivation merely for its sake.”

Looking at them, he sighed. “Ever since a Void Refining Dao Lord established laws governing dual cultivation, I’ve seen countless cases where partners turned into bitter enemies.”

“Just now, I checked the news in the Dharma Realm—such incidents are growing increasingly common within sects.”

“There are those who steal essence during dual cultivation, scam child support payments, or quarrel over unequal profit-sharing… Far too many cultivators have broken ties over such matters.”

“You’ve all fought hard to get this far. I wouldn’t want you to drift apart in the end over petty interests.”

(End of Chapter)