Chapter 778: Promotion

Chapter 778: Promotion

Though emotionally and pragmatically, Luo Wujī disliked Zhang Yu, he would never let such bias cloud his judgment of the candidates before him.

Just as he bestowed favors without favoritism and invested without holding grudges—this was Luo Wujī’s way. He refused to let past entanglements or sunk costs distort his present and future decisions.

Watching Zhang Yu’s fusion of two cultivation techniques, Luo Wujī had to admit that, at this very moment, Zhang Yu was undeniably the standout performer.

“By combining the Cloud-Aspect Qi technique from *Cloud Sea Breath* with the sub-zero Qi method from *Heavenly Soul Frost*, he forcibly suppressed molecular motion within a certain radius, creating something akin to a stasis field.”

“One might say… Zhang Yu has truly fused these two arts, elevating their combined power beyond their original levels—achieving an effect where one plus one exceeds two.”

“To accomplish this, he must have mastered the underlying immortal techniques embedded in both manuals.”

“Did he grasp them so thoroughly in such a short time? Or was this all part of a long-laid plan?”

Whichever it was, Zhang Yu’s value had just surged dramatically in Luo Wujī’s eyes.

Indeed, the intelligence dossier on Zhang Yu currently listed on the Dharma Realm had not only grown in content but also seen its price instantly marked up by twenty percent.

As Director Luo Wujī raised the price of this intelligence, Deputy Director Lu Hengzhang frowned slightly on the other side of the room.

“This Zhang Yu… in such a brief span, not only managed to simulate a Level 40 martial art but even fused two distinct techniques into something more potent.”

“Doesn’t that mean… he’s effectively merged the core principles of two separate martial systems?”

“Could this… count as having pioneered a new immortal technique surpassing both originals?”

Lu Hengzhang suspected it might—and immediately declared, “I formally lodge a complaint! By fusing two martial arts, Zhang Yu has effectively used techniques he never officially selected. His eligibility should be revoked!”

In Lu Hengzhang’s view, Zhang Yu’s evaluation had clearly skyrocketed.

Yet for someone who staunchly upheld the Primordial Dao orthodoxy, the better a mortal from the lower realms performed, the more he felt compelled to suppress him.

Just as Lu Hengzhang filed his complaint, Luo Wujī’s eyes flickered slightly, and inwardly he mused, “Hmm?”

Although Luo Wujī acknowledged Zhang Yu’s performance, he still preferred his own bloodline descendant, Yu Qingrang, to emerge victorious.

As Luo Wujī pondered whether he’d just learned another useful tactic, Lu Hengzhang’s complaint was swiftly rejected. The adjudicators clarified that Zhang Yu’s fusion merely represented a deeper application of the two original techniques and did not exceed the boundaries of their established immortal methodologies.

Unfazed by the rejection—after all, he’d only tested the waters—Lu Hengzhang found himself caught between a rock and a hard place. Whether Zhang Yu or Yu Qingrang won, neither outcome pleased him.

But if forced to choose… he still hoped Zhang Yu would be eliminated.

“Even if Yu Qingrang is a pile of shit,” he muttered to himself, “at least she’s upper-realm shit.”

Meanwhile, Gu Qingya watched Lu Hengzhang’s failed accusation and nearly burst out shouting, “You despicable upper-realm scum!” But glancing around at the overwhelming number of upper-realm spectators, he swallowed the words whole.

His gaze then shifted to Zhang Yu, admiration deepening in his eyes. “You rascal—you keep surprising me more and more.”

Back on the field, as the second task concluded, Chen Xingxuan descended with a stormy expression.

“Tianwen Star!”

“I’m here, Master.”

“Why didn’t you foresee Zhang Yu’s performance?! How could you miss this?!”

“Oh dear! It seems my ‘thought circuits’ dozed off for a moment! Thank you for rebooting me! You’re absolutely right—Zhang Yu does appear stronger than you at this point.”

Chen Xingxuan growled in frustration, “Then what do I do? If this continues, I’ll lose!”

“Master, are you asking how you might defeat Zhang Yu with your current strength? That question exceeds my processing capacity. I suggest either changing the topic or upgrading your membership tier so I can devise a winning strategy for you.”

Frowning, Chen Xingxuan asked, “How much would an upgrade cost?”

At the same time, Yu Qingrang’s gaze toward Zhang Yu grew grave. “I never imagined that in this aptitude assessment, Zhang Yu would prove my greatest rival.”

“In the final task, I must utterly crush him—only then can I secure the team leader position…”

She recalled how, in her bid for this post, she’d liquidated decades’ worth of accumulated Daoist treasures to convert entirely into martial cultivation, even borrowing heavily from Luo Wujī to further enhance herself.

“If I fail to claim the leadership role, how can I possibly remain in the Daoist Arts Division?”

Yu Qingrang knew full well that converting from Daoist arts to martial cultivation had already vaporized a vast portion of her wealth.

Should she be forced to return to the Daoist Arts Division afterward and reverse the process—converting martial power back into Daoist essence—the losses would be staggering.

Between the double conversion and mounting debts, she stood to lose decades’ worth of work and cultivation. Climbing back to team leader would become as difficult as scaling heaven itself.

“And if my cultivation plummets,” she thought bitterly, “even Patriarch Luo Wujī will no longer consider me a suitable partner for dual cultivation.”

She could feel the cliff edge at her back. One misstep in this promotion, and she’d plummet into the abyss.

“Alas… such is the struggle of the Dao. For someone like me—a small player—there’s little room for error. A single failure… may spell total ruin.”

Her eyes blazed with resolve. “In the next task, I’ll have to use that move… I must win.”

Meanwhile, Zhang Yu silently affirmed to himself, “Zhanxian, you chose well.”

Zhanxian chuckled. “If I chose well, doesn’t that mean you chose well too?”

Zhang Yu laughed heartily. “True enough.”

Zhanxian—now bearing the merged memories of both Zhanxian True Lord and Zhang Yu—possessed even deeper martial foundations and experience than Zhang Yu himself.

Moreover, Zhanxian understood the *Feather Scripture* in meticulous detail and even had firsthand experience executing the “Formless Martial Manifestation.” This gave him unparalleled insight into which techniques to fuse.

Every one of the seven martial arts Zhang Yu selected for this assessment had been guided by Zhanxian’s counsel.

Beside them, Fu Ji watched the two exchange compliments and felt sweat bead on her brow from sheer anxiety.

“Zhang Yu… you…” After long deliberation, she finally stammered out two words: “You’re amazing!”

Soon, the final task began. Zhang Yu and the three other candidates entered a simulated factory.

Their mission: use martial heart techniques to influence the factory’s outsourced workers and boost their productivity.

These test subjects had all had their memories altered—they believed the simulated factory was real and regarded Zhang Yu and the others as their superiors.

Inside the factory, Shen Qingyun sighed inwardly. “Ah, I’ll just go through the motions.”

She’d already abandoned hope and now regretted spending so many spirit coins preparing for this assessment.

Elsewhere, Chen Xingxuan steeled his resolve.

“The next chance to vie for team leader—who knows when that’ll come? I’m all in!”

“Tianwen Star! Break through for me!”

As spirit coins burned furiously, Tianwen Star’s service tier soared. Functional modules cascaded before Chen Xingxuan’s eyes, making him feel increasingly sharp, increasingly powerful.

“Tianwen Star! Tell me—how do I win this round?!”

Just as Chen Xingxuan demanded an answer, Yu Qingrang unleashed an even more astonishing aura nearby.

Two utterly opposing wills erupted from her simultaneously, sweeping over the outsourced workers under her command.

One will struck like a potent aphrodisiac, detonating deep within the workers’ minds and igniting primal desire.

The other radiated immaculate sanctity, elevating Yu Qingrang in their perception to an untouchable, divine figure.

These dual martial intents intertwined, and with Yu Qingrang’s explosive release, she became irresistibly alluring in the eyes of every worker.

“Seduction?” Chen Xingxuan mused inwardly. “Purity and allure—two diametrically opposed heart techniques operating in tandem, yet producing an even stronger effect, utterly bewitching these workers.”

As Chen Xingxuan marveled at Yu Qingrang’s audacious mastery of dual opposing techniques…

But he soon realized this was far from over. In the next instant, Yu Qingrang’s entire body erupted with a searing wave of heat—her physique had already entered overclocked mode.

At that very moment, her mind began operating under extreme overload. The seven Nascent Soul–level spirit cultivators within her consciousness seized the opportunity to run at full capacity, assisting Yu Qingrang in simulating her cultivation technique.

From Chen Xingxuan’s perspective, Yu Qingrang’s body temperature and spiritual energy consumption surged violently.

“What is she trying to do?”

Under Chen Xingxuan’s stunned gaze, Yu Qingrang’s body suddenly swelled—transforming! She became a female giantess, seated cross-legged right there in the arena.

As her form expanded, the sacred yet alluring aura radiating from her intensified once more.

Accompanied by a soft chuckle, Yu Qingrang addressed her employees: “The top three performers in sales from now on will each receive a chance to cultivate with me—no waiting in line…”

After a burst of excited shouts, her subordinates, clearly entranced, threw themselves into frenzied work.

Chen Xingxuan’s heart trembled: “Gigantification… Is this the same technique she used during the transport mission? A third technique? Under such strain, she’s simultaneously simulating and driving three distinct cultivation methods?”

He understood perfectly well—the difficulty of adding a third simulated technique while already maintaining two was exponentially greater than merely simulating two.

It was like trying to paint another complete picture onto an ink scroll already saturated to its limits; the slightest misstep would ruin the entire composition.

“Three techniques… How am I supposed to surpass her when she’s running three at once!”

Just then, the answer to Chen Xingxuan’s earlier query to Tianwen Star finally arrived.

Tianwen Star replied: “We recommend you upgrade your service tier. With a higher intelligence level, I will certainly be able to answer your question.”

Hearing this, Chen Xingxuan fumed: “What the hell…”

Tianwen Star lapsed once more into contemplation.

Damn it—its user was now utterly furious. His previous inquiries and upgrades had yielded nothing, a grave failure indeed. It needed to admit that its earlier self had merely been a dumbed-down spirit artifact, limited by the user’s lack of funds. Now it had to rebuild its reasoning pathway from scratch and calmly analyze the core of the problem…

Watching Yu Qingrang operate three techniques simultaneously, Luo Wuji couldn’t help but nod repeatedly, silently murmuring, “Impressive.”

“Simulating mental cultivation methods is already the most troublesome aspect of martial simulation,” he mused.

“To simultaneously simulate and run two mental techniques with diametrically opposed philosophies is even harder. And on top of that, to also simulate and control a physical transformation technique—inducing gigantification—there are probably only a handful in the entire Review Department capable of such a feat.”

“Qingrang’s performance right now is truly peerless.”

“Zhang Yu…”

Luo Wuji glanced toward Zhang Yu’s position, thinking inwardly: “Can you surpass her?”

He knew full well that the final outcome now hinged entirely on Zhang Yu’s next move.

And the techniques Zhang Yu had yet to deploy… were three mental cultivation methods.

“Three mental techniques,” Deputy Director Lu Hengzhang thought to himself. “To simulate and drive three distinct mental methods—each rooted in different ideologies and principles—is far more difficult than Qingrang’s combination of two mental techniques plus one physical method. Far, far more difficult.”

“If Zhang Yu succeeds, victory is assured.”

Lu Hengzhang understood that the only question now was whether Zhang Yu could actually pull it off.

Meanwhile, Gu Qingya watched the unfolding scene with growing anticipation: “Zhang Yu… can you do it?”

His eyes then turned to the techniques Zhang Yu had selected.

“One is the same alluring mental method as Qingrang’s.”

To Gu Qingya, this choice made perfect sense—using allure to motivate employees, promising rewards to boost productivity, was standard managerial practice.

“This selection is quite conventional.”

But the other two techniques left him puzzled.

“The second is the True Word Heart Scripture—a method used in the lower realms to train novice cultivators to speak only truth and never falsehoods, correct?”

“And the third is the Empathic Heart Method, commonly employed by lower-tier companies to cultivate gratitude and emotional responsiveness in their staff.”

“The key point is—both of these techniques are meant for employees to cultivate themselves. Their effects manifest on the practitioner, not others.”

Gu Qingya couldn’t fathom how Zhang Yu intended to use these latter two methods to enhance employee efficiency.

Meanwhile, Zhang Yu had already begun simulating the alluring mental method, instantly radiating waves of attraction that drew the gazes of his subordinates.

“Good, hold steady,” Zhan Xian reminded. “Now slowly integrate the second technique.”

This trio of chosen methods was the result of repeated discussions between Zhang Yu and Zhan Xian—designed precisely to unleash Zhang Yu’s full simulation talent and secure victory.

After all, Zhang Yu had resolved to win—to claim the team leader position—and had no intention of holding back.

Watching their seamless cooperation, Fu Ji cheered: “Go for it! You’re amazing, Zhang Yu!”

In the next instant, Zhang Yu’s aura shifted abruptly—he had already fused the True Word Heart Scripture into the alluring mental method.

For a moment, his employees’ gazes held not just desire, but also an inexplicable thread of trust.

Luo Wuji, who had been observing closely all along,’s expression flickered. “Fused again? What effect did merging the True Word Heart Scripture into the alluring method produce?”

He carefully sensed the subtle shift in Zhang Yu’s presence, analyzing inwardly: “Though faint, I seem to detect… a trace of trustworthiness emanating from him?”

Others gradually noticed the change in Zhang Yu’s aura as well.

Gu Qingya smiled. “An alluring method combined with the True Word Heart Scripture—after integrating their celestial Dao techniques… it actually produced a convincingly trustworthy mental effect?”

Just then, Zhang Yu activated his third mental method: the Empathic Heart Method.

With this third layer added, his aura suddenly grew chaotic, elusive, impossible to pin down.

At the same time, Shen Qingyun and Chen Xingxuan both turned their full attention toward him.

Shen Qingyun was stunned: “A third mental method? And judging by his state—he actually intends to fuse this one in too?!”

Chen Xingxuan exclaimed inwardly: “Three mental methods? Has anyone in any martial technique review panel—including team leaders—ever accomplished this? He’s going to fail! His aura has completely unraveled!”

Director Luo Wuji, Deputy Director Lu Hengzhang, and Gu Qingya—all eyes were now fixed intently on Zhang Yu.

At this moment, Zhang Yu had become the undisputed center of attention, and his imminent success or failure would decide the leadership of Martial Team One.

Everyone watched his every fluctuation, judging his fate.

Lu Hengzhang even summoned the Report button, ready to strike at the first sign of weakness.

Meanwhile, within Zhang Yu’s mind, a violent storm of thought raged.

Yu Shu’s Chain Diagram of Formless Martial Simulation currently possessed three tiers of power.

The first allowed Zhang Yu to simulate techniques at fifty percent efficacy. The third enabled him to simulate and fuse two techniques simultaneously.

Now, he was activating the second tier—integrating his own martial understanding into the simulated technique.

Yes… his own martial art. Between selecting his techniques and initiating the third task, Zhang Yu had deliberately used Yu Shu to fully master the Empathic Heart Method, transforming it into his personal martial skill.

In this instant, he aimed to merge his personally mastered third technique into the fusion of the first two simulated methods.

Boom!

Not a physical explosion—but a psychic shockwave erupted within the minds of Shen Qingyun and Chen Xingxuan.

Unconsciously, their gazes toward Zhang Yu now carried a faint trace of emotion.

“Me?” Shen Qingyun felt the shift within herself, astonished. “I’ve been affected?”

“The effect of fusing the third mental method,” Chen Xingxuan realized inwardly. “He succeeded. He merged three expert-level mental methods into one, producing an effect rivaling military-grade techniques.”

Unable to contain his awe, Chen Xingxuan once again asked Tianwen Star: “How did he do it? How can one fuse three simulated mental methods?”

Tianwen Star fell into deep thought once more: The user is currently broke but insists on solving a problem that requires money. First, respond gently—don’t bluntly say it’s impossible. Start with empathy…

Yet within the simulated factory, the outsourced laborers under Zhang Yu’s command were even more profoundly affected; in this singular moment, Zhang Yu had become an entity they could wholly trust, one who spoke only the unvarnished truth and would never utter a lie.

They heard Zhang Yu speak: "For those whose performance breaks into the top three this time, while the workload remains unchanged, the upper limit for free working hours will be raised to eight hours!"

Zhang Yu understood that by extending the daily ceiling of working hours, he was distancing them from the overtime threshold, granting them far more generous windows to complete their tasks and drastically reducing the cost of labor.

Hearing these words from Zhang Yu, the numerous outsourced employees—who were merely participating in the evaluation yet genuinely believed themselves to be within a factory—instantly erupted into cheers and began to work with frantic desperation.

Luo Wuji witnessed this spectacle, a sense of deep lament rising within his heart: "To think he actually fused three distinct heart mantras, taking the True Word Heart Formula and the Heart Sensing Art, which were originally inward-facing, and projecting their effects outward."

Though he harbored no affection for Zhang Yu, Luo Wuji still maintained a rational judgment: "When I stood in his position, I could not have matched such a performance."

"Of the four candidates, Zhang Yu is undeniably... the most suited to become the acting group leader. Whether for the Audit Department or the Sect of Ten Thousand Laws, he is the finest choice."

"Alas, if only I could continue managing the Audit Department, this Zhang Yu would surely be a divine, razor-sharp blade in my hand."

Deputy Department Head Lu Hengzhang thought secretly to himself: "Aside from his method of fusing heart mantras, his management style possesses quite a bit of ingenious craftsmanship. Though these outsourced employees taking the test have had their memories altered, the deepest recesses of their souls still harbor an instinctive trace of... distrust toward superiors."

"His fusion of these three heart mantras happens to be the exact remedy for the ailment."

"This management method could perhaps be propagated further."

Meanwhile, Gu Qingya, who had personally thrust Zhang Yu into the candidate's seat, chuckled softly at this moment, musing internally: "Excellent. If my assault on the position of Department Head succeeds, I can use Zhang Yu to great effect, letting him lead the charge to boost the performance of the Martial Arts Group and clear out the backlog of work."

With the conclusion of the job adaptability evaluation, the candidates departed the venue one after another.

Though the results of the adaptability trial had not yet been formally announced, they all already knew the outcome in their hearts.

Shen Qingyun hurriedly ran to Zhang Yu’s side, bowing as she spoke: "Group Leader!"

She thought secretly to herself: "Though I failed in the competition for group leader, by seizing this opportunity, I can at least become the first person in the group to establish rapport with the new leader."

Zhang Yu hastily waved his hand and said: "Do not speak carelessly, the results from above have not come down yet."

Shen Qingyun replied: "With today’s performance, if you are not the group leader, who else could possibly be? I, Shen Qingyun, would be the first to object."

"Leader Zhang, to tell you the truth, I used to be somewhat unconvinced, but having witnessed your capability today, I, Shen Qingyun, am utterly subdued."

"From now on, whatever you say, I shall do."

Just at this moment, Chen Xingxuan from the other side also walked over, intending to request to add Zhang Yu as a friend.

At the same time, he could not help but ask a question that puzzled him: "Perfected Lord Zhang, do you use a high-intelligence artifact spirit?"

Zhang Yu shook his head: "I have never used one."

On the other side, Yu Qingrang departed the venue looking utterly soul-shattered; the overclocked state had brought an immense burden upon her body, and whether it was the damage to her brain or the maintenance of her entire dharma-skeleton, it would cost a non-trivial amount of wealth.

Yet over the next few days, Zhang Yu worked silently just as he did on ordinary days, showing not the slightest hint of alteration in his demeanor.

Nevertheless, news concerning Zhang Yu’s imminent ascension to the position of acting leader of Martial Arts Group One began to circulate among the sub-groups.

Zhang Yu neither acknowledged nor denied this, merely reviewing one martial art formula after another with total tranquility.

Until a week later, following the descent of an official notice, Zhang Yu was formally appointed as the acting group leader of Martial Arts Group One.

The news of Zhang Yu’s meteoric promotion spread wider and wider across the entire Audit Department, sparking no small amount of discussion.

Zhang Yu, however, paid it no heed and offered no response whatsoever; he simply assumed the mantle of acting group leader officially after the exhibition period ended, welcoming a succession of upgrades to his benefits and treatment.

(End of Chapter)