Chapter 779: Benefits of the Group Leader, Snatching the Spiritual Opportunity

Chapter 779: The Team Leader's Benefits, Seizing the Spiritual Qi

Yu Xinghan: You became a team leader so fast? You are officially rising to the 3rd rank next year?

Yu Xinghan: Come, come, come, let me soak in some of your promotion luck

Le Mulan: I want to soak in some of it too

Ye Xingli: Congratulations, Junior Brother! Who could have guessed that in less than three months since arriving at the sect, you would be riding a rocket ship for promotions, and in the blink of an eye, you are already a half-step Level 3 sect official

True Lord Xinghuo (Level 3 Sect Official): Zhang Yu, well done, I have high hopes for you

Ever since arriving at the sect layer and connecting to the Dharma Realm, Zhang Yu had started a group chat with Yu Xinghan and the others.

Looking at the stream of messages in the group at this moment, Zhang Yu smiled slightly and thought to himself, "That old boy Xinghuo... what exactly did he do? He actually rose even faster than I did."

Zhang Yu believed that his own promotion speed had already seized every single opportunity and was fast to the absolute limit.

Yet True Lord Xinghuo had clearly skipped ranks.

Just then, Zhang Yu felt a slight twitch inside his lower abdomen, as something had already extended its way inside.

At the same time, Bai Zhenzhen's somewhat excited voice echoed within Zhang Yu's mind: "Zhang Yu, it's me."

"It's time for today's spiritual root exchange."

She spoke with eager impatience: "Hurry up and put your spiritual root inside."

Feeling Bai Zhenzhen's body heat, Zhang Yu spoke: "Zhen, you seem to be in a pretty good mood today?"

Bai Zhenzhen let out a sinister laugh: "Jie jie jie! Just thinking about how a prospective Level 3 sect official like you—who is usually high and mighty, commanding numerous team members, and remaining neither humble nor arrogant to anyone—is having his spiritual root ruthlessly gripped by me right now, it fills me with intense excitement!"

Zhang Yu raised his eyebrows slightly: "Zhen? What's wrong with you?"

He felt that the Bai Zhenzhen he was interacting with right now was vastly different from usual, resembling more of her Examination Sect avatar.

Then Bai Zhenzhen's voice came through once more, this time much steadier, though carrying a hint of embarrassment: "Yuzi... the Examination Sect avatar was feeling a bit cooped up, so I let her out for a stroll."

Thinking of this, Bai Zhenzhen felt a wave of helplessness.

Although the Examination Sect avatar possessed wonderful uses in work and cultivation, her way of handling interpersonal relationships had far, far too many aspects... that Bai Zhenzhen found unacceptable.

All sorts of moral standards and work philosophies without any bottom line forced Bai Zhenzhen to completely suppress her time and again.

But as time passed, the Examination Sect avatar simply flatlined and refused to do any work.

Bai Zhenzhen thought to herself, "Blocking is worse than channeling; I still need to give her a place to release it."

Zhang Yu asked in surprise: "A stroll?"

Bai Zhenzhen said with some embarrassment: "Yuzi... today... let her exchange spiritual roots with you. I... I will supervise her from the side."

In the next instant, Bai Zhenzhen's voice shifted yet again: "Xi xi xi xi, Bai Zhenzhen, you useless piece of trash, just by watching me exchange spiritual roots with Zhang Yu, your Ultimate Emotion Sword Dao is already surging?"

Zhang Yu thought to himself, "This fellow Zhen... since going to the Heavenly Sword Sect, why does it feel like she has become even stranger."

As for Bai Zhenzhen's specific experiences at the Heavenly Sword Sect, Zhang Yu had been far too busy during this period to look into them deeply, only knowing that within the current Heavenly Sword Sect, various immortal tech methods that drove emotions and sentiments into sword intent and sword qi were becoming increasingly advanced, conflicts within the sect were continuous, public security was steadily declining, and sect sword-slashing cases were happening one after another.

Whenever he thought of this, it made Zhang Yu feel somewhat worried about Bai Zhenzhen's situation.

"Zhen, remember to call for me anytime if anything happens, I'm lending my spiritual root to you."

After ending his communication with Bai Zhenzhen, Zhang Yu called Yu Xinghan over.

At this moment, Yu Xinghan looked at Zhang Yu with a mix of admiration and jealousy, feeling that his recent days spent loafing around in the Martial Arts Pavilion had all been in vain.

Zhang Yu, however, smiled slightly and said, "Calling you over this time is because I have a good thing to show you."

Because the Dharma Regulation Pavilion and the Martial Arts Pavilion were relatively close to each other, as long as Zhang Yu and Yu Xinghan were willing, they could meet up almost anytime.

It was only because Zhang Yu had been busy with the Audit Department before that he hadn't crossed paths with Yu Xinghan until now.

And this time, Zhang Yu calling the other party over was related to his martial arts fusion during the validation.

Then Yu Xinghan heard Zhang Yu's voice ring out in his mind: "Look with your third eye."

Accompanied by bursts of astral wind dispersing in all directions, Zhang Yu had once again executed the martial arts simulated during the adaptive validation.

The two expert-level techniques, "Cloud Sea Breath" and "Heavenly Soul Freeze", merged into one in his hands, turning into a stasis force field that spread outward.

Yu Xinghan's third eye suddenly dilated, staring intently at every single movement of Zhang Yu at this moment, tracking every trace of the operation of external and internal spiritual qi and dharma power.

Zhang Yu asked, "Do you understand it?"

Yu Xinghan said in astonishment, "You simulated and pushed two techniques, deriving a new effect?"

Zhang Yu: "Correct, any inspiration?"

Yu Xinghan nodded slightly, then his eyes flickered as he said, "You want to create a new martial art?"

Zhang Yu, however, shook his head: "Just this alone probably can't be considered a brand-new martial art, at most it's just an extended immortal tech application of 'Cloud Sea Breath' and 'Heavenly Soul Freeze'."

As he spoke, the aura on Zhang Yu's body shifted, and he once again activated the fused state of the three major heart methods, causing Yu Xinghan to nod repeatedly.

This was Zhang Yu's purpose in calling Yu Xinghan here today: to pass his own experience of martial arts fusion to the other party, and let him try to see... if he could create a completely new martial art based on this.

According to Zhang Yu's calculations, relying on his Formless Martial Arts demonstration, combined with Yu Xinghan's third eye divine ability for observation, and adding Yu Xinghan's own natural talent for experimentation... it was entirely within the realm of possibility.

At the very least, it was much simpler than creating a set of martial arts out of thin air.

However, the trouble involved was not small either; they needed to further perfect the innovativeness of the technique to break away from a simple patchwork of technology, and it would likely involve the technological licensing of "Cloud Sea Breath" and "Heavenly Soul Freeze"...

There were too many tedious details within, and feeling that he didn't have the time to do all this, Zhang Yu simply handed it over to Yu Xinghan.

If it succeeded, the two of them might be able to make a sum of money, and Yu Xinghan would also have a chance to stand out in the Martial Arts Pavilion.

Looking at Zhang Yu before him, Yu Xinghan said solemnly, "Brother, thank you. This counts as helping me boost my performance metrics. If this technique earns money from subsequent licensing, I won't take a single cent, I'll give it all to you."

Zhang Yu, however, said, "Since we are brothers, how could I let you work for free? If money is made, everyone splits it fifty-fifty."

Ever since Zhang Yu gained an understanding of the legal codes, orthodox lineages, and the existence of various factions within the sect, he understood more and more... the importance of allies, companions, and one's own core team within the sect.

This further solidified his intention to help Yu Xinghan. In fact, it wasn't just Yu Xinghan; other companions, including those students from the ten schools who would test into the sect in the future, could all become his core team, his allies.

...

Time passed, and in the blink of an eye, the next day arrived.

This was Zhang Yu's first official day as the acting team leader.

Inside the office of Martial Arts Team One.

Having become the acting team leader, Zhang Yu now possessed such an independent office space.

He slowly sat down, feeling the chair naturally contouring to his body, nourishing the flesh and blood of his entire body, as well as the continuous stream of spiritual qi welling up from it, making him feel like he had an inexhaustible supply of energy.

Zhang Yu thought to himself, "No wonder Qu Yizhi always liked sitting in the office."

With a thought from Zhang Yu, a work interface exclusive to the leader of Martial Arts Team One materialized before his eyes.

At this moment, Zhang Yu could see the tasks being performed by each team member under his command, and he could also see the various audit tasks currently allocated to Martial Arts Team One.

As long as Zhang Yu wished, he could adjust the allocation of various tasks, choosing what task to assign to which person.

The simplest application of this power was that for all the audit techniques allocated to Team One in the future, Zhang Yu could first pick through them himself before distributing them to his subordinate team members.

And with his rank rising to Level 2, Zhang Yu's salary also saw an increase. Now his basic monthly take-home pay after tax had doubled, reaching 2,000 immortal coins, with performance bonuses as the acting team leader calculated separately.

Aside from this, Zhang Yu, now at the 2nd rank, was also granted more privileges within the sect layers. For instance, he was now legally able to go to the 12th layer, to enjoy richer spiritual qi there, a higher concentration of immortal essence, and more sun and moon radiance to enhance Dao wisdom and comprehension.

“This is probably why so many Level-2 Sect Affairs Officers rush straight to the 12th floor after work,” Zhang Yu mused.

He had already read some introductory materials about the 12th floor. Unlike the 11th floor, which merely preserved a cultivator’s youthful appearance, the 12th floor maintained a spiritual qi concentration between 1% and 2%. This allowed cultivators residing there to keep their physical bodies in peak condition—free from the gradual decay that normally accompanied aging—right up until the moment of death.

Moreover, the intensified essence of sun and moonlight on the 12th floor doubled one’s mental processing speed, placing cultivators in a prolonged state of accelerated cognition.

Zhang Yu understood clearly: even these two basic benefits alone were enough to make countless Level-2 Sect Affairs Officers flock to the 12th floor like moths to a flame. And beyond the central Zhongji Heaven, the surrounding area housed numerous smaller pocket realms, each rumored to offer unique advantages to disciples—provided one had sufficient funds.

Of course, enjoying any of this came with one essential prerequisite: finishing work precisely on time every day.

Zhang Yu thought inwardly, “Once I’m officially promoted from Acting Team Leader to full Team Leader next year and reach Rank 3, I’ll be eligible for the 13th floor—where the benefits will be even greater.”

From the 13th floor, he would then stand just one level away from the 14th—the very floor where Fu Xian Tian had left his inheritance. Yet Zhang Yu knew well that the leap from the 13th to the 14th floor—from Rank 3 to Rank 4, from Nascent Soul to Divine Transformation—represented not mere progression, but a qualitative chasm.

“In terms of the Review Department,” he reflected, “I’d need to rise at least from Team Leader to Deputy Director.”

“But there’s no use rushing now,” he reminded himself. “This year, I’ll focus on securing my position as Team Leader.”

As Zhang Yu concluded his first day as official Team Leader, the members of Team One watched him leave the office, each silently exhaling in relief.

They’d all heard how Zhang Yu had dramatically boosted the performance of Martial Dao Team Three during his previous assignment, and they’d feared he might impose similar pressure upon them. But Zhang Yu clearly had no such intention—or at least, not until Luo Wuji’s downfall was finalized and the new Director of the Review Department was confirmed.

The moment Zhang Yu stepped out after work, Qu Yizhi approached him directly.

Seeing the undisguised anxiety and restlessness in Qu’s eyes, Zhang Yu immediately understood his fear.

Qu Yizhi thought to himself, “Now that True Lord Zhang is Team Leader of Team One, what if he abandons us? How will we ever meet our performance targets?”

After exchanging pleasantries, however, Zhang Yu spoke words that eased Qu’s worries somewhat.

Smiling faintly, Zhang Yu said, “Team Leader Qu, though I’ve moved to Team One, you’re still welcome to come to me whenever you need help. I can continue guiding your team’s work.”

Qu Yizhi quickly replied, “Thank you, Team Leader Zhang!”

Zhang Yu added, “However…”

At that word—“however”—Qu Yizhi instantly tensed, knowing the real message was about to follow.

Zhang Yu continued slowly, “If I spend too much time mentoring Team Three… it wouldn’t seem fair to the members under my direct command in Team One.”

Qu Yizhi understood perfectly. Now that Zhang Yu was a Team Leader, his performance evaluation no longer depended on personal achievements, but on the collective output of his entire team.

And Qu knew even more clearly: if Zhang Yu chose to, he could single-handedly elevate Martial Dao Team One’s performance to first place among all three teams.

Hastily, Qu declared, “Before coming here, I already discussed this with my teammates. If you’re willing to assist us, all bonuses we earn during this period will belong entirely to you.”

Zhang Yu blinked in surprise. “All of it? That… doesn’t seem quite right.”

Qu Yizhi insisted, “It would be our honor.”

His mind flashed with recent rumors about Zhang Yu—though he couldn’t discern which were true or false, one thing was certain:

“Promoted to Acting Team Leader within just three months of joining? Such a background can’t possibly be insignificant.”

Qu Yizhi thought, “Someone of this stature—I’d probably never get a chance to even queue up to offer him gifts, let alone establish a long-term channel of mutual benefit. Besides, without him, I wouldn’t have earned those bonuses anyway. Even if I hand over the money now, I’ll still gain valuable experience and connections.”

With that resolve, Qu Yizhi firmly insisted on transferring all bonuses to Zhang Yu.

Faced with such unwavering insistence, Zhang Yu could only accept with a sigh, marveling inwardly at how enthusiastically generous his former colleagues from Martial Dao Team Three were.

…

Several days later.

Inside Gu Qingya’s office.

Zhang Yu studied Gu Qingya’s face and saw unmistakable delight dancing across his features.

Gu Qingya looked at Zhang Yu and said, “It’s been decided upstairs. Once Luo Wuji steps down, I’ll temporarily assume the role of Director of the Review Department.”

Zhang Yu’s eyes flickered. “Congratulations.”

Gu Qingya waved a hand dismissively, chuckling, “Ah, it’s all happened too fast—I haven’t even prepared properly, let alone drafted any new regulations.”

Then he turned serious, fixing Zhang Yu with a meaningful look. “For the next year, focus on doing solid work, build your foundation, and hold firmly onto your position as Team Leader. That’ll make your formal confirmation next year much smoother…”

Zhang Yu nodded attentively, then asked, “But, sir—if I hope to eventually reach Rank 4 someday…”

Gu Qingya paused, then shook his head with an amused smile. “You rascal—you’ve only just joined! You were promoted barely moments ago, and already you’re eyeing Rank 4?”

Zhang Yu sighed. “Sir, I simply want to advance.”

Gu Qingya pursed his lips. “Once you’re formally confirmed next year, stay put in your current role for a few years first. We’ll see about future openings when they arise.”

Zhang Yu pressed further, “What if… say, the Deputy Director position becomes vacant one day? Do you think I’d have a chance?”

Gu Qingya gave him a knowing, half-smiling look. “Are you planning to go after Lu Hengzhang?”

Zhang Yu replied evenly, “Sir, it’s not that I wish to oppose him—it’s that he’s already marked me as his mortal enemy. Under the Primordial Dao Lineage, he won’t rest until he’s crushed me beneath his heel forever.”

Hearing this, Gu Qingya’s expression shifted subtly. He sighed softly. “So you’ve learned about the Primordial Dao Lineage already? You’ve certainly done your homework.”

“You’re right,” he continued. “Lu Hengzhang and the lineage behind him are indeed mortal enemies of us cultivators who rose from the lower realms.”

“But within the sect today, their influence runs deep—and the new industries they’re pushing dominate the field.”

“It’s easy enough to make him suffer minor setbacks, but toppling him completely… that’s far harder. Without a perfect opportunity, it’s nearly impossible.”

Zhang Yu frowned curiously. “New industries?”

Just then, the entire room trembled slightly. Zhang Yu felt the ambient spiritual energy density begin to drop.

“Spiritual energy cut off again?” he thought.

This wasn’t the first time he’d experienced such an outage. Rumor had it that surging demand had overwhelmed the 11th floor’s spiritual energy supply, forcing periodic rationing.

Sensing the decline, Gu Qingya sneered. “High-intelligence Spirit Automata—heard of them? That’s another project pushed by the Primordial Dao Lineage.”

Zhang Yu’s brow furrowed. “High-intelligence Spirit Automata? Aren’t those prohibitively expensive and impractical for widespread use?”

Gu Qingya replied, “Apparently, they’ve made breakthroughs—costs have dropped significantly. Several platforms have already launched related products.”

“The reason the 11th floor now suffers energy shortages is precisely because these automata consume vast amounts of spiritual energy during operation…”

Zhang Yu’s expression darkened as a chilling realization dawned on him: “If High-intelligence Spirit Automata continue advancing—if costs keep falling—won’t they eventually replace soul cultivators altogether? Paired with magical artifacts, couldn’t they supplant human labor… replace cultivators of all kinds?”

A sudden clarity pierced his mind: “The Primordial Dao Lineage seeks to seal fate before birth. If automata replace manual labor, then from that point onward… the Upper Cultivators will control the automata, remain eternally above, and no longer need Lower Cultivators at all.”

“In that case,” he realized with dread, “the path of advancement for mid- and lower-tier cultivators would be permanently sealed.”

Before him, Zhang Yu now saw a future of utter darkness and despair unfolding.

Zhan Xian murmured inwardly, “When I left the sect, low-cost High-intelligence Spirit Automata were still theoretical. I never imagined they’d already be competing for spiritual energy.”

Sensing Zhang Yu’s tension, Zhan Xian offered quiet reassurance: “Don’t worry too much. Even though these automata are advancing rapidly, not even all the Upper Cultivators and immortals support them unanimously.”

(End of Chapter)