Chapter 272: Bai Zhenzhen - I’ll Support You
After exchanging his currency, Zhang Yu noticed various types of coins besides Spirit Coins: Jade Nectar Coins, White Cloud Coins, Heavenly Law Coins, Seven Emotions Coins…
“What are these currencies?” he asked.
Fortunately, Li Xuelian, with her extensive experience, was nearby. Zhang Yu seized the opportunity to ask.
Hearing his question, Li Xuelian replied, “My father explained the essence of Spirit Coins to you, didn’t he?”
Zhang Yu nodded. He knew that Spirit Coins were a form of currency created by combining magic power with spiritual energy and embedding them into the Spirit Realm Network.
Only cultivators at the Spirit Transformation Realm or higher, with the assistance of Righteous Gods and their immense magic power, could refine such coins.
Each Spirit Coin corresponded to a unit of magic power and spiritual energy, effectively anchoring a unit of energy.
The fundamental nature of all Spirit Coins resided within the Spirit Realm Network, each coin representing a piece of information within the network. Daily transactions, such as transfers and payments, were conducted directly through the network.
Zhang Yu thought to himself, “Spirit Coins are a type of digital currency that can only be refined jointly by high-level cultivators and Righteous Gods, anchoring Kunxu’s fundamental energy source.”
“This Spirit Coin is similar to digital currencies from my previous life on Earth, but it has actual intrinsic value.”
“While ordinary people can’t refine Spirit Coins themselves, they can lend their magic power through the Spirit Realm Network and earn Spirit Coins in return.”
Zhang Yu’s memories flashed through his mind. Li Xuelian, standing before him, replied, “Spirit Coins are the most widely used currency.”
“However, some powerful cultivators at the Spirit Transformation Realm and above create their own currencies for specialized transactions, investments, or financing.”
“Take the Seven Emotions Coin, for example. It was created by Bai Zhenzhen’s teacher, Divine Monarch Seven Emotions, and its value has skyrocketed more than tenfold since its initial issuance.”
“Then there’s the Jade Nectar Coin, issued by Divine Monarch Jade Nectar of Joyful Union University. Its value has plummeted to less than 1% of its original price.”
“In short, the market is complex. It’s good to understand the basics, but you’ll mainly need to use Spirit Coins in your daily life.”
Zhang Yu exchanged the maximum amount, converting his 50 million First Layer currency into 5 Spirit Coins.
In addition to the prepared 50 million First Layer currency, Zhang Yu used all the remaining cash in his First Layer account to purchase various supplies, which he packed into his luggage.
Staring at his now-empty First Layer account, which held only a few thousand First Layer currency, Zhang Yu couldn’t help but feel a pang of regret.
After exchanging his currency, he faced a series of tedious but essential procedures.
Besides registering his personal information, he had to open a Second Layer bank account, communication account, and Spirit Realm Network account. Many of these required fees, but fortunately, Zhang Yu had just exchanged 5 Spirit Coins.
Li Xuelian reminded him, “Make sure to get a high data plan and choose postpaid billing. Losing network access on the Second Layer is a real hassle.”
The communication account cost 0.003 Spirit Coins per month, while the data plan he chose was 0.005 Spirit Coins per month. He also topped up 0.001 Spirit Coins for transportation access and paid the annual medical insurance fee of 0.05 Spirit Coins.
Although Zhang Yu’s self-healing abilities were now exceptionally strong, True Person Starfire had warned him that this only meant he’d spend less on medical care and reduce his annual insurance premiums, not that he could forgo insurance altogether.
In the blink of an eye, Zhang Yu watched his account balance drop from 5 Spirit Coins to 4.941 Spirit Coins.
Zhang Yu cursed inwardly, “This is equivalent to hundreds of thousands of First Layer currency! And it’s just gone?”
Li Xuelian, noticing Zhang Yu’s pained expression, reminded him, “Now that we’re on the Second Layer, stop converting everything. Earn Spirit Coins, spend Spirit Coins. The purchasing power and average income are completely different here. Converting back and forth is pointless.”
After completing the registration procedures, the group boarded different flying boats from the Ascension Platform.
Qian Shen waved goodbye to Zhang Yu. “We’re off. Study hard at Myriad Laws University!”
Xiong Wenwu added, “Until we meet again.”
After bidding farewell to everyone, Zhang Yu, Yu Xinghan, and the others boarded the flying boat bound for Myriad Laws University.
About ten minutes later, the flying boat plunged into a dense cloud layer. An announcement came over the intercom: “Approaching Myriad Laws University, Second Layer.”
In the next moment, Zhang Yu felt as if his body had pierced through a thin barrier. As the clouds around the flying boat dissipated, a completely different world unfolded before him.
Kunxu Second Layer.
Endless mountains and rivers, lush forests stretching to the horizon — the breathtaking natural scenery left Zhang Yu in awe. “The Second Layer’s ecosystem is truly remarkable,” he murmured.
Hearing Zhang Yu’s exclamation, Li Xuelian swept her hand in a wide arc across the jungle below. “All of this… it’s all private property. It has nothing to do with us, and we can’t even enter.”
“That…”
Li Xuelian pointed to a massive structure towering amidst the mountains in the distance. “That’s where we need to go.”
“The Second Layer campus of Myriad Laws University. Each floor covers 10 square kilometers, and after over a hundred urban renovations, it now has 666 floors.”
“Inside, besides teachers, students, and service personnel, there are also ordinary citizens. I’d estimate the population to be over ten million.”
Fu Ji chuckled. “Ten square kilometers per floor, 666 floors… that’s 6,660 square kilometers. That sounds about the size of a large city on the First Layer.”
“But this vertical city is crammed into a space just over three kilometers wide and long. Each floor is only a few meters high — some as low as two or three meters. Inside, apart from steel and concrete, there’s almost no flora or fauna. Most areas never see sunlight. Some people born and raised here may never experience natural environments in their entire lives…”
“Heh heh, it’s all about maximizing space and protecting private property outside.”
“But this is all good news, Zhang Yu! University City keeps building upward, urban renewal projects happen every year, and the Civil Engineering Department is thriving. You’ll have plenty of work to do in the future.”
Zhang Yu curled his lip, thinking, “Otherwise, why would True Person Starfire have told me to major in Civil Engineering? It’ll be tough, but it’s a real money-maker. Before I switch to the Artifact Refinement Major, I’ll marry myself to construction sites first.”
Just then, Li Xuelian reminded him, “Oh, right! Remember to activate your Bionic Eye.”
“Once you enter the Second Layer and connect to the Spirit Realm Network, you can use your Bionic Eye for everything. It’s much more convenient than a phone.”
Zhang Yu’s right eye narrowed slightly as his Time-Worn Demonic Eye began connecting to the Spirit Realm Network. As he entered his newly registered account and password, in the next instant… the entire world transformed dramatically.
First, massive loan advertisements flooded his vision, taking up the entire screen.
As Zhang Yu shook his head, his vision shifted to a shopping website: “We think you’ll like: Black Silk Bionics…” This was a motion-activated ad.
When Zhang Yu instinctively closed his eyes, an option to block ads appeared on his retina: “Block ads for 0.001 Spirit Coin per month.” This was a blink-activated ad.
Spirit Coins -0.001
Seeing his vision clear, Zhang Yu finally sighed in relief. “Damn it, this Bionic is more trouble than it’s worth.”
But his opinion changed the next moment. He noticed that outside the flying boat, countless private property signs and “No Entry” warnings were plastered everywhere.
The once seemingly natural forest had been carved into countless closed-off zones by a dense web of warning banners and laser grids.
Li Xuelian, standing beside him, said, “See? The Second Layer is like this jungle, full of invisible lines. Cross them, and you’ll be struck by lightning.”
“But if you can’t even see the lines, you won’t even know how you died.”
“Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about this while riding the flying boat. But as soon as you disembark, even the poorest students often pawn their eyes to get a Bionic installed.”
Just then, Yu Xinghan, who was standing nearby, asked in confusion, “Why do all the warnings here use only black and white? Is that the style of the Second Layer?”
Li Xuelian and Zhang Yu exchanged puzzled glances with him. After a moment, Yu Xinghan exploded in anger, “Damn it! Did they scam me? This secondhand Bionic Eye can only see in black and white? What a piece of junk!”
Li Xuelian patted Yu Xinghan and Zhang Yu on the shoulders. “Pack your things, we’re almost there. Once I’ve safely delivered you to Myriad Laws University, I can finally get to my own business.”
As Zhang Yu returned to his seat to pack, a message appeared on his retina: “Bai Zhenzhen, Divine Spirit Root holder from Heavenly Sword University, disciple of Divine Monarch Seven Emotions, Foundation Establishment cultivator, has added you as a friend.”
“A-Zhen, so she really could communicate once she reached the Second Layer?” Zhang Yu smiled and accepted the request. Immediately, a projection call request came through.
Zhang Yu swiped his finger through the air, tapping the accept button on his retina. A tall, slender figure materialized before him.
Bai Zhenzhen’s image appeared before Zhang Yu. “Yu Zi, you’re finally here.”
Before Zhang Yu could ask anything, Bai Zhenzhen continued, “They gave me living expenses. I’ll transfer some to you right away. Accept it quickly, and ask for more if you need it later.”
“Sigh, the transfer limit is only 5 Spirit Coins. Take this for now.”
The other party has transferred 5 Spirit Coins to you.
Zhang Yu paused slightly at the notification, his thoughts coalescing into a single sentence: “A-Zhen, at Heavenly Sword University, remember to listen carefully to the Divine Monarch.”
5 Spirit Coins transferred successfully.
Bai Zhenzhen rolled her eyes. “As if I could disobey her! She’s practically my real mom now!”
“The so-called Extreme Emotion Sword Dao is about infusing emotion into the sword. Only by mastering emotion can one master the sword.”
“That’s why I’ve decided to channel my filial devotion for Divine Monarch Seven Emotions into the Extreme Emotion Sword Dao. Everything I do is to repay her kindness!”
She raised her hand and swore, “If necessary, I wouldn’t hesitate to die for her!”
Watching this scene, Zhang Yu thought to himself, “With such blatant flattery, could Divine Monarch Seven Emotions be watching her right now?”
Bai Zhenzhen continued, “Yu Zi, I’ll keep it short. I have class soon and I’ll be busy afterward. Just leave me a message if you need anything.”
“Whenever I earn Spirit Coins, I’ll try to transfer more to you.”
“And when you get settled, send me your address so I can send you some good stuff…”
Hearing Bai Zhenzhen’s words, Zhang Yu felt a warm glow in his heart, realizing he hadn’t raised his daughter in vain.
Bai Zhenzhen patted her chest and said, “Don’t worry, Son. Your mom’s hit the big time now. I’ll take care of you from now on.”
She spread her arms wide and smiled. “Come here, Son, give Mom a hug.”
Zhang Yu opened his arms and embraced Bai Zhenzhen’s projection. “Take care of yourself.”
Bai Zhenzhen nodded. “Don’t worry, I can handle myself. I’ll come visit you at Myriad Laws University when I get the chance.”
“Feel free to spend the money I sent you. I have plenty of opportunities to earn more here, and I’ll try to send you some every month.”
Zhang Yu felt a strange discomfort at her words, as if he were living off her.
“Sigh, how can accepting support from a good friend be considered freeloading?”
As he hugged her, Zhang Yu felt Bai Zhenzhen’s soft body and thought, “This Immortal Dao Technology is terrifying. The projection even has tactile sensation?”
But the next moment, Zhang Yu saw Le Mulan’s confused face beneath Bai Zhenzhen’s projection and realized he was actually hugging Le Mulan, who was covered by the projection.
Le Mulan asked, “Zhang Yu?”
Zhang Yu abruptly released her and stepped back.
Bai Zhenzhen asked, “Yu Zi, what’s wrong?”
“N-nothing,” Zhang Yu stammered, glancing at Bai Zhenzhen awkwardly. “I just got a little excited seeing you.”