Chapter 363: Bai Zhenzhen and Zhang Yu’s Reunion
Late November.
Supreme Clarity Realm.
Zhang Yu was studying courses from the Artifact Refinement Department.
Although he had only been studying for three months, thanks to the Supreme Clarity Realm’s various enhancements and other factors, Zhang Yu felt he had already mastered most of the Freshman-level curriculum in artifact refinement.
Unfortunately, he lacked practical opportunities.
While the vast foundational knowledge of artifact refinement had flooded his mind and been comprehended by his consciousness, he hadn’t completed the required laboratory experiments, nor had he had a single opportunity to truly apply this knowledge.
As he pondered this, the basic framework of artifact refinement resurfaced in his mind: “The Dao of artifact refinement begins with refining materials, followed by constructing the basic structure, and finally completing the Magic Power Circuit. When the Magic Power Circuit combines with the basic structure, it can unleash the power of the Immortal Dao.”
“Although it seems like just three steps overall, each step can be further broken down into dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of smaller steps depending on the complexity and technological sophistication of the magical artifact.”
“And this is just for the most basic, outdated magical artifacts.”
“Modern magical artifacts on the market typically require additional talismans to connect to the Spirit Realm Network.”
“Many also need to be imbued with artifact spirits, granting them rudimentary intelligence.”
“Beyond that, there are high-intelligence Artifact Spirits that allow magical artifacts and Bionics to self-maintain, self-learn, and self-enhance…”
“I’ll put talismans and artifact spirits on hold for now,” Zhang Yu thought to himself.
“Once I’ve thoroughly digested the Freshman-level knowledge of the Artifact Refinement Department, it’ll be time to practice with refining materials, basic structures, and Magic Power Circuits.”
Zhang Yu understood that if learning and understanding the Artifact Refinement Department’s knowledge was like walking one meter, then truly applying that knowledge in practice to create magical artifacts was still ninety-nine meters away.
Within those ninety-nine meters, he would need to not only master the theoretical knowledge but also learn practical skills, accumulate hands-on experience, and cultivate the cultivation arts essential for artifact refinement.
And, of course, the most critical factor: money.
“Laboratories, material costs, design blueprints… it all costs money,” Zhang Yu thought to himself. “Good thing I joined Civil Engineering first. If I’d gone straight to the Artifact Refinement Department, I’d probably be bankrupt by now.”
“From now on, I’ll continue studying Artifact Refinement knowledge while cultivating my cultivation arts and working part-time to save money, all in preparation for my future artifact refinement practice.”
As Zhang Yu left the Supreme Clarity Realm, he glanced at the data on his Feather Book.
Less than three months into his Second-Year studies, his dao heart had already reached Level 16 (26.6%), and his Magic Power had risen to 848.3 units.
While the improvement in Magic Power Quality had gradually slowed, it had still reached 176%.
As for physical strength, due to Zhang Yu’s focus on construction cultivation arts and his heavy investment in various methods, progress had slowed significantly compared to the past. He had just increased it to 16.49.
The Gang Qi Conduction Rate and Maximum Gang Qi Transmission Range had both increased with his cultivation level, reaching 62% and 61 meters, respectively.
In addition, Zhang Yu had already mastered five cultivation arts related to the Martial Dao Sacred Body. For the sixth art, he had chosen the Star Firmament Meridian-Rushing Grand Art and had already cultivated it to Level 13.
“Just seven more tiers, and I’ll unlock the First Layer effects of the Martial Dao Sacred Body.”
“I wonder how the Foundation Establishment Stage Martial Dao Sacred Body will differ from the Qi Refining Stage Martial Dao Sacred Embryo.”
Just then, a message flashed in Zhang Yu’s Bionic Eye. He opened it and saw it was from Bai Zhenzhen.
Bai Zhenzhen: “Yu Zi, I’ve arrived.”
Zhang Yu’s eyes lit up, but he reminded himself that she had just arrived at Myriad Laws University City and would need time to settle in and prepare for the competition.
Just as he was about to tell her to focus on her own matters first, another message arrived.
Bai Zhenzhen: “Mom misses you.”
Bai Zhenzhen: “Where should we meet?”
Bai Zhenzhen: “Find a secluded spot.”
Myriad Laws University City, 66th floor
In a surveillance-free, secluded corner, Zhang Yu suddenly felt a surge of nervousness.
Fu Ji remarked, “Young man, your heart’s racing a bit.”
Zhang Yu replied, “A-Zhen and I haven’t seen each other in almost seventeen months. We communicate daily, but it still feels like there’s a wall between us…”
“Ah, I see,” Fu Ji responded.
“I thought it was the Yang-Enhancing Meat making you excited at the thought of seeing Bai Zhenzhen,” she mused inwardly.
“Though Zhang Yu doesn’t say it outright, and Bai Zhenzhen tries to hide it, they must both gradually be realizing the growing gap between them.”
“The vast disparity in wealth has widened the distance between them to the point where they’re practically living in different worlds. And with the Spirit Transformation Divine Monarch’s wealth fueling this divide, the chasm has become insurmountable.”
“Though Zhang Yu might eventually bridge this gap, Bai Zhenzhen’s future is looking very grim. For now, at least, they no longer belong to the same realm.”
Fu Ji sighed inwardly. “Especially since Bai Zhenzhen chose this secluded, inconspicuous meeting place herself.”
“Could Zhang Yu feel… that Bai Zhenzhen wants to keep their relationship hidden? That he’s someone she’s ashamed to be seen with?”
Fu Ji couldn’t be entirely certain, but based on her years of experience navigating Kunxu, it wasn’t entirely impossible.
“And if that’s the case… it means that even though Bai Zhenzhen is still communicating with Zhang Yu, their feelings for each other have subtly changed.”
“Or perhaps… considering Bai Zhenzhen’s decision to actively supervise Zhang Yu, she might have unconsciously placed herself in a position of superiority over him.”
“This might be inevitable. After all, with the Spirit Transformation Divine Monarch’s patronage, Bai Zhenzhen must have access to superior cultivation resources, a higher perspective on cultivation, and a broader understanding of the Dao.”
“Even subconsciously… she’s bound to believe that her comprehension of the Immortal Dao surpasses Zhang Yu’s. That her judgment regarding the Immortal Dao is superior to his.”
“If that’s the case,” Fu Ji thought to herself, “their relationship is almost destined to change. Could this be part of the Divine Monarch Seven Emotions’ plan? Is it connected to the mysteries of the Extreme Emotion Sword Dao?”
“Hmph, if I were in charge, I’d seize every opportunity to exploit Bai Zhenzhen for all she’s worth. I’d grab as much as I could while the chance lasts, so even if we part ways later, I wouldn’t regret it.”
“Otherwise, all the effort, resources, and time invested in that woman would be wasted!”
“Ah, it’s a pity Zhang Yu, that foolish boy, doesn’t share my cold, rational mindset.”
As Fu Ji pondered these thoughts, a night breeze brushed against Zhang Yu.
In the next moment, Zhang Yu felt a slender yet powerful body pressing against him from behind.
“Yu Zi, it’s me.”
“Time is short, so I’ll get straight to it.”
Hearing A-Zhen’s voice, Zhang Yu was about to turn around excitedly when she continued, “It’s a bit large now. Just bear with it for a moment.”
In the following instant, Zhang Yu understood Bai Zhenzhen’s meaning.
He felt her True Spirit Root slowly and forcefully squeezing into his Dantian from behind, relentlessly drilling into his core.
Having evolved into a Divine Spirit Root, its size far exceeded its former dimensions.
Zhang Yu thought to himself, “So, A-Zhen wanted me to find a secluded place because she intended to lend me her True Spirit Root?”
At the same moment, Zhang Yu felt Bai Zhenzhen’s aura, her thoughts, her sensations… all surging into his body through the True Spirit Root, merging with his own being.
Zhang Yu remembered how, back on the First Layer of Kunxu, when he borrowed the True Spirit Root, its unique adaptability had adjusted his physical body, transferring Bai Zhenzhen’s enhancements onto him.
Now, Bai Zhenzhen’s Spirit Root had evolved from a Heavenly Spirit Root into a Divine Spirit Root.
Moreover, Zhang Yu hadn’t borrowed the True Spirit Root in a very long time.
As a result, the adjustments brought about by the Divine Spirit Root were even more drastic this time, causing Zhang Yu’s flesh and blood to tremble violently, his meridians to contract and expand, and his Dantian to feel like it was being forcibly stretched open.
Bai Zhenzhen said, “Our differences are a bit too significant now. The process will be quite intense. You need to endure it!”
As the True Spirit Root emerged, Zhang Yu’s original Qi Sea Spirit Root in his Dantian was completely suppressed.
The evolved Divine Spirit Root actually replaced it, temporarily taking over Zhang Yu’s Spirit Root position.
Zhang Yu was inwardly stunned. “Since when can the True Spirit Root do something like this after evolving into a Divine Spirit Root?”
Just then, Bai Zhenzhen’s laughter rang in his ears. “How is it? Isn’t the True Spirit Root amazing now?”
“I’ve been working tirelessly to transfer my True Spirit Root into your body, since you already possess a Spirit Root.”
Just as Zhang Yu was about to reply, he felt his flesh and blood being torn apart, sending an unprecedented wave of agony through his body.
Zhang Yu couldn’t help but cry out softly, “Fucking hell… why does it hurt so much?!”
Behind him, Bai Zhenzhen cheered him on, “Hang in there, Yu Zi! Once you get through this, the pain will be gone!”
“Then my True Spirit Root can enhance you.”
Fu Ji chimed in excitedly, “Come on, Zhang Yu! This is a Divine Spirit Root! So many people dream of obtaining such a treasure!”
“You absolutely must accept this blessing! Endure! Just endure!”
After what felt like an eternity, the pain gradually subsided. Though some discomfort lingered, it no longer hindered his basic movements.
He exhaled deeply and turned to face Bai Zhenzhen, whom he hadn’t seen in ages. Gazing at his dearest friend, who had immediately offered him the Divine Spirit Root, he sighed helplessly, “A-Zhen, this is far too risky! What if someone finds out?”
Bai Zhenzhen smiled nonchalantly. “That’s why I told you to find a secluded place, silly!”
“Don’t worry, my Divine Spirit Root’s concealment ability is extremely powerful now. The moment it enters your body, it will be nearly undetectable.”
Zhang Yu voiced his concerns, “It’s still too risky. What if someone discovers your Divine Spirit Root can transfer like this, even replace someone else’s Spirit Root…?”
Before he could finish, Bai Zhenzhen’s embrace silenced the rest of his words.
“Yu Zi… Mom misses you.”
Zhang Yu hugged Bai Zhenzhen, thinking back to their unwavering support for each other throughout high school and their shared struggles. He whispered softly, “A-Zhen, Dad misses you too.”
Fu Ji, standing nearby, grew anxious. “What’s going on? Hurry up and test the Divine Spirit Root first. What are you wasting time on? You call yourselves university students? Don’t you have any ambition?”