Chapter 827: Kunxu Hero Zhang Yu
After disconnecting the communication with Magnetic Pole, Xuanji shook his head, his eyes filled with a sigh of lament.
“Junior Sister, oh Junior Sister,” he thought, “I never imagined that someone as proud as you once were would one day come begging for my help.”
“Back when we were training under Master, you probably never imagined that one day the gap between us would become as vast as heaven and earth, right?”
The regret flickered through his mind for only a moment before Xuanji refocused his attention on his work.
To him, the time and memories before joining the sect were nothing more than dust from a past life, bearing no relevance to his present self.
Work hard, cultivate diligently, maintain his position within the sect, and continue climbing higher… these were Xuanji’s top priorities.
As for the fleeting clouds of the past…
“It’s time to make a clean break.”
His recent conversation with Magnetic Pole had only reinforced this conviction.
“The past offers me no support; it’s merely a burden.”
“Just talking to the current Magnetic Pole is a waste of my time.”
So, with a single thought, Xuanji silently selected Magnetic Pole in his contact list and chose to delete her as a friend.
After doing this, Xuanji felt as if he had shed some kind of mental burden. The flow of his magic power and the speed of his thoughts felt lighter and more agile, and even his work efficiency seemed to have increased slightly.
Just then, a light flashed before Xuanji. A Soul Cultivator under his command had sent him a report, indicating that important news was being broadcast in the Spirit Realm.
Xuanji clicked the news link and was instantly stunned.
One headline after another detailed the handling of the Supreme Truth Immortal Clan, filling his eyes with shock.
He watched as members of the once lofty Immortal Clan were dragged out, publicly denounced, criticized, and punished. It was as if he were witnessing a series of bloody, brutal struggles.
“This news bulletin… it’s not a call to charge, but a declaration of victory.”
As a Sect Staff member who had long navigated the inner workings of the Sect Layers, Xuanji understood very well that for news like this to be released, the matter was already settled. Not only had the struggle ended, but even the spoils of war had likely already been divided up.
“But for the Supreme Truth Immortal Clan to be hit this hard… their Primordial Qi must be severely damaged.”
“And the Supreme Truth Immortal didn’t even intervene much to protect them… It seems the conflicts between Immortals are also at a breaking point.”
As the shock in Xuanji’s heart gradually subsided, another thought suddenly surfaced in his mind.
“Wait, that disciple Magnetic Pole asked me to help… wasn’t he caught up in this very incident?”
“What was his name again?”
With Xuanji’s cultivation, even though he hadn’t paid the matter much mind, it took him only a ten-thousandth of a second to retrieve everything from his memory.
“Right, Zhang Yu.”
The next moment, Zhang Yu’s image appeared on the news screen before him.
“A hero of Kunxu, a role model for the sect!”
“At a critical moment, facing anti-Kunxu elements, Zhang Yu stepped forward without regard for his personal safety, charging to the front lines and demonstrating the responsibility and commitment of the new era of Kunxu…”
Reading the news, Xuanji was suddenly startled, then found it utterly unbelievable.
“A mere Lower Cultivator who passed the exams from the Lower Realm actually received such high praise? On what grounds?”
“Who exactly is backing him?”
But recalling how Magnetic Pole had pleaded for his help just moments ago, she certainly didn’t seem like someone with powerful connections.
As Xuanji reeled in shock and contemplation, another message popped up before him. It was from his and Magnetic Pole’s Master.
Master: “Have you seen the news about the Supreme Truth Immortal Clan and Zhang Yu?”
Xuanji: “Just saw it.”
Master: “Magnetic Pole has taken on a fine disciple. This Zhang Yu is poised to soar to the heavens. It’s an honor for our lineage.”
Master: “By the way, I heard Magnetic Pole asked you for help? She’s not one to easily ask us for favors. If there’s anything you can do, please help her.”
Looking at his Master’s message, then at Magnetic Pole, whom he had already removed from his friends list, Xuanji silently opened the friend request screen. He thought to himself, “What excuse should I use to add her back?”
Inside the Training Academy.
“…For years, Zhang Yu has remained diligent and hardworking, steadily advancing from Kunxu’s First Layer, passing the exams to enter the sect, and earning the qualification to step onto the 14th Layer…”
Magnetic Pole and Old Gao stared at the news report, their faces etched with shock.
Especially when they read the lavish praise heaped upon Zhang Yu, their shock turned to joyous disbelief.
Old Gao said, “So many members of the Supreme Truth Immortal Clan have been dealt with, while Zhang Yu is being hailed as a model. It seems this matter has finally come to a close.”
Watching the news footage of Zhang Yu confronting Su Lengyou, Magnetic Pole let out a slight sigh of relief. “For now, it seems everything is fine.”
“That kid… how did he suddenly get himself into such a position?”
Just then, Magnetic Pole’s usually quiet contact list began to light up with one profile picture after another.
There was Divine Monarch Nether Spring, who had also come from the Lower Realm: “Congratulations, Magnetic Pole! Zhang Yu has clearly won the favor of the higher-ups. He’s probably about to skyrocket to success.”
Even the Outsourced Cultivators who had trained with her at the Training Academy were now sending messages, offering congratulations while subtly trying to find out who Zhang Yu’s new backer was.
Suddenly, one of the Training Academy’s directors also reached out to Magnetic Pole.
Teacher: “Magnetic Pole, do you have a moment? 😁”
Seeing the director — who was usually aloof and disdainful of Lower Realm Cultivators — suddenly acting so polite, Magnetic Pole couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. “I never thought the day would come when I, Magnetic Pole, would gain prestige through my student.”
Director Li: “Someone wants to do a series of reports on Zhang Yu. They’d like to interview you about his deeds in the Lower Realm.”
Reading this, Magnetic Pole’s mind stirred. “A series of reports? It seems they’re not just using Zhang Yu to strike at the Supreme Truth Immortal Clan. Are they also trying to promote something through him?”
After a moment’s thought, Magnetic Pole replied, “Besides me, there’s also Divine Monarch Greenwood here. He was Zhang Yu’s teacher too — his first mentor during his university days.”
Director Li: “Excellent. Have him join the interview as well.”
Magnetic Pole added, “But he’s from the Civil Engineering Department. Is that okay?”
Director Li: “I’ll ask.”
When Old Gao learned of Magnetic Pole’s reply, he couldn’t help but protest, “Why did you bring me into this? I’m just a Civil Engineering teacher. If people find out Zhang Yu’s background is in Civil Engineering, it could reflect poorly on him.”
“Even if you’re from Civil Engineering,” Magnetic Pole said, “you were still his first master at Myriad Laws University. Besides…”
Magnetic Pole gazed at the news reports and slowly analyzed, “If I’m not mistaken, the upcoming reports on Zhang Yu will likely focus heavily on his humble origins.”
“The lower his origins, the happier the people reporting on him — the ones who want to promote him — will be.”
“Old Gao, you and Civil Engineering aren’t stains on his record anymore. You’re part of his journey, the solid foundation upon which he’ll climb to even greater heights.”
Just then, Magnetic Pole’s gaze flickered as she noticed a friend request.
“This is Xuanji. My Soul Cultivator subordinate accidentally deleted you while cleaning up my friends list. Adding you back.”
Magnetic Pole: “I advise against it. [Cupped Fist]”
Almost immediately, another friend request arrived from Xuanji: “[Kowtow]”
A slight smile touched Magnetic Pole’s lips as she replied, “Xuanji, you’ve been in the Upper Realm for a long time and aren’t familiar with our situation. This matter has blown up. You should stay out of it. As a former sect-mate, I’ll give you some advice: keep your head down and don’t meddle.”
Xuanji: “[Red Packet]”
Magnetic Pole finally approved Xuanji’s request.
Xuanji immediately sent an Immortal Coin Red Packet, then began asking about Zhang Yu: “Junior Sister, give me the lowdown. Just which noble patron has taken a liking to our Junior Nephew?”
Reading Xuanji’s message, Magnetic Pole shook her head and thought, “That kid Zhang Yu is a master at latching onto powerful backers. How would I know whose thigh he’s clinging to now?”
Within an Immortal Abode of the Myriad Laws Immortal Clan.
Bu Yingshu rushed to find her father and asked immediately, “Dad! Was it you who helped Zhang Yu?!”
Bu Yuangui replied calmly, “Your father is just an Ascension Realm Cultivator, a Rank 10 Sect Staff, not even an Immortal. Do you really think I could pull something like this off?”
Bu Yuangui spoke bluntly, fearing his daughter wouldn’t understand if he was too indirect.
Bu Yingshu was even more astonished. “Then who did it?”
Bu Yuangui sighed. “Who else could it be? It must have been an Immortal’s will. But as for which specific Immortal, even your father doesn’t know. For now, it seems quite possible… that they’re using this Zhang Yu to further push for the reform of Kunxu.”
He continued, instructing, “This time, after Zhang Yu gets out, you should contact him and ask about his future plans…”
Before Bu Yuangui could finish, Bu Yingshu frowned. “Why should I be the one to contact him? Shouldn’t he be the one to immediately and proactively contact me now that he’s gotten this opportunity?”
Bu Yuangui explained, “I’ve already received news. The original labyrinth section of the Former Days Graveyard will be established as a multi-sect joint industrial development zone.
“As the inheritor of Ying Xintian’s Legacy, Zhang Yu will temporarily serve as… the vice chairman of this development zone’s management council.”
Seeing Bu Yingshu nod thoughtfully, Bu Yuangui knew his daughter hadn’t grasped the details. He’d seen that look on her face countless times since she was a child.
“The development of the Former Days Graveyard zone is tied to the rise and fall of multiple industries, including corpse components and Soul Cultivators. The annual output value of the graveyard can reach hundreds of billions of Immortal Coins.”
“It’s only by leveraging this Immortal Legacy that Zhang Yu, as a mere Rank 4 Sect Staff, can participate in the management of the development zone.”
“This is a position where one can easily achieve great results. If Zhang Yu can make a name for himself in this role, a place among the Void Refinement Dao Monarchs will be his.”
Bu Yingshu knew that while Spirit Transformation and Void Refinement were only one realm apart, the gap between them was as vast as heaven and earth.
According to ancient texts, the difference in combat power was beyond measure; a Spirit Transformation Realm cultivator could never defeat a Void Refinement Dao Monarch, no matter the circumstances.
In modern Kunxu, with the support of systems like Law Edicts and Dao Lineages, the disparity in sect status, authority, assets, and influence was even greater. Reaching Void Refinement marked the true beginning of entry into Kunxu’s ruling class.
At this thought, Bu Yingshu’s delicate eyebrows shot up. She thought to herself, Zhang Yu could reach Void Refinement? Wouldn’t that mean he’s catching up to me? How can that be allowed?
The idea that her “little pet” was on the verge of surpassing her filled Bu Yingshu with a surge of anxiety and frustration.
Bu Yuangui continued, “In any case, Zhang Yu’s status is different now. You can’t just order him around like you used to.”
Glancing at Bu Yingshu’s distracted expression, he knew his daughter hadn’t taken his words to heart.
However, Bu Yuangui didn’t press the matter. He simply continued, “After you contact Zhang Yu, ask him to introduce some reconstruction projects in the Former Days Graveyard. Tell him we’re willing to invest.”
In Bu Yuangui’s view, the reconstruction of the Former Days Graveyard was an inevitable trend with immense profit potential. Backing Zhang Yu in this way would be a win-win for both sides.
If Zhang Yu successfully used this opportunity as a springboard to break through to the Void Refinement Realm, they might even be able to influence the Law Edicts he established in the future, thereby enhancing the power of their own Dao Lineage.
“Alright, I get it,” Bu Yingshu said, patting her chest. “I’ll have him bring out the best projects from the Former Days Graveyard.”
Watching Bu Yingshu’s departing figure, Bu Yuangui thought to himself, If Zhang Yu succeeds, it will truly be a meteoric rise. But while this position offers endless opportunities, it also comes with endless dangers.
Bu Yuangui understood that the Former Days Graveyard Development Zone was jointly managed by multiple sects at the top. In the middle, hundreds of sect-affiliated enterprises were eyeing it hungrily. And at the bottom, countless cultivators were vying for power and profit, some even plotting to drag down Zhang Yu, a mere Rank 4 Sect Staff at the Spirit Transformation Realm, and take his place.
Even with support from above, Bu Yuangui couldn’t predict whether Zhang Yu would ultimately overcome the countless challenges ahead.
Still, Zhang Yu’s connection with Yingshu is convenient, he mused. If I send my daughter, she can seize any benefits that arise, and if things go south, she can take the fall.
Heavenly Sword Sect.
“Holy shit! What’s the deal with this Zhang Yu?”
“Huh? He’s a Kunxu Hero?”
“Unbelievable! A Lower Realm native brought down the Supreme Truth Immortal Clan!”
“Damn, he’s the inheritor of an Immortal Legacy!”
As news of Zhang Yu spread throughout the Spirit Realm, waves of astonishment rippled through the Heavenly Sword Sect.
Zhang Yu’s recent deeds, achievements, and gains… With each new report, he became a source of Immortal Dao inspiration for countless shocked Sword Cultivators in the Heavenly Sword Sect, who dissected, debated, and discussed his story endlessly.
Bai Zhenzhen reread the news reports several times and let out a sigh of relief. “Yu Zi should be safe now, right?”
The mysterious figure beside her chuckled. “Heh, the kid gambled and won. He’s secured the Immortal Legacy, the Grotto-Heaven, the Development Zone position… and even the Immortal Bloodline, all in one go.”
The mysterious figure projected an inconspicuous report: Following deliberation, it has been decided that the bloodline power held by Ying Xintian will be transferred to Zhang Yu, who will temporarily hold it…
Bai Zhenzhen asked, “What does that mean?”
“What does that mean?”
The mysterious figure laughed. “It means he’s now half an Immortal Clan member. Once he achieves results in his Development Zone position, he’ll not only advance to Void Refinement Dao Monarch but also become the official holder of Ying Xintian’s bloodline power — a true Immortal Clan member.”
“So, Green Zhenzhen, do you feel the gap between you and Zhang Yu widening?”
Bai Zhenzhen nodded. “Yes.”
The mysterious figure studied Bai Zhenzhen’s calm expression and couldn’t help but ask, “Aren’t you worried?”
Bai Zhenzhen replied, “Why should I be?”
The mysterious figure pressed, “Zhang Yu is climbing higher and higher. Just imagine how freely he’ll live in the Myriad Laws Sect, mingling with countless cultivators…”
Bai Zhenzhen said, “That’s just Zhang Yu making up for the Joyous Union days he missed out on. He’s simply returning to his original nature.”
Seeing Bai Zhenzhen still unmoved, the mysterious figure frowned. “Something’s wrong. You’re acting very strange.”
Bai Zhenzhen said, “What’s strange? Through relentless cultivation day and night in the Heavenly Sword Sect, I’ve transcended my former petty love and comprehended the sect’s greater love.”
“Now, I have only one love in my heart: the Heavenly Sword Sect.”
The mysterious figure exclaimed, “Sect Devotee Realm? How did your Extreme Emotion Sword Dao suddenly reach the Sect Devotee Realm?”
Within Bai Zhenzhen’s body, the Sect Examination Clone spoke matter-of-factly: “This is the higher realm of the Extreme Emotion Sword Dao. What’s so strange about it?”
The mysterious figure chuckled. “Very well. I’ll send you to the Former Days Graveyard. Let’s see whether you’ll choose your lover or your sect when the Human-Sect conflict erupts.”
At this thought, the mysterious figure envisioned one amusing scene after another and couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
Inside the Ethereal Communications Department dormitory.
Zhao Tianxing had been guarding Zhang Yu’s Primordial Spirit for some time.
Over the past few days, he had watched Zhang Yu’s Primordial Spirit, under the influence of the Spirit Transformation Pool, gradually shed its divine light, becoming increasingly vibrant and brilliant.
But in stark contrast to the brilliance of Zhang Yu’s Primordial Spirit, Zhao Tianxing’s heart was shrouded in gloom.
Using the dormitory’s Spirit Realm connection, Zhao Tianxing could also access various news circulating from the outside world.
When he learned that Zhang Yu had been arrested for investigation, Zhao Tianxing’s heart sank deeper and deeper.
“Zhang Yu’s been captured. What should I do now?”
“If they come to me for questioning, what should I say?”
“Should someone in my situation commit suicide to silence myself? No, I’m too weak. Suicide would attract the attention of a Righteous God…”
The thought that he was too weak even to commit suicide filled Zhao Tianxing with despair.
He couldn’t help but look at Zhang Yu’s Primordial Spirit in the Spirit Transformation Pool and ask, “Zhang Yu, tell me, what on earth should I do?”
Unfortunately, the Primordial Spirit, now completely disconnected from Zhang Yu, was like an ordinary projection and showed no reaction whatsoever.
At that moment, Zhao Tianxing felt as if a great net had descended from the sky, closing in from all sides, threatening to bind him so tightly he couldn’t breathe.
Not long after, Zhao Tianxing discovered that the entire dormitory’s Spirit Realm connection had been severed, as if it had been completely sealed off.
“They’ve noticed this place. Are they coming to interrogate me?”
“It’s over, it’s all over now.”
But soon, Zhao Tianxing realized that only the Spirit Realm connection was cut; there was no further action from outside.
He spent many days in a state of constant fear and anxiety. Then, one day, the dormitory’s Spirit Realm connection was suddenly restored.
Before Zhao Tianxing could figure out what was happening, he heard a knock at the door.
The sound startled him. “Are they here to arrest me?”
Just then, a voice came from outside the door: “Anyone there? I’m Jiang Xuyi. I’ve brought some local specialties for Deputy Minister Zhang.”
“I’ll just leave them by the door.”
Then, a second voice spoke up: “Little Jiang? What are you doing here?”
“Minister Qin, I’m here to deliver some local specialties to Deputy Minister Zhang. And you are?”
“What a coincidence. I’m also here to deliver some local specialties.”
As cultivators from the Ethereal Communications Department arrived one after another to deliver local specialties for Zhang Yu, Zhao Tianxing was utterly astonished. “What’s going on?”
When he checked the Spirit Realm connection and saw one news report after another about Zhang Yu, he was shocked. “Zhang Yu… became a hero of Kunxu?”
Just as Zhao Tianxing was reeling from the shock, he noticed someone had sent him a friend request.
Zhao Tianxing was stunned. “An interview? For me?”
The other person said, “Hello, are you Zhao Tianxing, a Soul Cultivator under Zhang Yu?”
Zhao Tianxing thought, “They must have tried to contact Zhang Yu, couldn’t reach him, and came to me instead.”
Just as Zhao Tianxing resolved not to reveal any information about Zhang Yu, the person continued, “We’d like to interview you. Do you have time?”
The person added, “According to your registration information, Mr. Zhao, you graduated from a Soul Cultivator school on the First Layer, then transferred from a vocational college to a bachelor’s program with outstanding grades. Afterward, you followed Zhang Yu all the way to the sect to work, moving from the First Layer to the Eleventh Layer. Mr. Zhao, your journey symbolizes the success of Kunxu’s reforms…”
As he listened to the other person speak, Zhao Tianxing grew increasingly excited.
“I never thought that I, Zhao Tianxing, would one day be interviewed in the sect and even appear in the news!”
Lower Realm Mutual Aid Association.
During the time Zhang Yu had just been arrested, the association’s group chat had been flooded with messages.
Tian Shengong from Immortal Armaments University, Ying Mingchi from Celestial Monsters University, and Wang Yin from Netherworld University… Cultivators from various Lower Realm universities were all closely following Zhang Yu’s situation.
However, as days passed with no news of Zhang Yu, the group chat gradually fell silent.
Until today. When the news about the Supreme Truth Immortal Clan and Zhang Yu exploded across the Spirit Realm like thunderclaps, the entire group chat erupted like boiling water.
Tian Shengong: “Did you see it? Did you see the news about Zhang Yu?”
Tian Shengong: “As expected of the strongest university student! Divine Monarch Blazing Light! You are the glory of the Ten Greats! 🔥”
Wang Yin: “Of course! Divine Monarch Blazing Light defeated me back on the First Layer. Now that he’s exposed the sect’s corruption, his future is boundless!”
Wang Yin: “[Photo of Divine Monarch Blazing Light defeating me on the First Layer]”
Ying Mingchi: “Divine Monarch Blazing Light used my monster blood to win the Ten Greats League, you know!”
Ying Mingchi: “[On-site breeding photo of Divine Monarch Blazing Light during the match]”
Tian Shengong looked at the recording of his livestream debate with Zhang Yu, reviewing their various discussions about Extreme Tiger… He thought for a moment and decided against posting it.
True Monarch Martial Village watched the Lower Realm Natives’ chat and couldn’t help but shake his head. “A bunch of clueless fools.”
As a Reincarnated Being who had been sent from the sect to the Lower Realm and then re-ascended by passing the exams, Wu Xiang believed his understanding of the sect was far more profound than that of these Lower Realm Natives.
Wu Xiang: “What do you all know? Boundless future? Divine Monarch Zhang has now become the legitimate heir to an Immortal’s bloodline! Do you know what that means? It means it won’t be long before he becomes a legitimate member of an Immortal Clan!”
Following Wu Xiang’s message, the entire group chat fell silent for a moment, then erupted with an even greater flood of information.
Yu Xinghan was repeatedly pinged, with everyone asking him about Zhang Yu’s current situation.
Yu Xinghan ignored the commotion in the group chat and instead looked at a message Zhang Yu had sent him a short while ago.
Zhang Yu: “I’ll be working in the Development Zone of the Former Days Graveyard next. The higher-ups have approved my request to pick some people to help.”
Zhang Yu: “Xinghan, I can’t trust anyone else. Come and help me.”