Chapter 833: The Outsourcing-Friendly Leader
Listening to Feng Tingting’s reply, Tu Mu had a sudden realization. “So Vice President Zhang likes Immortal Crystals?”
“That’s easy to handle.”
After thanking Feng Tingting, he quickly began ordering Immortal Crystals through the Spirit Realm.
Just then, Feng Tingting sent Tu Mu another friend recommendation: Yan Qianji.
Feng Tingting said, “If you want to donate Immortal Crystals to the Immortal Grotto-Heaven, you can contact him.”
Looking at the profile picture of yet another outsourced cultivator, Tu Mu couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. “I’ve added more outsourced cultivator friends today than in the past ten years combined.”
Although Tu Mu was accustomed to ignoring outsourced cultivators, his brief interactions today made it clear that Zhang Yu favored placing them in important positions.
“Is it because of his Lower Realm origins?”
Since this capable superior favored outsourced cultivators, Tu Mu was willing to follow his lead and start valuing them as well, hoping to close the distance between himself and his leader.
Soon, Tu Mu contacted Yan Qianji and, following his instructions, traveled to the coordinates of a certain Grotto-Heaven Bridge to personally deliver the batch of ordered Immortal Crystals to the Immortal Grotto-Heaven.
Tu Mu followed the Grotto-Heaven Bridge forward. In the next moment, with a flash of light and shadow, he arrived inside the Immortal Grotto-Heaven.
At the same time, he saw a vast pile of Immortal Crystals casually stacked on an open space nearby. An outsourced cultivator named Yan Qianji was meticulously counting, inspecting, and storing them one by one.
“Those guys are fast…”
Realizing he wasn’t the first to deliver Immortal Crystals, Tu Mu’s figure flickered as he accelerated. Strands of divine light coiled around the Immortal Crystals, sending them forward.
Tu Mu wasn’t surprised by Yan Qianji’s meticulous work. After all, Immortal Crystals varied greatly in quality, purity, and value. Naturally, each one needed to be carefully assessed after being received to determine the true worth of each person’s donation.
Compared to other gifts, Immortal Crystals were relatively easy to appraise. Tu Mu knew that some high-ranking leaders received a much wider and more complex array of gifts, all sorts of things imaginable. They even had to maintain specialized gift-receiving teams to appraise and manage the various items they received.
Regardless, Tu Mu knew that this outsourced cultivator, being entrusted to count Immortal Crystals for Zhang Yu, must be highly trusted. This realization deepened Tu Mu’s impression that Zhang Yu was a rare kind of… outsourcing-friendly leader.
He thought to himself, “When I get back, I’ll have the bureau learn from this and adjust all transparency levels for outsourced personnel to the normal range.”
Meanwhile, Yan Qianji, seeing Tu Mu and the Immortal Crystals he had brought, said, “Director Tu Mu, just leave the Immortal Crystals here. I’ll handle the registration.”
Tu Mu, however, probed further, “Little friend, who else has sent Immortal Crystals?”
Yan Qianji replied, “Director Zhao from the Land Management Bureau, Director Sun from the Public Security Bureau, Director Zheng from the Sanitation Bureau, General Manager Zhou from Foundational Industries Corp…”
Tu Mu’s mind raced. The Land Management Bureau planned land plots, the Public Security Bureau handled demolition of illegal structures and construction site patrols, the Sanitation Bureau managed road cleaning, environmental hygiene, and waste disposal, and Foundational Industries Corp oversaw the actual construction units… All of these were leaders of subordinate units under Zhang Yu’s supervision, just like Tu Mu himself.
“If everyone is sending Immortal Crystals, how can I make myself stand out?”
Tu Mu couldn’t help but think of his own background and the Dao Lineage he supported, wondering if he could use them to curry favor.
Then, Tu Mu asked, “I haven’t been able to reach Vice President Zhang. I was wondering if I could meet with him?”
This was a major reason Tu Mu had brought the gift, he hoped to use the opportunity to meet Zhang Yu and at least get back on his contact list.
Yan Qianji replied, “Of course, that’s no problem. But there are a few details I need to inform you of beforehand, so you don’t cross Vice President Zhang’s taboos.”
Tu Mu naturally listened attentively.
Yan Qianji continued, “Vice President Zhang has specifically instructed that no one should try to pull strings with him. From what I know, Director Sun from the Public Security Bureau tried to leverage his Myriad Laws Sect status to talk seniority with Vice President Zhang and was thrown out directly.”
A chill ran down Tu Mu’s spine. He thought, “Looks like I’ll have to keep bribing him…”
Yan Qianji went on, “Vice President Zhang also said no one is allowed to give him money. Anyone who does is trying to harm him. Director Zhao from the Land Management Bureau previously hid Immortal Coins inside the Immortal Crystals and was kicked out of the Immortal Grotto-Heaven by Vice President Zhang.”
Tu Mu’s heart sank upon hearing this. “Even that’s not allowed? Could it be… he wants dual cultivation?”
At this thought, Tu Mu instinctively sensed his Yang Artifact, wondering if he should prepare a few more varieties.
But Yan Qianji continued, “Also, don’t even think about offering sexual favors. Director Zheng from the Sanitation Bureau hid her Yin Artifact inside the Immortal Crystals she sent over. Vice President Zhang threw it out immediately and projected an image to give her a severe scolding.”
Hearing all this, Tu Mu felt utterly helpless.
“Why doesn’t our Vice President follow the usual rules?”
Tu Mu knew that while the overall atmosphere of the sect was set by the highest leadership, the personal style of powerful leaders could shape the climate in their specific domains.
Listening to Yan Qianji’s string of warnings, Tu Mu thought, “This is forbidden, that’s forbidden… Could it be that I have to…”
He recalled that Zhang Yu was hailed as a Kunxu Hero, which proved he had a formidable background.
He also remembered that Zhang Yu had obtained an Immortal Legacy and rapidly expanded his power, demonstrating both strength and capability.
Originally, Tu Mu had assumed Zhang Yu would just coast along in the Vice President position. But now he realized Zhang Yu seemed capable of firmly establishing himself in this role and appeared to have ambitions…
“Following him might bring greater benefits, even advancement. But it could also mean… failing alongside him.”
“Should I take the gamble?”
“Dad!” Tu Mu knelt before Zhang Yu and declared, “I want to bear your son, then pay you child support every month and owe you money for the rest of my life.”
Tu Mu had decided to stick close to Zhang Yu for now. At the very least, by aligning with Zhang Yu, he could secure a larger share of the Development Zone’s profits before considering his next move.
Zhang Yu stared at the kneeling Tu Mu, feeling a mix of amusement and exasperation.
But he understood that this was just how Kunxu operated. It was his own standards that were unusual here.
Immortal Slayer’s voice echoed in his mind: “Ever since the Supreme Truth Immortal Clan affair temporarily concluded, many eyes have been on you. You must remain cautious. Others can accept benefits freely, but in your case, it could easily be used against you.”
Zhang Yu couldn’t help but retort inwardly, “Wait, are you reminding me of this now because you’re worried I might actually agree to let this Tu Mu bear my child?”
The Sect Examination Clone chimed in, “This proposal is actually quite good. To bear children for the sect, to serve the sect, it is our duty.”
Immortal Slayer said, “People’s hearts are fickle. After climbing the ladder in Kunxu for so long, it’s hard to say you won’t be influenced. I’m constantly reminding you in the hope that you remain vigilant.”
Fu Ji quickly interjected, “What nonsense are you all spouting? I watched him climb up from the First Layer. I believe Zhang Yu won’t change.”
Zhang Yu ignored the voices in his head and turned to Tu Mu. “Don’t bring up these matters again. If you want to get closer to me, work hard and contribute to the Immortals and the sect.”
A flicker of disappointment crossed Tu Mu’s face. He lowered his head and said, “I will work diligently.”
“You… can you fight?”
Tu Mu almost thought he had misheard.
Can you fight? How many years had it been since he’d heard such a requirement? When had the criteria for a superior selecting a subordinate become combat prowess? Shouldn’t it be about comparing backgrounds, gift-giving, and money-making abilities? At the very least, it should be about work performance. Since when did they need someone who could fight?
But Tu Mu quickly replied, “Fighting is what I excel at.”
Zhang Yu said calmly, “Then let’s test it out.”
With that, he unleashed a palm strike, and a surge of Grotto-Heaven force swept toward Tu Mu.
A moment later, Tu Mu emerged from the Immortal Grotto-Heaven, covered in dust. He thought to himself, Vice President Zhang seems quite satisfied with me?
Meanwhile, Zhang Yu replayed Tu Mu’s combat performance in his mind. Not bad, he mused. Among my Spirit Transformation subordinates, he’s the strongest fighter.
When we deal with the Void Refinement Corpse Components next, I can have him take the front line.
While Zhang Yu was busy subduing subordinates and managing the various cleanup teams, deep within the Spirit Realm, Vice President Xie Lanyin — her consciousness immersed in a sea of information — furrowed her brow slightly.
She was currently communicating with high-ranking cultivators from various sects to secure investments for the Development Zone, while simultaneously reviewing the latest intelligence on Zhang Yu.
Zhang Yu… what a restless fellow.
Is he unwilling to be a peaceful figurehead and wants to meddle in the affairs of the Former Days Graveyard Development Zone?
At the thought of Zhang Yu’s actions, Xie Lanyin’s mind immediately filled with suspicion.
So, Myriad Laws is indeed using this opportunity to extend its reach into the Former Days Graveyard?
Xie Lanyin had suspected this ever since Zhang Yu became Vice President. However, she had initially believed that his insufficient cultivation and lack of ability would prevent him from achieving anything significant.
She had even thought that Myriad Laws sending such an underpowered individual was likely a compromise born from the infighting among the major sects.
But Xie Lanyin never expected that, in a moment of inattention, Zhang Yu had already managed to consolidate a faction within the Management Committee.
The Immortal Legacy… it truly cannot be underestimated.
In Xie Lanyin’s view, the only reason a mere Spirit Transformation cultivator like Zhang Yu could accomplish all this was ultimately due to Ying Xintian’s Immortal Legacy.
If Myriad Laws wants to interfere… As Xie Lanyin’s thoughts churned, she finished her communication with the other two Vice Presidents.
Then we’ll have no choice but to sever Zhang Yu’s outstretched hand.
Within a certain Grotto-Heaven of the Myriad Laws Immortal Clan.
Bu Yuangui gazed at the message floating before him and remarked to Bu Yingshu beside him, “Zhang Yu is doing quite well. He’s consolidating his subordinates faster than I anticipated.”
“Donating Immortal Crystals to the Immortal Grotto-Heaven… that shows true Sect Nature.”
Bu Yingshu snorted inwardly but remained silent.
She was furious. Zhang Yu was supposed to be her subordinate, yet after leaving the Special Investigation Team, he had only contacted her once. In all the days since becoming Management Committee Vice President, he hadn’t initiated contact with her even a single time.
That wretched pet! He gets a measly Vice President position and forgets who his master is?
Bu Yuangui continued, “And his ability to use the Immortal Legacy’s power to quickly unify the search teams shows that even though Zhang Yu is from the Lower Realm, he’s not one of those old-school cultivators who only knows how to cultivate blindly.”
Bu Yingshu knew exactly what Bu Yuangui meant by “old-school cultivators.” He was referring to the ancient type who focused solely on cultivation, utterly ignorant of how to build influence or consolidate power. For a long time, such cultivators made up a significant portion of the cultivation world because this single-minded dedication did indeed lead to higher efficiency and faster progress.
But as Immortal Dao Technology continuously developed and improved, more and more exceptionally talented cultivators found they could maintain full-speed cultivation progress while still sparing energy for other matters — building factions, expanding power. Such cultivators could then acquire even more Immortal Dao resources.
Thus, as competition in Kunxu grew increasingly fierce, cultivators who only knew how to cultivate were gradually weeded out. Only those who were versatile in all aspects could continue to climb the ranks.
Bu Yuangui turned to Bu Yingshu beside him and said, “Yingshu, your judgment of people is quite sharp. This Zhang Yu is truly a talent.”
“Of course,” Bu Yingshu replied confidently.
A pity, Dad, she thought wryly, your own judgment is lacking. You failed to recognize the nearly buried genius right in front of you, and you’d never guess my true identity as the Great Sage’s Heir.
Bu Yuangui continued, “However, what Zhang Yu has accomplished so far only means he’s secured a foothold in the Management Committee for now.”
“The higher-ups placed him in this position because they ultimately expect him to deliver results.”
“But what counts as results? Rebuilding the Former Days Graveyard?”
Bu Yuangui shook his head. “Ultimately, he must bring benefits to the Myriad Laws. Yingshu, it’s time for you to pay Zhang Yu a visit.”
Bu Yingshu frowned. “You want me to approach him proactively?”
“The higher-ups likely expect Zhang Yu to intervene in the Former Days Graveyard’s industries — corpse components, Soul Cultivators, and the like,” Bu Yuangui explained.
“In these areas, our Myriad Laws Sect has always been at a disadvantage compared to the other major sects. We not only profit less but also have minimal influence over the related Dao Lineages.”
“If we can use the reconstruction of the Former Days Graveyard as an opportunity to get involved, it would be a great boon for both the sect and the Immortal Dao.”
Bu Yuangui looked at Bu Yingshu earnestly. “Yingshu, I know you’ve always been the most ambitious of our clan’s younger generation, eager to achieve something great. Isn’t this the perfect opportunity?”
“By making a strategic move in the Former Days Graveyard, we can enhance the sect’s influence over the corpse component and Soul Cultivator industries, as well as their associated Dao Lineages. Furthermore, the Soul Cultivator industry there can help lay the groundwork for our clan’s development of the Monster Saint’s collective consciousness technology…”
Bu Yuangui patted Bu Yingshu’s shoulder. “Yingshu, the revitalization of our clan and the strengthening of the sect… it’s all up to you now.”
“Bring benefits to Myriad Laws?”
Zhang Yu stared at the information about the Management Committee displayed before him, thinking, There are very few people from Myriad Laws within the entire committee, from top to bottom.
And my own strength isn’t formidable enough among them.
Is this… similar to the situation of the moderate reformist Immortals in Kunxu, the ones Ying Xintian introduced me to through the Immortal Network?
Immortal Slayer, listening to Zhang Yu’s thoughts, commented, “Throwing us into this position to temper us… perhaps it’s all preparation for future reforms.”
Zhang Yu nodded, recalling the giant corpse’s words.
“Those old geezers put you here, essentially handing you an exam paper.”
“As for how this paper is graded…”
“If you can secure your position as vice president, you’ll pass.”
“If you can lay the groundwork for Myriad Laws and help it penetrate the Former Days Graveyard’s related industries, you’ll earn an ‘excellent’.”
“But only by acting in accordance with the Reformist Faction’s ideals will you achieve a perfect score in the eyes of those Immortal Networks.”
Just as Zhang Yu was lost in thought, a message appeared before him.
Seeing its contents, the serious expression on his face instantly broke into a smile. “A-Zhen is coming?”