As a renowned expert in crafting, Ci-ji Zhen-jun’s many famous designs have naturally been thoroughly studied by others.

To Xue-pu Zhen-jun, Zhang Yu’s design blueprints were filled with Ci-ji’s distinctive touch. Not only were many techniques and combinations reminiscent of Ci-ji, but even the small habits and details in the design’s writing style perfectly mirrored hers.

Thinking of this, Xue-pu Zhen-jun’s heart stirred slightly: “News previously indicated that Ci-ji’s research into the Huashen Dharma Body has progressed beyond mere qi-blood and spiritual power exchange, reaching the level of memory exchange.”

“Could it be that she has even completed memory screening and can now exchange specific memories?”

Xue-pu Zhen-jun looked at Zhang Yu’s design blueprint appearing before him, musing, “Could this Zhang Yu be the result of her research?”

“Did Ci-ji Zhen-jun transfer her crafting experience to Zhang Yu?”

For a moment, Xue-pu Zhen-jun’s mind raced with countless images, drawing him into deep thought.

Meanwhile, the judges had finished scoring, and Zhang Yu’s score was released.

“488 points.” Xuan-yin Zhen-jun looked at the score, thinking, “I never imagined… the champion of this design competition would be Zhang Yu, and with such a decisive lead.”

“Was this Ci-ji’s deliberate intention?”

When Feng Yu-han involved several Yuan-ying Zhen-jun in the research of Qiong-jiang Shen-jun’s Dharma Body, Xuan-yin Zhen-jun was one of them. He had some understanding of Ci-ji’s project. Witnessing Zhang Yu’s astonishing performance now, many thoughts crossed his mind.

“Has Ci-ji made another breakthrough? Is having Zhang Yu win the championship also for publicity?”

Recalling his earlier judgment, Xuan-yin Zhen-jun shook his head: “It seems it’s not that Ci-ji cherishes this disciple too much… it’s that this disciple has truly become Ci-ji’s precious treasure.”

Soon after, as the simulated tests for all 15 contestants’ works were completed, the five judges submitted their evaluations and scores. Next was to await feedback from the Heavenly Court to confirm the final rankings.

However, whether it was Nie-lian Zhen-jun of Tian-mo University or Xuan-yin Zhen-jun of Wan-fa University, the judges present knew that with such clear differences in performance, there should be no dispute over the rankings.

Watching the Zheng-shen finish recording and depart with all the data and scores, the judges seemed to relax.

Xuan-yin Zhen-jun turned to Xue-pu Zhen-jun of You-ming University and Shi-sui Zhen-jun of Bai-gu University, smiling as he said, “Both of you, you misjudged, didn’t you?”

Shi-sui Zhen-jun calmly replied, “We were simply judging on the merits. Zhang Yu’s performance was extraordinary, and for fairness and impartiality, it’s normal for us as judges to have suspicions.”

Xuan-yin Zhen-jun continued, “But Bai-gu University’s student, their crafting foundation doesn’t seem as solid as their previously submitted design blueprint suggested.”

“And You-ming University’s Zang-xing Ye, his understanding of bionics doesn’t seem as deep as what was presented in his previous design blueprint.”

Hearing this, Xue-pu Zhen-jun shouted, “Xuan-yin! What do you mean? Shi-sui and I scored impartially; every word was upright and worthy of our sects and schools. If you’re dissatisfied or want revenge, come at us, don’t drag the students into it.”

Looking at the other party’s righteous demeanor, Xuan-yin couldn’t help but laugh, cursing inwardly, “You dog, so eager, one would think you didn’t take a single spirit coin.”

Xuan-yin Zhen-jun said calmly, “Xue-pu, why weren’t you so imposing when facing the Zheng-shen’s camera just now? Didn’t you both have something you wanted me to convey to Ci-ji Zhen-jun last time? Do you still want me to this time?”

Just as the two sides were arguing, Nie-lian Zhen-jun coughed lightly, interrupting both. The vice principal from Tian-mo University said calmly, “Xuan-yin, we indeed misjudged before.”

“Please convey a message to Ci-ji on our behalf: we congratulate her on her impending promotion and wish her a promising future in Huashen. We also wish your Wan-fa University four Huashen in the future, peace throughout the school, and no disasters or misfortunes.”

Meanwhile, Zhang Yu, who had already begun his journey back, was unaware of the judges’ thoughts or the results of the simulated test. At this moment, he sat cross-legged in the quiet room of the flying boat, silently cultivating his spiritual technique, feeling a storm raging in his Sea of Consciousness.

It seemed as if turbid mud surged upwards, repeatedly suppressed by the roars of the Four-Headed White Ox, only to churn up again and again. Besides the turmoil in his Sea of Consciousness, Zhang Yu also felt a slight discord in his muscles and bones, and his spiritual power circulated unevenly. From head to toe, there was a feeling that nothing was quite right, and control was lacking everywhere.

He sighed helplessly and looked at his Dao Heart data on his Yu-shu.

Level 17 (88)

To secure victory in the competition and, more importantly, for the Top Ten League several months away, Zhang Yu felt he could not afford to lose. Thus, he not only used the Ling-yun Qi-xin to integrate blueprints and select the optimal results as much as possible, but also repeatedly burned his Dao Heart, activated Tian-gong Kai-wu, and continuously optimized the integrated blueprints.

This allowed Zhang Yu to combine the performance of various puppets, drastically reduce costs, and create a design blueprint for producing puppets on the spot, using readily available materials.

But another consequence… was that Zhang Yu’s Dao Heart had retreated to Level 17, diminishing his will and causing his control over his body and spiritual power to decline.

Furthermore, due to the excessive use of Ling-yun Qi-xin, his head was now throbbing, his thoughts felt rigid, and his mind seemed to move a beat slower, no longer feeling any inspiration.

“The inspiration consumed by Ling-yun Qi-xin will probably take a month of rest to recover.”

“As for the regressed Dao Heart, it will likely take two or three months of cultivation to replenish.”

Zhang Yu silently estimated: “But that should be enough to catch up for the Top Ten League.”

Just then, a knock came from outside the quiet room, and a voice said, “Student Zhang Yu, are you there?”

Zhang Yu was slightly surprised; who would come to find him on the flying boat? Opening the door to the quiet room, he saw a man and a woman standing outside. The man had a simple appearance, dressed in an ancient-style robe, his cultivation depth indiscernible. The woman shimmered with Dharma Body light, and her head bore the insignia of the Inspection Team.

Zhang Yu asked, “Are you looking for me?”

The man smiled slightly and said, “I am Xu-yang Zhen-ren of the Fourth Division of the Inspection Team at Wan-fa University.”

Zhang Yu’s eyes moved slightly, understanding that the other party was a Jin-dan Zhen-ren. Xu-yang Zhen-ren then introduced the woman beside him, saying, “This is my colleague, Yun Yu-qing.”

“Student Zhang Yu, may we talk inside?”

Looking at the identification information sent by the other party, Zhang Yu nodded slightly, thinking, “The Fourth Division of the Inspection Team, isn’t it specifically for investigating demonic cults?”

Zhang Yu knew that ever since the economic crisis ended, to sweep away demonic cults, personnel from the Fourth Division of the Inspection Team had been dispatched to various places for searches. Whether within Wan-fa University’s campus or its affiliated colleges, they had acted with impunity, toppling countless students and teachers involved with demonic cults.

“The Fourth Division coming to me… could it be…”

Zhang Yu suddenly recalled the demonic cult Jin-dan who had been killed earlier.

“Has my secret been exposed?”

Zhang Yu also thought of Feng Yu-han’s situation: “Or has that side been exposed?”

Although his heart tightened slightly, and many questions flashed through his mind, Zhang Yu maintained a calm demeanor on the surface, inviting the two in. As the door to the quiet room closed, Xu-yang Zhen-ren spoke again, asking, “Student Zhang Yu, do you know Shui Hai-yu from Shan-hai Vocational University?”

Zhang Yu was momentarily stunned, remembering that Shui Hai-yu was the college student who had been continuously selling him daily videos for some time. He also recalled that the person seemed to have been involved in the Shuang-xiu Cult incident, eventually taking his own life to become a Soul Cultivator and being drawn into the Spirit Realm.

Hearing that they were asking about Shui Hai-yu, Zhang Yu, who had been a bit tense, relaxed slightly and said calmly, “I bought some daily videos from him for research purposes.”

Ever since entering the quiet room, Xu-yang Zhen-ren had been sitting face-to-face with Zhang Yu, his expression gentle, as if the ensuing conversation would be casual. However, the other woman, Yun Yu-qing, remained wary throughout, her face full of suspicion as she listened to Zhang Yu.

She asked with a questioning look, “Research? What kind of research requires buying videos from a college student?”

Zhang Yu explained, “I’m participating in a design competition and plan to design a product for the college student market, so I needed to research college students.”

Xu-yang Zhen-ren asked, “How much do you know about Shui Hai-yu’s identity within the Shuang-xiu Cult?”

Zhang Yu paused, “Shui Hai-yu was part of the Shuang-xiu Cult?”

Yun Yu-qing snorted coldly, “Why are you pretending to be ignorant? Shui Hai-yu sent you so many daily videos, either on leave or skipping class. Didn’t you suspect he was from the Shuang-xiu Cult?”

Zhang Yu frowned and said, “I genuinely didn’t know he was from the Shuang-xiu Cult.”

“As far as I know, he was always opposing the Shuang-xiu Cult and even reported many students suspected of being part of it.”

Meanwhile, he tried to send a message to Zhang Pian-pian, wanting to inquire about the specific situation, but found that his messages received no reply. Not only did Zhang Pian-pian not reply, but all the messages he sent to others also went unanswered.

Zhang Yu’s heart jolted: “Not a network outage, but just my communication channels cut off?”

At the same time, Yun Yu-qing continued, “Zhang Yu, we have thoroughly investigated Shui Hai-yu’s case. I advise you not to cling to any illusions; it’s best to disclose any information you have.”

Zhang Yu said calmly, “Are you two interrogating me?”

Yun Yu-qing’s eyes widened, saying, “What is your attitude…”

Xu-yang Zhen-ren quickly stopped Yun Yu-qing, who was about to speak further, and said to Zhang Yu, “Student Zhang Yu, don’t be nervous or resistant. We’re just here to casually understand the situation, let’s talk freely.”

“After all, everyone is responsible for combating demonic cults, so please understand our work.”

Zhang Yu was no longer the ordinary student he once was. Looking at the “good cop, bad cop” inspection team members before him, he could clearly feel their wariness, suspicion, and a hint of hostility.

“These two fellows, one playing the good guy, one the bad guy, pushing and pulling… trying to extract information from me? What information?”

Recalling the information about Shui Hai-yu they had just mentioned, an unsettling thought arose in Zhang Yu’s mind: he seemed to have been dragged into some trouble.