Zhang Yu had just finished. On the other side, Bai Zhenzhen spoke again, “I remember the school has many cultivation tools, even magical artifacts, right? Could we borrow them for a while?”

Hearing this, Zhou Chechen again felt a sense of helplessness, a pained expression appearing on his face as he asked, “What do you want?”

Bai Zhenzhen replied, “The Profound Thunder Electric Acupuncture Needle Set.”

“Heh heh, this set of cultivation artifacts imported from the second level, can I borrow it to try out?”

Bai Zhenzhen had long coveted this cultivation artifact at the school, but previously, she simply couldn’t afford to rent it.

Zhou Chechen sighed helplessly, saying, “Although this Profound Thunder Electric Acupuncture Needle Set is an old artifact retired from the second level, it’s still extremely rare in our Songyang City.”

“Even if I were to propose that the school lend it to you for free, it would still come at a significant cost.”

He said with a pained expression, “If it weren’t for how much we truly owe you two this time, I would absolutely never do something like this.”

“Renting it to you for 80 hours a month is the maximum I can offer.”

The Profound Thunder Electric Acupuncture Needle Set consists of 999 intelligent silver needles. It can release stored electricity within the needles to stimulate flesh and nerves, allowing its body refining effects to reach the most minute parts of the body.

For Bai Zhenzhen, who possesses thunder spiritual power and a true spiritual root, having this Profound Thunder Electric Acupuncture Needle Set will not only allow her to constantly refine her body with electricity but also replenish her thunder spiritual power, thereby accelerating the efficiency of her cultivation practice.

Furthermore, this artifact has a basic tool spirit built in, capable of automatically applying various acupuncture techniques to achieve different levels of body refinement.

Fu Ji commented, “This Profound Thunder Electric Acupuncture Needle Set has already been phased out in higher realms, but here on Kunxu’s first layer, it’s still a decent cultivation artifact. Once it’s borrowed, Zhang Yu, you can also use it to enhance your nerve reflex speed and explosive power.”

“Unfortunately, this basic tool spirit is networked. Without payment, you won’t be able to use the advanced body refining acupuncture techniques developed by the company.”

“If there were a skilled artifact refiner, they could disconnect it from the network, erase the tool spirit within, and crack its advanced services.”

“However, don’t even consider that, especially since you’re only borrowing it.”

“Also, the Profound Thunder Electric Acupuncture Needle Set consumes a significant amount of power, so remember to charge it at school.”

Bai Zhenzhen added, “Then I’ll just keep the Profound Thunder Electric Acupuncture Needle Set at school for charging from now on.”

Zhou Chechen nodded slightly. Having already incurred such significant costs, he didn’t mind a small electricity fee.

A question arose in Zhang Yu’s mind. He typed on his phone, “Speaking of these artifacts needing charging, can’t they be charged with lightning?”

Fu Ji looked at the words appearing on the phone screen and chuckled, “Charging with lightning?”

“How many times have you seen it rain or thunder in Songyang City?”

“All natural climates are pre-planned by the Eight Divisions of Righteous Gods. Altering the climate requires substantial funds.”

“Furthermore, lightning contains immense amounts of immortal elements and energy. Do you expect it to strike you for free? Such good fortune doesn’t simply exist.”

Zhang Yu felt a surge of speechlessness. He then recalled his own memories and those of his original body; it seemed he genuinely hadn’t witnessed much thunder or rain. He realized that because he used to be too weak and poor, and there was too much information asymmetry concerning Kunxu, he had been completely unaware of the underlying reasons for these weather patterns.

By this point in their discussion, Zhang Yu, Bai Zhenzhen, and Zhou Chechen all sensed that they had pushed the demands to the other party’s limit. No matter how much more they negotiated, Zhou Chechen wouldn’t be able to provide additional resources.

However, both of them were already very satisfied with the gains from this negotiation.

More flexible class schedules, combat sparring with martial arts teachers, and access to all cultivation techniques at Songyang High School were secured.

In addition, they received spirit realm slots for training their Dao hearts, a vengeful spiritual root compatible with the Resentment Fiend Art, and the Profound Thunder Electric Acupuncture Needle Set cultivation artifact.

Furthermore, each received 1.5 million in cash.

Zhang Yu secretly thought, “With this wave of support from Zhou Chechen, the success rate for the next Foundation Establishment Qualification Exam has greatly increased.”

Zhou Chechen, looking utterly exhausted, said, “If there are no further issues, then, you two… shall we sign the contract?”

Fu Ji reminded him, “Wait a moment. Ask Deng Bingding again for her instructions on whether this is acceptable.”

“Remember, this is a technique for dealing with Righteous Gods: always seek more guidance when money is involved.”

“Also, remember to tell her that you and Bai Zhenzhen want to give her the 3 million you received.”

Zhang Yu’s fingers stiffened as he typed, his heart suddenly filled with reluctance.

Fu Ji chuckled, “Heh heh, don’t worry about it; Deng Bingding won’t accept it.”

Zhang Yu, half-believing and half-doubting, messaged Deng Bingding, explaining their compensation agreement.

Deng Bingding replied, “I understand.”

Zhang Yu then expressed his intention to transfer the 3 million to Deng Bingding.

Deng Bingding replied, “What nonsense are you talking about? Don’t get me into trouble; keep this money for yourselves. We Righteous Gods uphold Kunxu and govern the world for the sake of billions of living beings. Don’t speak of such matters in front of me again.”

Fu Ji explained, “Heh heh, the Righteous Gods have all their regular transfers monitored. That’s why, aside from Favor Talismans, they don’t accept ordinary monetary transfers.”

“She knows you don’t have Favor Talismans. Simply expressing your sincerity is enough; it will still increase her favorability.”

Zhang Yu typed on the screen, asking, “Did the Zhou family also provide Favor Talismans this time?”

Fu Ji denied, “Favor Talismans were likely just a small part, merely minor gifts to the Righteous God.”

“The fines payable to the Divine Ministry, that’s likely the largest portion. Such cash recovery performance is probably more crucial for Deng Bingding.”

After signing the contract in the mediation room, Zhou Chechen finally breathed a sigh of relief and quickly sent a message to inform his father of the situation.

He then said to Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen, “You two, I’ve already arranged for the money to be transferred. Soon, I’ll send someone to take you back to school to finalize the contract.”

Watching Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen depart, Zhou Chechen sank into his chair. He gripped his phone tightly, a look of bitterness and suppressed frustration appearing on his face.

He then looked at Yue Jincheng and Si Zhouru, who were still kneeling nearby, and said coldly, “Why are you two still here?”

“The company covered such a large sum for you this time. Aren’t you going to start working immediately to pay it back?”

After dismissing Yue Jincheng and Si Zhouru, a call came in from Lan Ling. Zhou Chechen heard him angrily demand, “President, why was my spirit realm slot canceled? This is a crucial time for me in my third year of high school…”

“You’ve heard about the Myriad Star Group matter, haven’t you?” Zhou Chechen snorted coldly and replied, “A Sixth-Rank Righteous God sealed off the entire group and even investigated the Zhou family’s main residence.”

“Do you know why this happened?”

Lan Ling was slightly stunned. He had indeed heard the news, which was why he felt confident enough to question Zhou Chechen.

Zhou Chechen continued, “It’s because of Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen.”

“The Sixth-Rank Righteous God is backing them—a deity who can directly seal off the entire Myriad Star Group without needing any reason.”

At this moment, Zhou Chechen naturally didn’t know that Deng Bingding was able to achieve this by leveraging the banner of the Foundation Establishment Exam.

Of course, since informed individuals couldn’t disclose relevant information, to those unaware like Zhou Chechen and Lan Ling, it simply appeared that Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen had astonishing backing.

Zhou Chechen said, “Lan Ling, you wouldn’t want Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen to target you, would you?”

“I recall you even mentioning finding someone to cripple them…”

Lan Ling quickly interjected, “President! I’ve reconsidered; I don’t want the spirit realm slot anymore.”

Zhou Chechen then added, “I just compensated Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen five million…”

Lan Ling replied, “I understand. I’ll pay 800,000, is that acceptable?”

“That’s all the cash I have on hand.”

After hanging up the phone, Zhou Chechen sighed inwardly once more, “Lan Ling, if everyone in Songyang City were like you, how wonderful this world would be.”

“Sigh, I wonder how much the family lost this time.”

“It’s a devastating loss.”

Inside the hospital room on the 333rd floor of the Central Building.

Zhou Yang looked at the empty wardrobe, thinking of his lower body, half of which had been sold. He secretly sighed, “The Foundation Establishment Exam — that banner is truly effective.”

“With one sweep, it’s truly unstoppable; no one dares to resist.”

“Deng Bingding forcefully took a large chunk from us.”

As the primary person in charge of this incident, Zhou Yang single-handedly bore most of the losses, essentially being bled dry. However, he ultimately survived this ordeal.

After all, he had long possessed intelligence about the other party participating in the Foundation Establishment Exam. If he hadn’t known this crucial information and hadn’t conceded from the beginning, he might have had to pay an even greater price.

Of course, his status as a Purple Gold Merit Lord, along with the mediation of Righteous Gods he was acquainted with, also played a significant role.

Although the losses were immense, Zhou Yang believed there were still gains from this incident.

Through inquiries with familiar Righteous Gods, Zhou Yang was highly likely to confirm that Deng Bingding was primarily using the Foundation Establishment Exam as a means to make money, rather than being a true backer for Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen.

“Ultimately, this Foundation Establishment Exam is ten times more troublesome than I anticipated. It’s truly something one should not get involved with.”

“However… hmph, if Righteous God Deng were to discover that Zhang Yu, whom she helped, is a cultist, what would become of her?”

Zhou Yang secretly thought, “Let’s wait until the Foundation Establishment Exam is over before acting.”

“If Zhang Yu passes the Foundation Establishment Exam, even better. That fish will be fatter, fresher, and more valuable.”

A sinister, cold glint appeared in Zhou Yang’s eyes. “Heh heh, as long as I still have the leverage of Zhang Yu being a cultist…”

“Once the protection of the Foundation Establishment Exam is gone, I can not only control this person with this leverage…”

“…but Righteous God Deng will also definitely pay a price.”

“As for now…”

Looking at his phone and seeing all sorts of questions and complaints from his family and company, Zhou Yang understood that for the next three months, until Zhang Yu’s Foundation Establishment Exam concludes, he would have to lie low.

After a night of intense activity, it was now faintly dawn.

Songyang High School.

Zhang Yu had received the Vengeful Spiritual Root, which he could rent for 100 hours free each month. He was currently sensing the surging resentment within the campus, attempting to absorb it with his spiritual root.

Bai Zhenzhen, meanwhile, was toying with her newly acquired Profound Thunder Electric Acupuncture Needle Set, also available for 80 hours of free rental each month, and smiled faintly at the electric sparks flickering between her fingertips.

Just then, both their phones vibrated; the electronic versions of all cultivation techniques from Songyang High School had been sent to them at once.

Simultaneously, both gained the right to use these cultivation techniques under the authorization of Songyang High School.

Next came the Songyang High School Spirit Realm User Manual.

They also received the contact information for all martial arts teachers, who had been notified that they would be individually tutoring Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen.

Of course, the specific class times would still need to be arranged by Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen after they contacted the teachers.

Besides all this, each of them also received 1.5 million in their accounts.

Cataloging their gains, Bai Zhenzhen remarked contentedly, “This is awesome.”

“It’s incredibly satisfying.”

“Isn’t this much more than what we used to earn toiling away?”

“Yuzi, do you think we could extort all the wealthy families in Songyang in the same way?”

However, before Zhang Yu could answer, Bai Zhenzhen shook her head. “Sigh, it’s probably impossible. If Deng Bingding really tried that, the Divine Ministry certainly wouldn’t allow it.”

Just then, Fu Ji reminded them, “Although the Zhou family has given you a lot, this matter isn’t over yet.”

“From our previous discussions, it’s suspected that an evil god is behind them. Furthermore, based on what Zhou Tianyi said when he attacked Zhang Yu, they might even know of my existence.”

Zhang Yu asked doubtfully, “Speaking of which, how would they know that?”

Fu Ji sighed, “Heh heh, it’s likely information leaked by the one who betrayed me.”

“Now that I think about it, the Zhou family’s disgusting oppression of you might have been an attempt to force my whereabouts into the open.”

“But that’s no longer important.”

“What’s important is that the evil god behind the Zhou family might be holding your identity as cultists as leverage.”

“He’s bowing his head and conceding now solely because of the Foundation Establishment Exam.”

“Once the Foundation Establishment Exam is over, he will absolutely retaliate.”

“That’s why I said this matter isn’t over; you two must be prepared.”

“Because of your identity as cultists, when the time comes to thoroughly resolve this hidden danger, you won’t be able to rely on Righteous Gods. You’ll need to resolve it with your own strength.”

Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen nodded, understanding that all these matters would have to wait until after the Foundation Establishment Exam.

Their most important goal right now was still to defeat Ye Lingxiao and Yun Jing in the exam three months later.

Zhang Yu was toying with his newly acquired Vengeful Spiritual Root. He first purchased the Resentment Fiend Art, which could be combined with this spiritual root.

500,000.

Watching one-third of the 1.5 million he had just received disappear in an instant, Zhang Yu again marveled at the rapid spending required in the immortal path.

Zhang Yu then selected an expert-level cultivation technique from Songyang High School called the “Thunderclap Marrow Cleansing Scripture.”

“The Resentment Fiend Art, the Thunderclap Marrow Cleansing Scripture, and the Spring Autumn Endless Zen — these three techniques are already sufficient for the Martial Dao Saint Embryo.”

“As long as I acquire three more cultivation techniques and advance them all to Level 10, these six Level 10 techniques can activate the primary Martial Dao Saint Embryo effect.”

As he considered this, Zhang Yu felt he was one step closer to obtaining his Foundation Establishment Qualification Certificate.

“However, earning money from now on will depend solely on myself.”

Zhang Yu asked, “Fu Ji, according to what you said last time, our current strength should be enough to make substantial money in the underground tutoring world, right?”

Fu Ji replied, “Indeed, it is.”

Zhang Yu then asked, “So, how exactly do we go about it?”

Fu Ji advised, “First, you two should go to the district and inquire about the current underground tutoring scene in Songyang City. Find out which courses are most popular and which tutors have the most students…”

Consequently, Zhang Yu, no longer bound by school discipline, immediately began cultivating the Resentment Fiend Art, while Bai Zhenzhen simultaneously cultivated and attempted to refine her body using the Profound Thunder Electric Acupuncture Needle Set.

They planned to cultivate until nightfall, then make a trip to the Dark Studies Gang district, a place they hadn’t visited in a long time.