“After all, the number of soul cultivators is increasing every year, so their services will definitely become cheaper in the future.”

“If the university war begins, soul cultivators will see explosive growth. Wouldn’t it be a loss to hire one as a full-time employee now?”

“Furthermore, these soul cultivators perform most diligently when they’re temporary workers, competing against each other.”

Su Yanyang was wealthy, but he was never generous.

He believed that the wealthier one was, the more one should economize.

“Wealth, like immortal cultivation, entails greater daily consumption the deeper one’s cultivation is. Both wealth and power, through one’s actions, will constantly spread to the poor, gradually diminishing.”

“Only by minimizing the loss of money and cultivation, preventing it from flowing to the poor, can one progress further on the path to immortality.”

“Even immortals who have transcended mortal financial burdens strive for perfection without leakage. What right do I have to squander money?”

Meanwhile, increasingly fierce winds began to rise outside the arena, rotating rapidly like a tornado.

At the center of the tornado, Ji Yuanshu was enveloped by the storm, his entire body continuously spinning and accelerating.

“The gravity field is unpredictable; confronting it with brute force is an unwise strategy.”

“The most effective method should be to counter it with speed.”

“No matter how complex the changes in the gravity field, as long as I can pass through it at high speed in a short time, the force acting on me will be extremely brief, giving it no time to alter my momentum.”

Mach 1

Mach 2

Mach 3!

As Ji Yuanshu accelerated furiously, his figure became faster and more indistinct. Each change in his movement produced thunderous roars.

“Almost there…”

Feeling his body accelerate to its limit, Ji Yuanshu flashed forward, charging into the gravity field.

The Soul-Tracking Eye instantly marked the figure ahead, transmitting the information via neural network to the Impermanent Wind Low-Altitude Flight Component on his legs.

With slight adjustments to the storm around him, Ji Yuanshu shot past numerous students like a bolt of lightning, reaching the finish line.

One of the figures he passed was Zhang Yu.

“Zhang Yu?”

Ji Yuanshu’s heart stirred slightly, but he paid no further attention the next moment.

“He’s not my real opponent.”

Although Zhang Yu was fast and surpassed many upperclassmen, there were always others faster than him who would then overtake him.

He didn’t mind this. After all, many of the contestants were richer than him and had cultivated for longer, so it was normal for them to be faster.

Speed had never been his strong suit.

“I’ll consider improving my speed when I have time later; I don’t have the luxury for it now.”

After reaching the finish line and regrouping with Shi Huaiyu and others, everyone looked at the time statistics ranking.

Seeing their team secure 15th place, they all breathed a huge sigh of relief.

Che Yufei said, “Now that we’re in the top 20, we can advance to the next round.”

At the same time, everyone understood that this ranking also meant their team’s average performance in terms of speed and countering the gravity field was approximately 15th place.

Shi Huaiyu thought to herself, “In terms of overall strength… we are indeed a bit weaker, but based on our training during this period, we are not weak in construction and combat.”

“Our chances for the top ten are still quite good.”

As this elimination round concluded, the top 20 competing teams remained, while all other contestants were eliminated and left the arena.

Above the arena.

Tu Lishan looked at the data for the 20 teams, thinking, “40% are from the Peace Faction, 30% from the War Faction, and 30% are Neutral. The numbers are slightly lagging.”

“There’s nothing we can do about it; the Finance Department approved many loans for them.”

Tu Lishan knew that where money flowed, fortune followed. With a major financier like the Finance Department supporting them, he was not surprised by the current situation.

“But loans eventually have to be repaid. Although our projects generate slower profits, they are ultimately more sustainable…”

Tu Lishan thought, “We’ll see how the numbers change in the next round, from 20 teams to 10.”

“At least in terms of top-tier strength, we should be superior.”

Just then, Wei Huai, the geology teacher, showed the results of Zhang Yu and Ji Yuanshu, chuckling, “It seems that relying on sheer effort is no match for relying on money.”

Tu Lishan calmly replied, “Ji Yuanshu borrowed so many spirit coins; does he not have to repay them?”

Wei Huai said, “Who doesn’t borrow at the start? As long as development is fast enough, the initial loans are just small change.”

Tu Lishan said, “I’m only afraid that development won’t be fast enough, and he’ll end up working for the loan platform, ultimately leading himself to a dead end.”

“On the other hand, Zhang Yu’s strong physique means that exerting himself is the right path for him. As his income rises, he will become stronger with every effort, and his future is promising.”

Watching the two sides exchange sharp remarks, both Director Gao and Director Lin remained silent, as if they hadn’t heard anything.

However, the other teachers knew that Tu Lishan and Wei Huai represented Director Gao and Director Lin, respectively. While ostensibly discussing two second-year students, they were actually debating the different directions chosen by their two factions.

Just then, the old director, True Monarch Lingyue, chuckled and said, “Those with strong immortal potential can borrow, and those with weaker immortal potential can strive with all their might. Under the rule of the Ten Great Sects, everyone has the opportunity for immortal cultivation; every student walks an immortal path. There’s no such thing as a dead end, Teacher Tu, you’re joking.”

Hearing True Monarch Lingyue’s words, both Tu Lishan and Wei Huai immediately ceased their argument.

True Monarch Lingyue continued, “Whether it’s spirit coins or lifespan, both are resources for immortal cultivation. Use whichever you have more of.”

“If you lack lifespan, supplement it with spirit coins; if you lack spirit coins, earn them with lifespan. The two complement each other and neither should be neglected. Am I right, teachers?”

Tu Lishan and Wei Huai bowed and affirmed.

Tu Lishan thought to himself, “This old ghost, he sides with whoever gives him more benefits, maintaining balance between the two factions. Now he wants money, life, and the position of head director… let’s see how long it takes for him to choke on his own greed.”

True Monarch Lingyue continued, “The schedule for the second round of eliminations has been drawn up. Do you all have any comments?”

Tu Lishan looked at the list of 20-to-10 matchups, thinking, “The matchups almost exclusively pit students from the War Faction against those from the Peace Faction, while the Neutral faction is mixed in, with representatives on both sides.”

“The upcoming elimination rounds will be a direct confrontation between the students of the two factions.”

He instinctively glanced at Director Gao and Director Lin, thinking that the two sides had probably reached some unspoken agreement, hence this arrangement.

On the arena below.

Information about Yu Xinghan and others appeared in Zhang Yu’s eye display.

He looked up and saw Ying Xin, Yu Xinghan, and Gongshu Jin standing in the spectator stands, waving at him.

Besides them, there were also substitute members from other teams in the stands.

Substitute members were not required to participate in the first elimination round, so they had all waited in the stands to watch the matches.

As the first elimination round concluded, the substitute members rejoined their respective teams.

Yu Xinghan asked curiously, “How will the second round be conducted?”

Shi Huaiyu said, “For 20 into 10, it should be random draws, with two teams paired up to determine a winner.”

Shortly after she finished speaking, the schedule announcement appeared before everyone.

Looking at the matchup list, Zhang Yu noticed that each team’s battle location was assigned to a different level of the simulated battlefield.

The next moment, his gaze sharpened slightly as he saw that his team would be battling Ma Xuan and Ji Yuanshu’s team.

“The second elimination round officially begins in 10 minutes. All teams, please arrive at your designated venues on time.”

Meanwhile, Su Yanyang looked at Ma Xuan and said, “Oh? You’re up against Shi Huaiyu’s team?”

Ma Xuan smiled slightly and said, “Senior, it seems I’m lucky. Getting into the top ten should be quite stable now.”

Su Yanyang thought for a moment and said, “You can completely suppress Shi Huaiyu.”

“Among the remaining five, apart from Xiao Qingxuan, three are old wastes, and one is only a second-year student. None of them are worth worrying about.”

Ma Xuan thought to himself, “Actually, that second-year student, Zhang Yu, might be a bit troublesome.”

However, he believed he understood Zhang Yu quite well and had plenty of countermeasures, so he didn’t mention it specifically at this moment.

Ma Xuan asked curiously, “I’ve heard rumors about Xiao Qingxuan. Normally, I wouldn’t bother him, but in a competition, there’s no need to pay compensation, and maintenance and medical fees are self-funded. What problems could there be then?”

Su Yanyang pondered and said, “I’ve heard a story, but I don’t know if it’s true or false.”

“The story goes that the Golden Core True Person from ancient times who body-snatched Xiao Qingxuan wasn’t scared off by the debt but instead disguised himself as Xiao Qingxuan.”

“As for the real Xiao Qingxuan… he’s already been sold.”

“Huh?” Ma Xuan exclaimed in surprise, “Such a thing? But… after a Golden Core True Person takes over a body, he’s only ranked 40th in the department, even in his ninth year? And how could he hide it from the True Monarchs in the department? Illegally possessing a body should, by rights, result in the soul being punished and the body seized. That’s how it’s supposed to be.”

Su Yanyang calmly said, “I don’t know if that story is true or false. But consider this: how can Xiao Qingxuan, burdened with such heavy debt, still survive in Kunxu? By all accounts, if he had even a single coin, it would be immediately deducted, making it impossible for him to move an inch.”

Seeing Ma Xuan’s pensive expression, Su Yanyang said, “As long as you understand the implications.”

“The key to this match isn’t just winning, but winning decisively. Don’t let Shi Huaiyu and Xiao Qingxuan drain too much of your resources, affecting the subsequent matches.”

“Now, quickly lead your team to the arena.”

Outside the 1-square-kilometer simulated battlefield.

The two competing teams, Zhang Yu’s and Ji Yuanshu’s, stood opposite each other.

However, compared to Shi Huaiyu’s team, who were full of fighting spirit, Ma Xuan’s side appeared calmer, though both Cong Na and Ji Yuanshu couldn’t help but glance at Xiao Qingxuan several times.

Then Cong Na looked at Zhang Yu again, thinking, “Sigh, Zhang Yu would have been better off staying on our team. At least then he could have contributed to the overall score.”

As the competition rules finished displaying before everyone, they entered the arena according to the instructions.

Then, both sides drew lots randomly to determine the order of offense and defense.

Shi Huaiyu took a look and said, “We’ll attack first.”

“Everyone, don’t be nervous. Just stick to what we practiced during training. We’ll be fine.”

As the battle officially began, Shi Huaiyu’s six team members charged towards the opposing position one after another.

But the next moment, as the ground vibrated and a thunderous roar erupted, countless mud and sand shot skyward.

Ma Xuan pushed his palm forward and calmly stated, “Let’s eliminate four first.”

The next instant, the sky-high mud and sand swept towards Zhang Yu and the others like a tsunami.

Ma Xuan was well aware that the opponent’s strength was inferior to his team’s, but he wouldn’t underestimate them. Instead, he would leverage this strength disparity to eliminate them, giving them no chance.

But in the very next moment, a figure shot out like a cannonball. Propelled by immense power, it tore directly through the swirling mud and sand, striking like a meteor.

“Is that… Zhang Yu?”

Ma Xuan was slightly startled, then his eyes narrowed as he realized, “Shi Huaiyu and the others… they teamed up to throw Zhang Yu over first?”