Su Yanyang and another examinee gathered around Ping Han, asking him about his experience with cryptocurrency trading. In their eyes, this senior, who had accumulated vast experience and finally secured the military certificate with Ambrosia Coin, had much to teach.

Ping Han patiently answered their questions, eventually bringing them into his paid coaching group. During their conversation, Ping Han subtly inquired about their exam performance, confirming that both had performed poorly and were out of the running for the military certificate.

Ping Han then glanced at the dejected Xiao Yunji, musing, “Xiao Yunji became like this after asking me about the integrity of the array core. She most likely lost to me in that area.” As for Zhang Yu, who was nearby and badly injured, Ping Han had never considered the third-year student a rival. Now, seeing his severe wounds, he thought it even less likely that Zhang Yu would secure the military certificate.

Observing the other examinees, Ping Han felt 99% certain he would secure the military certificate this time. While maintaining a calm demeanor, he couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement within, knowing how crucial the military certificate was for a student.

“With this military certificate, I can cultivate the Heavenly Kunlun Mountain-Shifting Divine Power…” Feeling the Seven Earth-Wood Techniques he had cultivated for years within his body, a sense of satisfied ambition surged in Ping Han’s heart.

“Not only do I have a chance to compete for first place in the inter-school league, but with the Heavenly Kunlun Mountain-Shifting Divine Power, my chances of success in future graduate school exams and obtaining the Golden Core Certificate have significantly increased. My path is now clear.” In that moment, Ping Han felt boundless hope for his future immortal path and couldn’t help but hum softly to himself.

However, he quickly reined in his excitement, constantly reminding himself to steady his Dao heart and avoid any missteps at this crucial moment. “Even achieving the Golden Core in the future is just the beginning; my immortal path is still very long.”

With this thought, Ping Han smiled slightly at Xiao Yunji and said, “Junior Sister Xiao, one exam failure is nothing, is it? Would you like to learn about Ambrosia Coin? It will certainly be of great help to your future cultivation.” Xiao Yunji looked up at Ping Han, surprised to find that his previous fanaticism and arrogance, which had stemmed from his crypto gains, were now gone.

Ping Han was indeed in an excellent state of mind. He now saw Xiao Yunji as a defeated opponent, no longer a rival, but rather someone who could potentially contribute to his immortal path. Noticing a hint of hesitation in Xiao Yunji’s eyes, Ping Han wasn’t bothered. He continued, “How about I send you a document first? You can take a look and understand it, and if you’re interested, we can talk more.”

After sending the document to Xiao Yunji, Ping Han turned to Zhang Yu and said, “Junior Brother Zhang, are you interested in learning about it? It will definitely transform you and greatly increase your chances of success in the next military certificate exam.” Seeing Zhang Yu shake his head, Ping Han didn’t mind, as he considered Zhang Yu to be without much money. He simply continued answering Su Yanyang’s questions.

While Ping Han and the others were conversing, Zhang Yu received a message from his homeroom teacher, Jiao Lei.

True Lord Jiao Lei: Director Lin asked me to give you a message.
True Lord Jiao Lei: If you are willing to become his disciple, he is willing to help you navigate the Finance Department and approve a loan of 600 spirit coins.

Upon seeing the figure of 600 spirit coins, Zhang Yu’s heart pounded fiercely, almost causing further internal damage.

“600 spirit coins?!”
“With these 600 spirit coins…”

As Zhang Yu’s mind raced, another course instructor added him as a friend and messaged him: “Student Zhang Yu, True Lord Lingyue wishes to take you as a disciple. Are you interested?” The instructor continued: “The terms are negotiable and certainly won’t be worse than what others offer.”

True Lord Lingyue was the official head of the Civil Engineering Department, also known as the Nascent Soul True Lord referred to as “Old Director” by Tuli Shan. After receiving the messages from both Director Lin and the Old Director, Zhang Yu’s mind, which had been buzzing with excitement over the 600 spirit coin loan, gradually calmed down.

“It seems my military certificate exam has caught their attention.” “Or perhaps… even though the Heavenly Court hasn’t announced the results yet, they already believe I’m highly likely to secure the military certificate?” Once calm, Zhang Yu didn’t rush to accept Director Lin’s or the Old Director’s offers, instead leaving open the possibility for further consideration and negotiation.

Zhang Yu’s gaze casually swept over Ping Han and the others nearby, but his mind was already contemplating his future path. “Director Lin has the Finance Department behind him. A 600 spirit coin loan is a substantial sum, enough to drastically accelerate my cultivation, but…”

“The Finance Department isn’t suitable for me. It requires connections, a strong background, and substantial capital—not a path one can navigate solely on talent and skill.” “Furthermore, the Finance Department has too many ways to exploit people. Approving a 600 spirit coin loan for me right off the bat… Heaven knows how many pitfalls await me.” Although he was reluctant to give up the 600 spirit coin loan, Zhang Yu knew he wasn’t qualified to pursue a path in the Finance Department, not even with the military certificate.

Then the image of True Lord Lingyue surfaced in his mind: “Putting aside the neutral faction’s development path, the Old Director himself is a huge liability.” Zhang Yu had spent a considerable time in the Civil Engineering Department, and with assistance from well-informed individuals like Tuli Shan and Feng Tingting, he had gained access to a lot of information. For instance, True Lord Lingyue was advanced in age and nearing the end of his lifespan, having spent years attempting to extend it.

“The Old Director already has one foot in the spirit world. If I were to become his disciple… would he truly have the time or resources to cultivate me for a future return?” “He probably wouldn’t wait for any future returns from me… I fear I’d be exploited for my value to extend his life as soon as I joined his tutelage.” After a moment’s thought, Zhang Yu realized that neither Director Lin nor the Old Director was a good option.

While Zhang Yu had no intention of choosing either path, it didn’t mean they were without use. “Director Gao, and True Lord Ciji, will also seek me out to talk soon, won’t they?” “Keeping these two options open can also help raise my value.”

A short while later, Deng Bingding escorted the examinees back to Ten Thousand Laws University City. Before they left, Deng Bingding sent them a website address. “The exam results have been reported to the Heavenly Court, which will complete the approval process and announce the results within 15 business days.” “This website is where the exam results will be published.”

Ping Han, upon hearing this, couldn’t help but ask, “What’s the quickest it could be?” Deng Bingding glanced at Ping Han, a hint of undetectable pity in his eyes, and calmly replied, “The Heavenly Court is also very busy. It will take at least three to five business days.”

Moments later, everyone dispersed, and Deng Bingding took Zhang Yu to the hospital for a check-up. Deng Bingding remarked, “Student Zhang Yu, I can’t believe that in less than two and a half years of university, your progress has surpassed that of your three years in high school.”

The two chatted idly on their way. Upon arriving at the hospital, Zhang Yu asked the doctor to prescribe a bag of medicine, then promptly requested to be discharged. He thought to himself, “With my recovery ability, even though this injury is severe, a few days of rest should be enough. There’s no need to stay in the hospital for observation. Besides, Old Gao doesn’t have it easy, so I should save him some money. This bag of medicine will suffice.”

However, as Zhang Yu slowly walked down a street, he noticed that all the shops on both sides were closed, and at some point, there were no pedestrians in sight. Zhang Yu looked up at the street’s entrances and exits, noticing that pedestrians seemed to be ignoring the road entirely, actively walking around it as if they couldn’t see it.

Just as Zhang Yu felt a surge of doubt and surprise, a figure, seemingly draped in starlight, walked up to him. “Senior Sister Ye?” Zhang Yu exclaimed in surprise.

Ye Xingli gave Zhang Yu a strange look, then silently produced True Lord Ciji’s Profound Female Heavenly Pearl. The next moment, a graceful figure in ornate palace robes appeared, which was the avatar True Lord Ciji had previously used to converse with Zhang Yu. Zhang Yu understood in an instant: this street had been taken over by True Lord Ciji’s Nine Heaven Yuan Yang Pagoda. All substances entangled with the spirit world had been suppressed, making the street invisible to others.

Zhang Yu: “True Lord?”

True Lord Ciji privately messaged: “How did you fare in the military certificate exam?”

After a conversation with True Lord Qiyun, True Lord Ciji understood that Zhang Yu must have performed impressively in the military certificate exam, even potentially winning it, which had prompted True Lord Qiyun’s inquiry. However, True Lord Ciji still decided to ask him directly, as Zhang Yu’s own account would provide the most accurate details of his performance in the exam. So Zhang Yu sent a message, briefly recounting the situation.

True Lord Ciji nodded slightly, responding with satisfaction, “Not bad at all. I thought you were just taking it casually, but this is an unexpected surprise.” With that, True Lord Ciji gently touched Zhang Yu’s wound and sighed softly, “Such a severe injury—why aren’t you resting longer in the hospital?”

Zhang Yu replied, “I have a good constitution; a few days of rest will suffice. There’s no need to waste money at the hospital.” “True Lord, is there something you need?”

True Lord Ciji calmly said, “You’re heading back to your dorm, aren’t you? Let’s talk as we walk.” With that, True Lord Ciji reached out and scooped Zhang Yu into his arms. “You’re so badly injured; don’t wander around by yourself. I’ll take you back.”

Ye Xingli, standing nearby, watched this scene with a look of utter shock. True Lord Ciji and Zhang Yu’s conversation had just taken place via private messages, so Ye Xingli was unaware of its content. Now, watching True Lord Ciji pick up Zhang Yu and head outside, Ye Xingli, still in shock, instinctively blurted out, “Master, there are people outside.”

True Lord Ciji waved his large sleeve, instantly concealing Zhang Yu, and casually replied, “It’s fine. With my personal concealment, no one will notice.” As True Lord Ciji walked down the street with Zhang Yu in his arms, Ye Xingli followed behind, her heart surging with waves of disbelief. Recalling her memories, she confirmed one thing: this was the first time she had ever seen her Master, or her Master’s avatar, holding another person.

“Has Master gone astray in cultivation?” “Such a calm, aloof, and self-centered person… carrying another student back to their dorm?”

Meanwhile, held in True Lord Ciji’s arms, Zhang Yu grew increasingly nervous. Especially feeling the bustling crowd around them, and knowing that True Lord Ciji’s concealment meant no one could see him, he still felt a profound awkwardness. Zhang Yu immediately said, “True Lord, please just tell me what you need.”

True Lord Ciji chuckled lightly, looking at Zhang Yu in his arms. “Old Gao carried you like this in the exam hall, didn’t he?” “What do you think of him?”