Chapter 124: Cultivation Method, Renting a House, Le Mu Lan

Compared to the initial tension with the evil god, Zhang Yu's interactions with Fukiji have become much calmer. He has even grown accustomed to having her by his side. Of course, this is also thanks to Fukiji's repeated displays of vulnerability and her consistent efforts to show her value, intending to invest in Zhang Yu.

After temporarily storing the Great Sun Qi Sea, Zhang Yu turned to Fukiji and asked, "Do you have any recommendations for cultivation techniques?" Fukiji was already prepared for this question. After all, having observed Zhang Yu closely for so long, she had already considered his strengths, suitable future development paths, and so on.

Fukiji said, "You've previously cultivated the 'Barren Ox Soul-Calming Art,' haven't you?" She continued, "This set of techniques has an upgraded version—an expert-level功法 suitable for cultivation during the mid-Qi Refining stage, called the 'Crippled Ox Self-Sacrifice Art.'"

Although the 'Barren Ox Soul-Calming Art' had a low rating of 1.2 points, Zhang Yu had always found it effective during his practice. Upon hearing there was an upgraded version, he immediately searched for it. Zhang Yu carefully read the description of this technique:

"Worried about employees' irregular diet? Unhealthy routines? Prolonged sitting or standing causing harm? Concerned about toxic work environments? Long-term medication damaging brains? Severe organ wear and tear? Just have your employees cultivate the 'Crippled Ox Self-Sacrifice Art,' and you'll never have to worry about such work-related injury compensation again! No matter how much their bodies are damaged for work, employees will face it optimistically and positively, ensuring bosses never have to worry about employee health issues!"

Even with Zhang Yu's current experience in Kunxu, seeing this technique, he couldn't help but marvel at its sheer outrageousness. Scrolling down, he saw the technique's 1.1 rating, and he sighed that the platform didn't allow 0 points; otherwise, the 'Crippled Ox Self-Sacrifice Art' would probably be infinitely close to 0.

Even though Zhang Yu had cultivated the 'Barren Ox Soul-Calming Art,' he couldn't help but ask, "Is this 'Crippled Ox Self-Sacrifice Art' really reliable?"

Fukiji's clear voice once again echoed in Zhang Yu's mind. Fukiji explained, "The 'Crippled Ox Self-Sacrifice Art' embodies the principle of finding more joy in greater suffering, using spiritual pleasure to counteract physical pain." She continued, "The original intention of this technique was likely to inspire resilience in cultivators with disabilities. It was designed to encourage the most disadvantaged and offer hope to disabled cultivators who had lost all hope."

Zhang Yu paused, slightly stunned, then exclaimed, "Is this a technique created for disabled individuals who can't afford medical treatment?"

Fukiji spoke fluently, "While the original purpose of this technique was for disabled cultivators, it's equally useful for those who are not disabled." She added, "After all, physical pain is a common experience for cultivators, and this technique can help you resist it." "Furthermore, if you cultivate this technique to Level 10, it can accelerate recovery from injuries and enhance physical strength by reducing mental exertion and boosting metabolism." "It is arguably one of the few techniques in the Qi Refining stage that can affect the physical body." "Crucially, this technique enhances the Dao heart through mere mental visualization, making it ideal for your continuous 24-hour cultivation."

Zhang Yu's heart stirred. "That impressive?" he wondered.

Like a child showing off a toy, Fukiji proudly declared, "Is there even a question? I have traversed Kunxu for so many years; could a cultivation technique I recommend ever be wrong?"

After a moment's thought, Zhang Yu added the 'Crippled Ox Self-Sacrifice Art' to his favorites. Interestingly, despite its extremely low rating, this expert-level technique sold quite well, costing as much as 30,000. Zhang Yu casually browsed the user reviews and discovered that this technique was a mandatory prerequisite for many hazardous occupations in factories, construction sites, and laboratories, compelling numerous job seekers to learn it.

Reading this, Zhang Yu couldn't help but sigh softly. A technique originally intended to bring hope to disabled cultivators was instead used to compel healthy cultivators to work in hazardous environments, slowly transforming them into the disabled. "Alas, this is Kunxu," he thought.

The Canteen.

After provisionally settling on the next two cultivation techniques, Zhang Yu began preparing his application for an intercity travel permit. He was simultaneously spooning gruel from his bowl and reviewing the application requirements for the intercity travel permit. Whether it was academic qualifications, savings, or bank statements, he was confident that, given his current status, he could meet all requirements with a bit of time and preparation.

Only one thing would require some effort: finding a place to live. "If you don't own a home, you need to rent one." "I can't believe I've come full circle and still need to rent a place."

Just then, Bai Zhenzhen sat down with her tray and said gloomily, "Half of the pre-made meal windows are gone again." Bai Zhenzhen had originally planned to eat more pre-made meals today to celebrate her achievement in the competition. However, when she went to check, she found that not only had half the pre-made meal windows disappeared, but the variety of dishes offered was also less than a third of what it used to be. She looked around and only then realized that, without her noticing, most students in the entire school were now consuming synthetic food, and sales of pre-made meals were steadily declining. Bai Zhenzhen sighed inwardly, "Oh, it seems it'll be increasingly difficult to get pre-made meals. Maybe I should just get taste bud removal surgery."

Zhao Tianxing, sitting nearby, heard Bai Zhenzhen's sigh and echoed, "Ever since Oasis Group entered Songyang City, more and more pre-made meal shops have been driven out of business. After all, synthetic food is genuinely cheap."

"What about Red Tower Ranch?" Zhang Yu asked. "They should be a major producer of pre-made meals, right? Have they been affected?"

Zhao Tianxing replied, "I heard that after integrating Oasis Group's technology, Red Tower Ranch started pursuing a high-end strategy, even launching something called 'dragon meat'..."

Zhang Yu recalled the true dragon bloodline of the top students from Red Tower High School during the competition. He mused, "Did Red Tower inject dragon blood into their cattle and sheep?" But wasn't that dragon blood from one of Red Tower's directors? The thought felt as though Red Tower's executives were continuously selling their own flesh, bloodline, and descendants for profit. "One can only say... this is Kunxu, after all," Zhang Yu mused. "Bosses will sell anything for profit."

Just then, Qian Shen, sitting nearby, curiously asked Zhang Yu, "Zhang Yu, are you looking to rent a place?"

Zhang Yu nodded. "I need to leave Songyang City for something and apply for an intercity travel permit. A rental contract is required for the application." "Ugh, it's such a hassle. There are even requirements for the rental property; it can't be a basement unit or a construction site shack."

Qian Shen said, "My dad seems to have a few apartments available for rent; I can ask him for you. Actually, since you know so many people now, you could post on your social media. Maybe someone has an empty house for rent? With your excellent academic performance, they might even offer you a lower price."

Zhang Yu's eyes lit up; he realized Qian Shen had a good point. "I have quite a few wealthy people in my social circle now; they probably have several houses to rent out, don't they?"

Zhang Yu immediately posted a message on his social media looking for a house. A moment later, his phone vibrated. Zhang Yu checked, but it wasn't someone offering him a rental; instead, it was a message from Mo Tianyi.

Mo Tianyi: Congratulations on defeating Yu Xinghan and securing first place in the physical competition.

Zhang Yu was slightly surprised to see the message from this soul cultivator from the Anti-Rich Alliance. "They stopped interacting with us a long time ago after finding out we signed under Zhang Pianpian. Why are they suddenly contacting us again?"

Just then, Mo Tianyi continued: "Our boss wants to meet you. Do you have time?"

Zhang Yu was slightly surprised. He hadn't expected that the leader of the poor, whom he and Bai Zhenzhen had once searched for so diligently without success, would now proactively suggest a meeting.

Just then, Fukiji interjected, "Don't meet this person." She explained, "I overheard you and Bai Zhenzhen discussing this person. His alleged students have all signed contracts with the school. However, it's impossible for an ordinary person to, under the witness of the Eight Divine Generals, both promise the poor entry into the Top Ten and access to the second floor, while simultaneously agreeing to restrict the universities and majors of the wealthy through contracts." She added, "This leader of the poor is very likely the evil god secretly residing at White Dragon High School." "Since you wish to avoid premature contact with that evil god, you should steer clear of this leader of the poor."

Zhang Yu was somewhat surprised to hear this, wondering inwardly if Fukiji was becoming more sensible. Was she no longer tempting him to hunt the evil god, or was she simply taking a longer view? Speaking of White Dragon High School, Zhang Yu was reminded of his sister, Songyang's strongest high school student. As they left the canteen, he lowered his voice and asked, "What about my sister? Do you think she's connected?" Zhang Yu had often wondered if his sister's formidable strength meant that, like him, her potential had been awakened by an evil god.

"Your sister?" Fukiji mused, "She is likely pursuing the Divine Path. Even I would only dare to speak softly in her presence. The evil god at White Dragon High School would certainly not dare to reveal himself or his whereabouts in front of her unless absolutely necessary."

"The Divine Path?" Zhang Yu asked, curious. "What kind of path is that?"

Fukiji said casually, "It's the path to godhood, of course. If she graduates successfully from university, she might join the Eight Divine Generals." Though her tone was casual, Fukiji was not entirely truthful. "Good people like Zhang Yu are better off not knowing about the Divine Path. Otherwise, he might get preoccupied with Zhang Pianpian again and be unable to focus on staying to obtain his Foundation Establishment certificate." "After all, the Divine Path..." In Fukiji's view, for most high school students—excluding anomalies like Zhang Yu—the college entrance exam was a near-certain death, acquiring a Foundation Establishment qualification was absolute death, and the Divine Path... "One is already dead the moment they embark on that path."

Before school ended that day, the 300,000 after-tax prize money for securing first place in the physical competition finally arrived. With a generous gesture, Zhang Yu told Bai Zhenzhen to go to the hospital for scar removal, promising to cover all expenses. This was his way of repaying her for consistently lending him her spirit root. He had originally intended to personally accompany Bai Zhenzhen to the hospital and treat her, but he had work after school that day.

Arriving at the entrance of Ziyun High School, Zhang Yu once again passed through the disinfection channel and met his client, Le Mulan, in a training room.