Chapter 173: Zhang Yu Works Hard to Earn Money

From the Dragonman's perspective, powerful families would gradually be absorbed by even more powerful ones, a trend he foresaw for the first level of Kunxu. Under increasingly fierce competition, the Red Tower's method of mass-producing and optimizing descendants was destined to become the breeding model for more and more powerful clans in the future.

"Continuously combining advantages from bloodlines to cultivate descendants stronger than the last." He had always believed that the Red Tower held a significant advantage in this area, allowing it to quickly capture the market. The only regrettable point was that the Red Tower Group had previously been too engrossed in the demon beast and demon kin markets, lacking a sufficient number of high-quality human 'seeds.' Elite genes from many powerful clans, in particular, were not easily leaked, making them very difficult to acquire.

Looking at Zhang Yu before him, the Dragonman felt he was seeing a future flagship product. He thought to himself, "A genius from Songyang City in his first year of high school, with numerous competition awards. What's more, even before reaching his second year, his various metrics had already reached a third-year level. As long as we extract the advantageous elements from his bloodline... no, even directly using his 'seed' to improve bloodlines and breed excellent offspring should pique the interest of many wealthy individuals. If we can secure an exclusive agreement, the profits would be even higher."

Thoughts flashed through the Dragonman's mind like lightning. He chuckled, "Don't be shy. If you're willing, you can call me 'godfather' right now."

Zhang Yu remained silent. If this offer had come a week or two after his arrival in Kunxu, when he was at his poorest and most helpless, and had little understanding of the place, he might have already knelt and called him 'father.' But now, especially after learning much about Red Tower Livestock, he dared not casually address the man as 'godfather.' Zhang Yu understood that 'godfather' and 'godson' were merely packaging; the various contracts and agreements that would inevitably follow were likely full of traps.

The Dragonman said, "Oh? You're not willing? I can offer you excellent terms. For example, how about Director of Reproductive Services at Red Tower Livestock?"

The Dragonman slowly walked closer to Zhang Yu and said in a tempting tone, "Once you become Director of Reproductive Services, you'll be able to arbitrarily restrict the personal freedom of any company employee, strip them of their free will, and exploit everything they have. Don't you desire such power?"

Zhang Yu paused slightly at this. "Isn't what you're describing illegal?"

The Dragonman chuckled and snapped his fingers. "Xiong Haohan, work overtime tonight. I want to see the proposal for the next reproductive advertisement by tomorrow morning."

Xiong Haohan's respectful voice came through the communicator: "Understood, I'll get right on it."

The Dragonman then looked at Zhang Yu and said, "Don't you want to try it? If you're willing, countless demon kin will immediately become like this, completely obedient to your every command."

Zhang Yu frowned and replied, "Aren't they all your 'sons'? If that's how your 'sons' are treated, would a 'godson' truly receive better treatment?"

The Dragonman said, "Doesn't that depend on the specific contract details? I'm not someone limited by blood ties. Those who don't sign a contract with me aren't my sons, even if they share my blood. Those who sign a contract, even without my bloodline, can be my sons. I can give you a contract with highly favorable terms that will absolutely satisfy you. Once signed, you'll be my godson, receiving better treatment and a higher status than my own sons. In the future, perhaps even my position as a director could be passed on to you."

The Dragonman's words were incredibly enticing. An ordinary high school student would likely be unable to resist discussing the contract. However, Zhang Yu had, at least, experienced various temptations and encountered numerous pitfalls. Faced with the allure from this Black Dragon director, he dared not accept.

Zhang Yu waved his hands repeatedly, saying, "Ah, I'd like to sign, but I really can't. You should know that I've already signed with Zhang Pianpian, and due to contract stipulations, I can't become your godson."

"Zhang Pianpian?" The Dragonman gave Zhang Yu a deep look, a flicker of surprise in his heart. "This kid... there's not even a hint of temptation? Is his mind truly that clear? No... it's more than just clarity." He knew that even many clear-headed individuals couldn't remain completely unmoved when presented with such an unexpected boon. Yet, Zhang Yu's demeanor reminded him strongly of many old-timers who had been severely scammed. "How badly did Zhang Pianpian scam him? His vigilance is incredibly high!"

The Dragonman then said with an understanding expression, "I can understand your being limited by a contract. It's fine if you don't become my godson. So, how about lending your 'seed'?"

The Dragonman clapped his hands, and immediately, beautiful women of all heights, weights, and temperaments emerged from all directions. Among them were even many demon kin, such as fox demons and cat demons. The Dragonman said, "How about you leave your 'seed' inside them, and I'll give you 100,000 for each one you complete? As long as you have the stamina, I'll pay for as many as you can manage."

Watching Zhang Yu's heavy breathing, the Dragonman thought to himself, "As expected, high school students like him are full of vigor. After regaining fertility, their resistance in this area is even weaker, especially with the price I'm offering..."

Zhang Yu, however, shook his head with difficulty, forcing the thought of those 100,000-yuan figures out of his mind. "No... no need. I'll just sell the research rights."

The Dragonman's eyes narrowed slightly. "I've shown you enough sincerity, haven't I? Since you're unwilling to call me 'godfather' and unwilling to accept my invitation... Am I being too lenient?"

A terrifying pressure surged towards Zhang Yu, as if to force him to his knees. Zhang Yu could only stand firm and say, "I... I've already signed a contract with Zhang Pianpian, after all."

The Dragonman frowned, thinking, "The contract Zhang Pianpian signed with him... does it even cover this? Is its scope that broad?" At that moment, his gaze towards Zhang Yu also held a hint of pity. The Dragonman couldn't help but recall a thousand years ago, when slavery and indentured servitude were prevalent. Back then, whether slaves could reproduce, how they reproduced, and how many offspring they had were all managed by their masters. However, the slave market gradually disappeared, and later the talent market emerged. Matters like reproduction and offspring management became relatively rare.

"I can't believe Zhang Pianpian controls you so extensively," the Dragonman sighed lightly, patting Zhang Yu's shoulder. "You've really been through a lot. What if it were a man? Would that also be a breach of contract?"

Zhang Yu had just felt a jolt of surprise when he saw the Dragonman's figure transform before his eyes. The previously ambiguous face became more alluring, and many feminine features appeared on the body. The Dragonman chuckled, "Or if I were neither male nor female, neither dragon nor human, would that also violate the contract? If you don't like this appearance, I can undergo a quick surgery in fifteen minutes to change it at any time. What do you think?"

Zhang Yu retreated repeatedly, saying with a troubled expression, "Really, no, that would also violate the contract."

The Dragonman gave a faint smile, already having reverted to his original form. "Alright then, research rights it is. Go sign the contract."

Watching Zhang Yu leave, the Dragonman's gaze suddenly turned cold. He seemed to be pondering something unknown, as if the pity and kindness he had just shown were merely a facade.

A fox demon approached the Dragonman, embracing him and whispering, "Director, do you truly value Zhang Yu's 'seed' that much?"

The Dragonman replied, "Originally, I just thought his bloodline seemed good, and I wanted to keep it as material for the fertility bank; it should be quite profitable. However, if he is truly so strictly bound by a contract, I become even more curious if there's some secret within his bloodline. I just don't know if the kid is telling the truth or lying. But regardless, he doesn't seem to be the kind of pauper who can be easily tricked with a little temptation. Have the research team expedite the study of his 'seed'. If there truly is some mystery, then... we'll figure out a way when the time comes."

Several hours later.

Inside the apartment.

As the apartment door opened, Zhang Yu walked in proudly and spiritedly. Bai Zhenzhen turned her head, observing Zhang Yu's somewhat weak appearance, and asked curiously, "It's done? How much money did you get?"

Zhang Yu gave a proud smile. "This time I wasn't fully prepared, so the quantity was a bit low. I sold it for 150,000. If they want more next week, I can sell again."

"That much?" Bai Zhenzhen said enviously, "That's an incredible profit, isn't it?" At this moment, Bai Zhenzhen only regretted that she couldn't make money as easily as Zhang Yu.

Zhang Yu waved his hand dismissively. "Zhen, don't worry about money. If you're short on anything, you can borrow from me first."

"Dad!" Bai Zhenzhen immediately hugged Zhang Yu and said, "You've worked so hard to earn money."

Zhang Yu nodded emotionally. "It is quite tiring, and it took a lot out of me. Is there anything left to eat at home?"

Bai Zhenzhen quickly ran to get food. "There's still some of the nourishing demon beast meat from last meal that you didn't finish. I'll get it for you." She brought the food, and while massaging Zhang Yu, she encouraged him, "Dad, eat more, get more protein. Try to sell for more money next time; our family is relying entirely on you."

Zhang Yu sighed inwardly, knowing that this money wouldn't last. He thought, "I still need to quickly improve my potential." With this in mind, he promptly contacted Yu Xinghan to arrange a trip to the Spirit World's Path-Seeking Hall.

In a quiet room at White Dragon High School.

Yu Xinghan sat cross-legged on the floor, eyes closed, silently absorbing spiritual energy. However, the mature figure of Li Xuelian kept flashing in his mind, unsettling him. "Sigh. This can't go on. The harm from this root of disaster is too great. But if I remove it like this, how will I practice the Heavenly Dipper Qi Gong? I can't just give up on cultivating this martial art forever, can I?"

After a moment of thought, Yu Xinghan finally contacted True Master Xinghuo, deciding to ask his master for advice. "Hello? Master, I have a friend, um... Zhang Yu, he's run into a bit of a problem..."

More than ten minutes later, Yu Xinghan hung up the phone, his brows tightly furrowed. True Master Xinghuo's advice to his friend was simple, just two points. Either keep the 'root of disaster,' temper his will, overcome his desires, and continue cultivating the Heavenly Dipper Qi Gong. This path was for the strong but would inevitably delay his progress for some time. Or, remove the 'root of disaster' and temporarily cease cultivating the Heavenly Dipper Qi Gong. While this was a form of evasion, it wouldn't affect his immediate progress. However, if he eventually needed to practice Heavenly Dipper Qi Gong in the future, having avoided it now might make it even harder later.

Both paths had their pros and cons, making it difficult for Yu Xinghan to decide. Just then, he saw an incoming call from Zhang Yu, and a thought suddenly sparked in his mind.