What’s the point of cultivating immortality if you don’t have money?.

Chapter 664 The Awards Ceremony: A World Turned Upside Down (Two chapters combined)

There is one hour left before the awards ceremony begins.

Zhang Yu stood at the bow of the flying boat, looking at the floating continent not far away, his eyes seemingly filled with countless thoughts.

He wanted to talk to Fuki, but he was afraid that with all eyes on him, his identity as a follower of the evil god would be exposed.

Whether it was Zhang Pianpian, Xinghuo Zhenren, Director Gao, or even Bai Zhenzhen, he was unable to reveal all the secrets in his heart.

Watching the advertisement for immortal techniques such as the Dharma Realm and longevity flash across the sky, Zhang Yu knew that the Nascent Soul cultivators were subtly reminding him again.

In fact, as the awards ceremony drew closer, and after Zhang Yu had yet to express his opinion to the Nascent Soul stage, the Nascent Soul stage cultivators from various schools began to subtly exert more pressure on him before he chose his immortal cultivation method.

Videos of blessings from former teachers and classmates have been sent to Zhang Yu.

The college, which had been reduced to ruins due to the negotiations with the gods, was also constantly being broadcast to Zhang Yu in the form of news articles.

All of this seemed to be constantly warning him.

Faced with all this, Zhang Yu suddenly felt a strong sense of loneliness.

This time, no one can make the choice for him.

This time, he will make a choice alone that will affect his own life, the lives of his companions, and the lives of millions of people.

This feeling of being alone, this overwhelming pressure, was like chains binding his body completely, making him feel like he couldn't breathe.

Just then, Yu Xinghan appeared beside him without him noticing and asked, "Have you made up your mind? You seem very uneasy."

"Oh? Is it that obvious?" Zhang Yu smiled slightly and said, "After all, you have to face the Nascent Soul stage and the pressure from the sect."

As he spoke, Zhang Yu closed his eyes and slowly said, "To be honest... I feel a little scared. I don't know if what I'm doing is right or wrong. And this choice, which I don't know is right or wrong, will truly change me, change you, and change the fate of countless people..."

Yu Xinghan said, "No problem, Zhang Yu. We trust you. Whatever you choose, we will always believe in you."

At the same time, images of Zhang Yu leading them in a fierce battle against the Golden Core cultivators of the Demonic Sect flashed through Yu Xinghan's mind, along with images of him transforming himself into a follower of the Evil God to resist the Dual Cultivation Virus.

Unbeknownst to them, they had already become accomplices in crimes and murders, and had become fellow believers in evil gods.

Yu Xinghan said earnestly, "Teacher Xinghuo once said that the path of immortality is one of continuous progress. Problems encountered along the way can only be solved by continuing to move forward. Constant cultivation and continuous progress are the destiny of every cultivator."

Zhang Yu frowned and slowly said, "But this time, if there's even the slightest mistake, the Nascent Soul cultivators..."

Yu Xinghan: "If we go bankrupt, we can just start over. If we're in debt, we'll work hard to pay it off. If we're really going to be destroyed, then we'll accept our fate. Isn't that what cultivating immortality is all about? From the day we embarked on the path of immortality, we've all been prepared for this."

“Zhang Yu, I’m willing to follow whatever direction you choose. This is my choice, Yu Xinghan’s choice, and I will take responsibility for the final outcome.”

Crack...

Zhang Yu looked at Yu Xinghan in front of him and suddenly felt that he was not alone. It seemed that several of the chains that bound him had broken at once.

Perhaps he couldn't confide his secrets, or have a completely open conversation, but at this moment, Zhang Yu could truly feel the other person's support for his feelings.

Just then, Le Mulan came to the two of them and said, "Zhang Yu, everyone wants to take a picture together."

A moment later, the spiritual projections of Ying Xin, Shi Huaiyu, Xiao Qingxuan, and Shi Yunxiang landed one after another, standing together with Zhang Yu, Yu Xinghan, and Le Mulan.

Surrounded by the crowd, Zhang Yu also felt that several more chains surrounding him seemed to have been shattered once again.

After taking the photos, Shi Huaiyu asked, "Zhang Yu, what cultivation method have you decided to choose? Is it the Dharma Realm? It's fine if you don't want to say, I just want to ask if the price of the Myriad Laws coin will continue to rise?"

Xiao Qingxuan, who was standing to the side, said, "Don't ask Huaiyu anymore."

Shi Huaiyu: "I just want to ask, how about earning more..."

Zhang Yu suddenly said, "To be honest, I don't know whether the price of the coin will rise or not."

Shi Huaiyu looked at Zhang Yu in surprise and said awkwardly, "I'm sorry, Zhang Yu, I thought you would know more..."

Zhang Yu looked at everyone and sighed, "This time, I don't know where my choice will lead. I also can't guarantee whether the future will be good or bad."

"So everyone should try not to invest yet, and be prepared to face whatever comes next."

Hearing these words, everyone felt a sense of heaviness.

Amidst this somber atmosphere, Yu Xinghan smiled and said, "Zhang Yu, no matter what, I believe you can succeed."

Shi Huaiyu looked at Zhang Yu and recalled how he and everyone else had fought against the Demonic Sect's Golden Core cultivators, and how Zhang Yu had repeatedly defeated his opponents to finally ascend to the throne of the strongest in the Top Ten Leagues.

Shi Huaiyu said, "Zhang Yu, didn't you say that from then on... we'd die together, we'd go bankrupt together? I, Shi Huaiyu, have picked many stocks in my life, some of which made money and some of which resulted in losses, but in the end, I still made money, which proves that my judgment was correct."

"And if I had to pick the best stock... it would still be you. To this day, I still trust my judgment."

Xiao Qingxuan, standing to the side, said calmly, "Even the immortals in heaven would find it difficult to fully grasp the direction Kunxu is heading, let alone us. Zhang Yu, even if you made the wrong choice this time, I think it's quite normal. But I believe that with your potential, even if you made the wrong choice this time, you will definitely succeed again in the future."

Ying Xin smiled and said, "Mr. Zhang, my family has been in the civil engineering field for six generations. I don't know much about immortal cultivation techniques and such."

"But that... being reduced to ashes and having our souls scattered was the inevitable end for our family. Even if things get messy from here on out, it can't get any worse, right? Since I've come here to cultivate immortality, I'm not afraid of anything."

Le Mulan thought about the life-extending effect of the magic power in her body, and also about the life-extending route of the Heavenly Demon University.

To be honest, ever since Kuang Tianqing started promoting the life-extending techniques of the Immortal Sect, and ever since news reports kept telling about the conflicts between various schools regarding the Immortal Sect techniques, an idea couldn't help but come to mind for Le Mulan.

Will Zhang Yu reveal the secret that his Deep Cold Magic can prolong life?

Le Mulan kept telling herself that she believed Zhang Yu wouldn't do that.

But as the discussions in society became more intense and the friction between the Four Schools of Heavenly Demons and the Four Schools of Ten Thousand Laws increased, this thought would often pop into Le Mulan's mind.

Now that things have come to this, Le Mulan understands that Zhang Yu has never revealed her secret.

Le Mulan said, "Zhang Yu, you are the most trustworthy person I have ever met since I was born. Even if you go bankrupt, I will still trust you and lend you all my spirit coins."

Shi Yunxiang: "Actually... I've been considering getting a body modification surgery recently to change my appearance to resemble a human, like Zhang Yu..."

"No need, no need," Zhang Yu quickly waved his hand.

At the same time, a series of cracking sounds seemed to ring out around him, shattering most of the chains binding him.

Not far away, on the other side of the flying boat, Master Xinghuo smiled and sighed, "Alas, Zhang Yu... if only you had been born 500 years earlier."

The next moment, he sent a message to Zhang Yu: Make the decision you think is the best one.

Xinghuo Zhenren: As for what the future holds, it's no longer up to you to decide.

Master Xinghuo: The future of Kunxu is chosen by everyone in Kunxu.

Master Xinghuo: All we can do is try our best and leave the rest to fate.
Meanwhile, in these final moments before the awards ceremony, Director Gao also sent a message to Zhang Yu.

Director Gao: Zhang Yu, are you not planning to choose the Dharma Realm anymore?
Upon seeing this message, Zhang Yu felt a chill run down his spine, thinking, "Have these Nascent Soul cultivators... realized my plan?"

Zhang Yu knew that the Dharma Realm was likely to bring the greatest profits, but he also understood that it was a technology he could not control, far beyond his grasp. The risks involved were too high for both him and the lower levels of Kunxu, so he was unwilling to choose it.

More importantly, this choice of the Dharma Realm may hinder his future entry into a sect, and it is unknown how long it will hold him back.

As for the options offered by other universities, Zhang Yu did not plan to choose any of them, because he still had companions and teachers staying at Wanfa University.

He has made up his mind about this.

The next moment, Director Gao sent another message: It's better not to choose.

Director Gao: Keep moving forward, don't look back.

The Celestial Evolution God Lord raised an eyebrow slightly as he looked at the message sent by Director Gao: "Gao Chongguang... is also an ungrateful dog."

Bai Zhenzhen, on the other side, also sent a message at this time.

Bai Zhenzhen: Yu Zi, even without any immortal sword techniques, I will eventually complete the Extreme Emotion Sword Dao with my unparalleled talent.
Bai Zhenzhen: This is my confidence, and also my path to immortality.
Bai Zhenzhen: I don't need you to choose the Crimson Heart Sword Technique for me.
Bai Zhenzhen: Just choose the cultivation method you want.
Boom...

Looking at the message from Bai Zhenzhen, Zhang Yu took a deep breath, feeling as if the last chain binding him had completely collapsed, and the last trace of hesitation in his heart had vanished without a trace.

At this moment, Zhang Yu's eyes also shone with an unprecedented determination.

With 10 minutes left before the awards ceremony, Zhang Pianpian also sent a message to Zhang Yu.

Zhang Pianpian's "Nine Heavens Steps" consists of five moves, each crisp and clean, boasting top-tier speed. It's a celestial technique that uses spatial compression for movement...

Zhang Pianpian: "Kunlun in the Palm" consists of three moves. While not as swift as "Nine Heavens Steps," it covers a wider area and is a celestial technique capable of compressing space...

Looking at the information about the immortal sect's cultivation techniques sent by Zhang Pianpian, Zhang Yu couldn't help but admire his older sister's extraordinary abilities, which far surpassed his own in terms of intelligence control.

After carefully reviewing the descriptions of the two techniques, Zhang Yu quickly made his decision.

Although "Nine Heavens Steps" has two more moves than "Kunlun in the Palm," it is faster to activate. Zhang Yu felt that if he were to cultivate it, it would probably be even faster than "Kunlun in the Palm."

In particular, this footwork shortens distances by compressing space, enabling ultra-high-speed movement, making it a top-notch survival skill.

"But as expected..."

Zhang Yu's gaze fell upon the description of "Kunlun in the Palm," and he thought to himself, "'Kunlun in the Palm' can compress space, allowing people and objects to be enlarged and shrunk. The immortal techniques it contains are the key to driving the new infrastructure era and can also bring in sufficient profits." "Besides..."

Looking at the Chain Technique Diagram information that appeared beside him, Zhang Yu thought to himself, "This 'Kunlun in the Palm' technique is one of the 'Reversed Kunlun' techniques in the Chain Technique Diagram."

"By choosing this 'Kunlun in the Palm,' we can complete the eighth technique of 'Overturning Kunlun,' thus activating the second layer of the Chain Technique Set."

At the same time, several staff members came up to Zhang Yu and carefully urged him, "Student Zhang, it's time to enter."

Entering the venue, taking photos, being interviewed... Zhang Yu entered the awards ceremony venue under the spotlight.

The entire venue, hastily constructed by the gods in the past day, was still resplendent in gold and jade, like a palace in the heavens.

At the very front of the venue were beams of divine light representing the transformation into gods, each beam exuding boundless majesty and inspiring awe, representing endless wealth and power.

A single word from them can bankrupt countless students, and a single action can determine the rise and fall of an industry.

The thought that he would have to make a choice under the watchful eyes of these Nascent Soul cultivators made Zhang Yu feel waves of pressure.

After sitting down in his seat, Zhang Yu found himself surrounded by other contestants such as Kuang Tianqing and Tian Shenggong.

Bai Zhenzhen did not attend the awards ceremony because she needed to recover her health.

Seemingly sensing Zhang Yu's gaze, Kuang Tianqing turned his head and smiled at him.

Looking at Kuang Tianqing's smile, Zhang Yu felt something was off.

Then Zhang Yu saw Director Gao, Xinghuo Zhenren, Zhang Pianpian, Yu Xinghan, Le Mulan and others in the distance, and nodded to them.

Just then, a host walked onto the stage and began reciting advertising slogans, followed by the opening ceremony.

"...This is not just an awards ceremony, but a crowning of dreams and a tribute to hard work. Now, I am honored to announce the official opening of this year's Top Ten Leagues Awards Ceremony!"

Of course, Zhang Yu wasn't the only winner this time. Based on the final scores of each contestant, the top ten contestants would go on stage to receive their awards in turn. If someone like Bai Zhenzhen was absent, she would ask someone else to go on stage to receive the award on her behalf.

However, neither the top students from various schools present at the scene nor the viewers watching the live stream paid much attention to the other top ten contestants.

At this moment, everyone's attention was focused on Zhang Yu.

The atmosphere at the scene became increasingly solemn and tense as the top ten contestants received their awards one by one.

In Zhang Yu's eyes, the countdown of the protective talisman on his body was about to end, with only five minutes remaining.

"Zhang Yu is the champion of this year's Top Ten Leagues!"

As the host announced Zhang Yu's name, countless lights instantly shone on him.

At the same time, with the final confirmation of the rankings, Zhang Yu's ranking skyrocketed, instantly becoming the number one in the entire school. Under the watchful eyes of countless people, he became the undisputed number one at Wanfa University.

On the other side of the stage, the innate genius of all beings also descended, appearing as Zhang Yu's award presenter.

Watching Zhang Yu walk step by step toward the podium, Director Gao, while recording the video, sighed, "Good."

Master Xinghuo smiled slightly: "Who said I can't teach disciples?"

Zhang Pianpian appeared expressionless, but a hint of softness flickered in her otherwise cold eyes.

Yu Xinghan and Le Mulan stood up and applauded, taking pictures of the scene before them.

Bai Zhenzhen, who had somehow transformed into a projection of the spirit world, descended and watched this scene with some excitement: "Yu Zi..."

The Great God of All Beings handed the championship trophy to Zhang Yu and smiled slightly, saying, "Congratulations. The future of Kunxu depends on you."

Zhang Yu respectfully accepted the trophy. The next moment, countless advertisements bloomed around his body, like flowers falling from the sky and golden lotuses springing from the ground, filling the screen of every live broadcast channel.

At the same time, a beam of light descended from the sky, and the host excitedly exclaimed, "Look everyone, the Daoist Canon Catalogue has arrived!"

The projection of the Great God of All Beings approached the Daoist Canon, beginning to welcome this supreme treasure from the upper realm.

As he cast spells, the Taoist scriptures before him slowly unfolded.

At this moment, everyone's attention was focused on the Daoist Canon catalog, watching the process of the Great God of All Beings opening the Daoist Canon catalog.

Zhang Yu also looked up, his heart growing increasingly tense.

Just then, a voice reached his ears.

"Zhang Yu, there's something I want to tell you."

Zhang Yu turned his head and saw that it was the host who was speaking. He frowned in confusion and asked, "What is it?"

The other party did not continue speaking, but a familiar gray avatar appeared in Zhang Yu's eyes, which was Dao Qiankun's friend.

Dao Qiankun: I am an immortal from the upper realm.

Dao Qiankun: I originally thought that the choice of freely transforming into other forms and using the demonic path as a righteous means was the right one, but I... regret making that choice.
Upon seeing the message from the other party, Zhang Yu was completely stunned.

Dao Qiankun: I secretly used the power of the university to create the Dual-Resume Cult, the Jobless Cult, and the Ascension Cult, and began to adjust Kunxu...

Below the stage, Yu Xinghan looked at the Daoist Canon catalog and sighed inwardly, "Does this contain all the immortal techniques? If I could just take a look at it... I wonder how much money I would lose?"

Le Mulan, standing to the side, looked at Zhang Yu, a sense of doubt in her heart: "What is Zhang Yu saying to the host?"

At the same time, Zhang Yu opened his mouth, and finally sent a message through his eye fragment: Who exactly are you?

Dao Qiankun: My original goal was to gradually change Kunxu.
Dao Qiankun: But no one is willing to cooperate with me. Even though I already have everything, neither my disciples, my Daoist partners, nor my companions are willing to change.
Dao Qiankun: And you should understand by now that, besides technology, the most crucial factor in changing the world is people.

Dao Qiankun: As long as those at the top remain profit-driven individuals, no matter the technology or system, those below will only become more exploitative, and the entire Kunxu will only be driven by profit growth, relentlessly rushing forward.
Dao Qiankun: Therefore, it is impossible to change Kunxu without the interference of those above.

Dao Qiankun: As long as the people at the top are still the same, those below will always be manipulated by those above.

Zhang Yu stared blankly at the other person, somewhat at a loss, and replied: What exactly do you want to do?
Dao Qiankun: I want to break away from those people and create a new world, a new Kunxu.
Zhang Yu took a deep breath and tentatively replied: Who exactly are you? Are you using Brother Dao's account to chat with me?

Dao Qiankun: Zhang Yu, you remember my desire to change the world, and you're willing to withstand the pressure and not choose the Dharma Realm. You have the potential I value.

Dao Qiankun: So today... I'm willing to give you this opportunity.

Dao Qiankun: An opportunity to create a new world with me

Upon seeing the message, Zhang Yu felt his mind go blank and had no idea what to say.

Dao Qiankun continued, "If you wish, after opening the Daoist Canon catalog, please select the 'Six Paths of Evolution'."
Dao Qiankun: This contains the latest reincarnation technology, which you can use to invest in the new world.

Zhang Yu: I don't understand what you're talking about.

Zhang Yu: Brother Dao, whether you are Brother Dao or not, you suddenly started telling me all this, and now you want me to choose some kind of reincarnation technology.

Zhang Yu: But neither the Nascent Soul stage, nor the sects, nor the Heavenly Court could tolerate me making this choice.

The host in front of him simply looked at him quietly and replied in a private message: You're right, it's very difficult to convince you of these things in just a few words.
Dao Qiankun: But intelligence about the new world is crucial, and I cannot risk proving everything to you.

Dao Qiankun: I can only guarantee that everything I say is true. As for whether you are willing to take this opportunity and become my partner, I leave that to you to decide.
Dao Qiankun: I'm willing to believe you, after all, you already possess my bloodline power, right?

Zhang Yu was shocked. He thought of the Dao Seed he had copied, "Descendant of an Immortal," and wondered, "He knows? Is he really Dao Qiankun? And he knows that I copied the power of his Descendant of an Immortal?"

Zhang Yu took a deep breath, wanting to say something more, but then heard the Great God of Life say, "Zhang Yu, come on, it's your turn to choose the immortal sect's cultivation method."

As Zhang Yu walked step by step toward the descending Daoist canon catalog, he saw a dense array of cultivation techniques appear before him.

Meanwhile, the countdown to the divine protection charm was also nearing its end, with only half a minute remaining.

Zhang Yu swallowed hard, trying to suppress the distracting thoughts in his mind, and his gaze swept over the names of the various martial arts techniques.

"Brother Dao..."

Zhang Yu thought to himself, "Even if what you said is true, you have your choices, and I have my own path to walk."

"If you did that to me, it would be considered willful."

"But I... don't have the right to be so willful."

Zhang Yu's gaze swept over Bai Zhenzhen, Director Gao, Yu Xinghan, Le Mulan, Zhang Pianpian, and others in the audience...

The next moment, Zhang Yu's gaze hardened, and he made his final choice.

At the same time, as Zhang Yu made his choice, the Daoist Canon catalog soared into the sky and disappeared into the horizon.

But the next moment, a loud explosion rang out in the sky, as if an invisible hand had torn it apart.

boom!
Zhang Yu looked up and saw a scene of another world suddenly appear in the sky.

"That is……"

Someone in the audience exclaimed in surprise, "That's the third floor!"

Then the sky tore open again, revealing four, five, six... layers of worlds one after another before countless people.

(End of this chapter)