Chapter 548: The Kneeling Slide

When Zhang Pianpian heard Zhang Yu’s words, she thought he was just trying to get revenge on Feng Yuhan. In her heart, though, she felt that such a thing wasn’t worth doing.

But then Zhang Yu said, “Senior Sister, don’t you think there’s something off about this Feng Yuhan? One man fighting off a whole group of Demon Sect followers—does he really have that much combat power? Couldn’t it be that he’s already been infiltrated by them?”

“I’m not targeting him, I just think something might really be wrong with him. I’m afraid he might end up endangering Wanfa University.”

Zhang Pianpian’s gaze flickered slightly. She still believed Zhang Yu was just picking a fight out of spite, but she had to admit—his words made a bit of sense.

While she hesitated, Zhang Yu sighed and said, “Forget it, Senior Sister. If you don’t want to, then never mind.”

That night, when Yu Xinghan returned to the dorm, he said, “Zhang Yu, that discount coupon you wanted me to keep an eye on? I got it—see if it’s good enough.”

“By the way, that Time-Wrecking Demon Pupil you use may be high-end, but you’ve had it since senior high. It’s been almost five years—shouldn’t you replace it?”

Zhang Yu replied, “There are too many places that need money. If it weren’t starting to lag, I’d use it for at least another year.”

Hearing this, Zhang Pianpian recalled how Zhang Yu had been saving and borrowing from her—150 spirit coins in total.

Thinking of the sibling bond between them, and how she’d paused repayment due to her recent financial troubles, Zhang Pianpian sighed helplessly and sent him a message.

Zhang Pianpian: Fine. I’ll check it out for you.

…

The next day, a report appeared before Zhang Yu.

It contained not only Feng Yuhan’s basic data but also all the details of his solo battle against the Demon Sect.

Zhang Pianpian analyzed, “At first glance, everything looks fine… but it’s almost too clean.”

She frowned slightly. “Especially the battle scene—it’s too neat, too simplified, yet matches Feng Yuhan’s statement exactly.”

“Even a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, surrounded and besieged by Demon Sect members, couldn’t possibly remember every detail so perfectly. Every mark, every trace—it’s all exactly the same?”

“The scene looks like it was set up to match his words.”

Zhang Pianpian said, “You’re right. This Feng Yuhan really is suspicious.”

“But only a little. It’s not enough to prove anything.”

…

Dark Spirit Realm.

From the darkness emerged the many-handed, many-legged Xi Shen, standing in a conference chamber.

He looked at the figure before him—a hybrid of Fu Ji and Zhang Yu—and said coldly, “Fu God, what do you want from me?”

Fu Ji said calmly, “Xi Shen, as Evil Gods, what are the three most important things for us?”

Xi Shen narrowed his eyes. “What are you trying to say?”

“The first is safety,” Fu Ji said. “The second is safety.”

“And the third—still safety.”

Fu Ji stared at him. “But what you’re doing right now is not safe.”

Xi Shen’s countless limbs twitched. “What do you mean?”

Fu Ji gave a cold snort. “Your people in the University City have already been noticed by the Inspection Division. You knew that, didn’t you?”

Xi Shen froze slightly. “Impossible. We’ve been careful. No word should have leaked.”

Fu Ji flashed part of Zhang Pianpian’s internal report in front of him. “This is from the Inspection Division’s internal files. See for yourself.”

All of Xi Shen’s hands and feet trembled. A flicker of shock appeared in his many eyes.

So, this Fu God… even has agents inside the Inspection Division of Wanfa University?

Just how deep does his network go within the University City?

Countless thoughts flashed through Xi Shen’s mind.

Finally, he said solemnly, “They’re investigating… Feng Yuhan? But I thought that case was already closed. Why reopen it now?”

He was clearly concerned—this could jeopardize all future operations in the University City.

Fu Ji said bluntly, “You’d better check whether Feng Yuhan is the one stirring up trouble. Maybe he’s no longer loyal—trying to fight back.”

Xi Shen barked, “Impossible. He wouldn’t dare!”

Fu Ji raised a brow. “You sound sure. Has he already become your believer?”

Xi Shen hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “Yes. He’s one of our followers. He wouldn’t act against us.”

Fu Ji replied, “Then find out if he’s offended anyone. Maybe someone else is setting him up.”

Her voice turned sharp. “Xi Shen, let me warn you—I’ve spent years building my network in Wanfa University. I don’t want you idiots stirring up storms and dragging me down with you.”

…

“Fool!”

In the lower layers of the Dark Spirit Realm, Xi Shen’s will clashed with Feng Yuhan’s.

He thundered, “Do you have any idea you’re being watched?”

Feng Yuhan stiffened. “I’m… being watched?”

“By the Inspection Division,” Xi Shen snapped. “Do you know why?”

Feng Yuhan frowned, thinking hard, but no answers came.

Xi Shen’s tone turned colder. “Figure it out. Before I have to spell it out for you.”

Feng Yuhan grew anxious and began investigating, using all his contacts—but nothing came up.

Two days later, with no clues in sight, Xi Shen decided to turn again to Fu Ji—the one whose reach and influence extended far across Wanfa University.

Within the Dark Spirit Realm—

Fu Ji said coolly, “You want my help? Then you know the rules.”

Xi Shen smiled faintly. “Of course. It’s an exchange. If you find something real, we’ll offer you information in return.”

Fu Ji said, “Give me everyone Feng Yuhan’s been in contact with recently. Teachers, students, staff, even temporary workers or lower-academy students—no one gets left out.”

The next day, Xi Shen returned—and Fu Ji handed him her findings.

“Zhang Yu?” Xi Shen frowned. “Because of this student?”

Fu Ji nodded. “He also has a roommate—both from Songyang City’s lower level academies.”

“The roommate’s name is Zhang Pianpian.”

“This is her file.”

Xi Shen skimmed through it, and cold light flashed in his eyes. “So Feng Yuhan offended this Zhang Yu during a project, and Zhang Yu pushed Zhang Pianpian to investigate him?”

He could hardly believe it—all this chaos because of two students!

Just because Feng Yuhan had made a student’s workload heavier, he’d brought all this trouble upon them?

As Xi Shen pondered his next move, Fu Ji said coldly, “Can’t you tell? Zhang Pianpian isn’t an ordinary student.”

Xi Shen frowned, re-reading her file. Then his eyes narrowed. “Divine Path?”

After cross-checking through his own sources, he found that large parts of Zhang Pianpian’s data were classified.

Moreover, during the recent Top Ten League, a talisman student from Heavenly Demon University had vanished—one who also walked the Divine Path.

Seeing Xi Shen deep in thought, Fu Ji said, “Now you get it? Zhang Pianpian isn’t simple. Her background runs deep—don’t underestimate her.”

“Even if you could deal with her, the cost would be enormous.”

“The last thing we evil gods want is a head-on fight with a righteous god.”

“So do whatever you must—have Feng Yuhan make peace with Zhang Yu. Make sure Zhang Pianpian stops digging. If she finds anything more, you’re doomed.”

As Xi Shen turned to leave, Fu Ji called out, “What about our trade?”

Xi Shen paused. “What do you want to know?”

Fu Ji asked, “Why are you after the Nascent Soul Law Husk?”

Instead of answering, Xi Shen sent her a file.

Opening it, Fu Ji—and Zhang Yu, who shared her consciousness—both froze.

“Divine Lord Nectar… secretly transferring cultivation to reincarnated disciples within his sect?”

…

In the lower reaches of the Dark Spirit Realm—

Xi Shen said coldly, “Because of Zhang Yu, you’ve been marked.”

“Go make peace with him. Stop drawing his attention.”

Feng Yuhan hesitated. “You want me to make peace with a student?”

Xi Shen snapped, “Know your place! You may be a teacher at Wanfa University, but you’re also an evil god’s believer! If Zhang Yu can draw the attention of a righteous god, you don’t provoke him.”

Feng Yuhan clenched his teeth. “But if I suddenly make peace, won’t that look suspicious?”

Xi Shen’s voice turned icy. “You can’t even handle something that simple?”

“One day,” he ordered. “Solve this within one day.”

…

That night, when Zhang Yu arrived at True Lord Magneto’s laboratory, Feng Yuhan rushed in soon after.

He lingered outside for a long time before finally forcing himself through the door.

Looking at True Lord Magneto and Zhang Yu, he forced a smile. “I know recent issues have affected the lab’s work. I had no choice. I’d never delay the project otherwise.”

“Especially seeing your breakthroughs on the Nascent Soul Law Husk, True Lord Magneto. The research division is truly inspired.”

“And as for your impending ascension to Nascent Soul, you’ve always had my support.”

He paused, bitterness flashing through his mind—until Xi Shen’s warning echoed again.

To resolve this, he couldn’t just talk to Zhang Yu—that would draw suspicion.

He had to make peace with both of them at once, even if it cost him dearly.

Gritting his teeth, he handed over 50 spirit coins to True Lord Magneto and 20 to Zhang Yu.

“A small token of apology,” he said. “And I’ll also reduce this student’s workload in other project teams.”

Thinking of the extra work he’d now have to do to make up for Zhang Yu, Feng Yuhan’s heart twisted painfully.

Having to bow and scrape before a student and his mentor—it was humiliation like he’d never known.

As he left, True Lord Magneto frowned. “That guy… why the sudden change of heart?”

Zhang Yu smiled. “Maybe he saw your recent progress and realized you’ll soon reach Nascent Soul. He doesn’t want to make an enemy of you.”

True Lord Magneto nodded. “Makes sense.”

With that, Zhang Yu finally had free time to resume work on the prototype machine.

A few days later, the first-level prototype was complete.

As the puppet opened its eyes and floated silently in the air, a satisfied smile spread across Zhang Yu’s face.

Then, a question rose in his mind—directed toward Fu Ji.

“Fu Ji… what exactly is the Divine Path? Why are you and Xi Shen so wary of it?”