Chapter 560: Borrowing the Puppet

Shi Huaiyu said angrily, “It’s not like we provoked them. They were the ones who tried to force themselves on Shi Yunxiang, and we just stopped them!”

The administrator frowned and explained, “They only wanted to ‘communicate’ with him because Shi Yunxiang is also a Demon-Kin. Their customs are different from us humans—you need to learn to understand them.”

“Besides, this incident had its reasons. I asked around—Heavenly Demon University imposes a breeding tax. They’re required to get pregnant and give birth regularly.”

“Some of their colleagues still haven’t conceived, so they’re getting anxious. That’s why they pinned Shi Yunxiang down.”

Seeing that Shi Huaiyu and the others still looked unconvinced, the administrator sighed. “You students never think about the school’s difficulties. Our cooperation with Heavenly Demon University is something countless higher-ups are monitoring. If something goes wrong, can you afford the consequences?”

At that moment, one of the Demon-Kin shouted, “This matter can’t just end like this! They injured one of us—they must pay compensation!”

“Have that lion demon come serve us until every one of us gets pregnant!”

Just as both sides were about to clash again, a radiant glow appeared at the construction site entrance. A young man walked in, surrounded by a powerful aura.

Above his head shimmered his titles—13th in the Artifact Refinement Department and 44th in the entire school—along with two military certifications floating behind him.

All the Demon-Kin froze.

“Military Artifact Engineering License! And Military Civil Engineering License!”

“A Dual-Military-Certified Artifact Noble!”

“What… what terrifying pressure!”

“Why would such a noble come to a construction site? Is he here to eat us?!”

One by one, the Demon-Kin collapsed to the ground, showing their bellies in submission to Zhang Yu.

Watching this, Zhang Yu thought, As expected, the students from Heavenly Demon University are far more attuned to the law of the jungle than those from Wanfa University—they instinctively bow before strength.

The administrator quickly straightened up, saying respectfully, “Director Zhang, you’re here?”

At that moment, streaks of divine light swept through the air as several patrol officers arrived.

The leading officer began to ask who called for patrols, but when he saw Zhang Yu, his expression changed instantly.

“Ah… Student Zhang Yu?” The officer spoke politely. “Is everything all right here?”

With someone ranked in the top fifty schoolwide, holding two military licenses, even if Zhang Yu crippled everyone present, the patrol would need superior authorization to arrest him.

Zhang Yu waved. “No problem here. Thank you for coming, officers. We’ll handle this ourselves.”

Then, turning toward the Demon-Kin students, he smiled faintly. “Right?”

Seeing his teeth, the Demon-Kin trembled. One stammered, “Don’t eat me!”

The administrator hurried to say, “Director Zhang, these are students from Heavenly Demon University. We’ve been instructed from above—please, no conflict…”

To him, Zhang Yu was a company boss first, a student second. Surely he wouldn’t risk his company’s reputation over some workers.

After all, what kind of boss would endanger his business just to protect his employees?

But Zhang Yu simply said, “My company’s employees are not to be bullied.”

The administrator’s heart sank. Damn it… what’s he talking about ‘employees’? He probably just hates the Demon-Kin. He’s one of those Human Supremacists!

Hearing Zhang Yu’s words and seeing the twin certificates glowing behind him, Shi Huaiyu, Ying Xin, Shi Yunxiang, and the others unconsciously straightened their backs. Their hearts swelled with pride and gratitude.

Zhang Yu looked at the Demon-Kin. “Get lost. If I ever find you bothering my company again… I’ll eat you all.”

With terrified screams, the Demon-Kin fled.

The administrator sighed. “Director Zhang… why do this? It was a small matter. If their teachers complain to Heavenly Demon University, it could spark an interschool dispute. What if the higher-ups blame you?”

Zhang Yu ignored him and turned to the others. “Let’s have a quick meeting. We need to discuss upcoming projects. Your workload may increase soon.”

Shi Huaiyu grinned. “That’s good news!”

Ying Xin nodded. As both accountant and worker, she knew how generous Zhang Yu was with pay—especially when project funds were delayed. He always paid out of his own pocket.

She trusted that even with more work, the overtime pay or raises would be worth it.

Shi Yunxiang clenched his fists, confidence surging. “Perfect. I’ve been feeling restless lately. I need more to do.”

Ever since joining the company, the Tiger-and-Wolf Tonics provided by Zhang Yu and Le Mulan, combined with his Deep-Cold Mana, had boosted his efficiency while offsetting side effects. With Xiao Qingxuan’s ancient medicine and Yu Xinghan’s massages, his body had not only recovered but grown stronger.

Of course, Xiao Qingxuan, Yu Xinghan, and Le Mulan all earned well from their contributions.

Xiao Qingxuan, watching his colleagues, thought that in the past, he would never have dared risk arrest for practicing medicine for pay. He used to treat others for free, yet few trusted his ancient medical arts.

After the battle with the demonic Gold Core cultivator, though, he found companions he could trust—people who valued his skills and didn’t take them for granted.

This is wrong… We’re walking further and further down an illegal road… he told himself repeatedly.

But he couldn’t help savoring the warmth of this group, the satisfaction of being paid fairly for his craft.

Old man… those old-fashioned values you left me really messed me up.

Soon after, Zhang Yu assigned everyone to cooperate with the Heaven-Sun Radiance Deity in construction, determined to maximize the profit potential of the level-20 military-grade puppet.

Seeing Zhang Yu’s double certification and the arrival of the Heaven-Sun Radiance Deity’s power, everyone’s spirits soared—they were eager to work hard and earn big.

…

Days passed peacefully.

Just when Zhang Yu thought the students from Heavenly Demon University had dropped the matter, someone came to question him about the incident.

Only then did he learn that though the Demon-Kin students didn’t dare confront him, their teachers had raised a fuss—reporting the matter to the finance faculty.

Fu Ji said, “Heh, Heavenly Demon University’s crawling all over the place for benefits. Those Demon-Kin are practically begging for handouts from Wanfa University.”

Zhang Yu was considering how to handle it when the uproar suddenly died down, as if suppressed by an invisible hand.

The next day, he learned that it was Bei Wufeng, second-ranked in the Artifact Refinement Department, who had intervened—using the mysterious power of Spirit Coins to silence them.

Though Zhang Yu disliked Bei Wufeng’s “throw-money-at-it” approach, he still thanked him.

Bei Wufeng replied: A small matter. I understand you’re young and upright, and you can’t stand those filthy Demon-Kin stirring up trouble in the city.

But you must think of the bigger picture. The school’s in a crucial stage of negotiating with them—any minor conflict could become a bargaining chip and cost us dearly.

Even if you despise them, at least pretend otherwise. Don’t make it so obvious.

Zhang Yu mused, So he thought I discriminated against the Demon-Kin? I may dislike their grotesque looks, but when did I ever discriminate?

Forget it. Better they think I’m prejudiced than too protective of my workers. In Kunxu, caring for your employees draws far more suspicion—people might even think you’ve joined some demonic cult.

Just then, Bei Wufeng messaged again: Junior, I actually wanted to ask you something.

Could I borrow your Heaven-Sun Radiance Deity for a while?

Zhang Yu froze. Borrow a military-grade puppet? That’s like asking to borrow my body!

He was about to refuse when another message came: I’ll pay fifty Spirit Coins a day, and any damage or repair costs are on me.

Zhang Yu blinked. Fifty Spirit Coins a day? You rich bastard… why not rent my body too while you’re at it? I’ll give you a discount—one hundred a day!

Zhang Yu replied: All right. When do you need it?

Bei Wufeng: For the next Top Ten League. I want to borrow it for a few match days.

Zhang Yu’s interest immediately cooled. After reading the contract Bei Wufeng sent, he replied: Sorry, senior. Can’t lend it.

Bei Wufeng: If the terms don’t satisfy you, we can negotiate. I’m flexible.

Zhang Yu: Really can’t.

Bei Wufeng: Oh, I see… Did Ye Xingli already ask you first? Or was it Yan Qianji?

Zhang Yu’s mind clicked. So that’s it—the school team has limited members, so they borrow military-grade artifacts from students outside the team!

Bei Wufeng’s friendliness was all to secure my Heaven-Sun Radiance Deity for the tournament.

Zhang Yu decided there was no point lying.

He replied simply: Senior, I’m also planning to participate in the next Top Ten League, so I can’t lend it.