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

Chapter 624 The Real Runaway Number One (4500+ words, two chapters total 7900+ words)

First place: Jiutian Liu.

The last registration area in the entire underwater competition area.

At this moment, Jiutian Liu rode the divine shuttle, creating numerous illusory figures. After sweeping through a large area of ​​the registration area, he found the black registration sphere.

The Nine Heavens Divine Shuttle he piloted, officially known as the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths Peril-Avoiding Divine Shuttle, is a magical artifact with a long history that has undergone generations of updates and has never been phased out.

From powerful clans and aristocratic families to imperial nobles and renowned immortal sects... in every historical upheaval, every leap of the times, every fall of powerful clans and sects, or the outbreak of war, conflict, and contradictions... the figure of the Nine Heavens Divine Shuttle absconding with the money can be seen.

As long as you run fast and survive, there will always be a chance to turn things around. This idea has been passed down from generation to generation and has now become the philosophy of the financial system, which has been recognized by Jiutianliu.

The reason why the Nine Heavens Divine Shuttle can become a getaway tool is not only because it can carry away luck, upgrade configurations by accumulating resources, and is easy to convert into cash, but the most important reason is always... it's fast enough.

"Speed ​​is the first element to avoid danger."

"And the Nine Heavens Divine Shuttle represents the top speed in its class."

Although he couldn't forge weapons, it didn't prevent Jiutian Liu from mastering powerful weapon control abilities through his Dharma Body, and with the support of several Soul Cultivation Masters, he became skilled at controlling this divine shuttle.

Jiutianliu knew that none of these things—weapon crafting, medicine, talismans, communications, transportation, construction, combat—were areas where the finance department excelled.

However, with the vast resources of the finance department, he was able to acquire these abilities and even directly reap the benefits.

The tentacles of the financial system have long since extended to all walks of life. If they want to, they can stir up trouble in any field at any time and compete with experts in any industry.

"That's the strength of the finance department."

"Simply because money is everything."

"And finance is the most versatile major."

"With Kuang Tianqing and Dao Qiankun vying for the championship in this year's Top Ten Leagues... I may also have a chance to compete for the title."

"However, the risks involved are not small."

Although he didn't know the specifics, Jiutianliu could sense that the finance departments of various schools were getting restless and seemed to be plotting something recently.

But what exactly they were doing was something that everyone could only see a part of, and even Jiutianliu couldn't guess what the complete plan was.

"I'm afraid only Master and a few other Nascent Soul cultivators can see the whole picture."

As Jiutianliu pondered this, he completed the registration of the last black ball.

And next is the final section of the track in this level.

Just then, Jiutian Liu noticed a dragon shadow shooting towards him from afar.

"Ok?"

At first, Jiutian Liu thought it was Ying Zhoufan who had caught up, but after a moment he saw that it was Zhang Yu standing proudly on the dragon's head, riding the dragon.

"Oh? It can actually catch up like that?"

To Jiutian Liu's surprise, a fish demon suddenly rushed towards Long Ying, throwing two black balls out, which were caught by the human and the dragon, instantly completing the registration.

"what?"

Seeing Zhang Yu, Ying Zhoufan, and himself suddenly standing on the same starting line, Jiu Tianliu was also surprised: "Is this even possible?"

But the next moment, he laughed again: "Very good."

Jiutianliu said to Yilong and Yiren, "I was just thinking that this round lacked topics, and even if we took first place, it probably wouldn't generate much buzz. It's good that you've come."

The dragon twisted its body, carrying Zhang Yu to the front of Jiutian Liu.

Zhang Yu looked at the Nine Heavens Flowing Bell inside the Divine Shuttle and said calmly, "Senior, we meet again."

Jiutianliu smiled and said, "Junior brother, let's settle this in the final race."

Both being members of the four-school alliance, neither attacked the other.

Zhang Yu knew that no matter who intervened or hindered the other, it would only anger the school leaders.

In other words, the next leg of the race will only be a simple contest of speed between him and Jiutianliu.

As Jiutianliu looked at the young man on the dragon's head, he seemed to have never expected that the civil engineering student who had once rejected him and refused to transfer to the finance department would unknowingly stand in front of him and become qualified to compete with him.

3!

A projection of the spirit world summoned by Jiutian Liu appeared in the air and began playing a countdown.

Jiutianliu: "Junior, I won't hold back in the final sprint."

2!

"If you can do it, then try your best to pursue me."

Use all your strength to try and get close to me.

1!
As the number 1 appeared, both sides suddenly accelerated, leaving long white trails on the seabed. In the blink of an eye, they had rushed out of the registration area, leaving behind a scene of chaos caused by the underwater turbulence.

The Nine Heavens Divine Shuttle took the lead, breaking through the waves with its powerful force, as if it had forcibly created a vacuum tunnel on the seabed.

At the same time, Zhang Yu stood on the giant dragon, and the water field expanding around him combined with Ying Zhoufan's water control ability, making him feel incredibly smooth.

Looking at the Nine Heavens Divine Shuttle ahead, Zhang Yu thought to himself, "Very good... The Azure Water Golden Crystal Armor and the power of the demon descendant after transforming into a dragon are too compatible. Water is like an extension of our bodies."

"We can win this round."

……

Before the finish line of the underwater racing challenge.

Besides the 11 competitors who are currently racing, almost all the other competitors have gathered here, and even the instructors from various schools are waiting here for the first competitor to cross the finish line.

Many contestants were amazed by the competition between Jiu Tianliu and Zhang Yu.

Wen Wuyai thought to himself, "So fast. The Nine Heavens Flowing Dragon was already fast, and the Nine Heavens Divine Shuttle was powerful. Whether it was flying or diving, or underwater racing, it was the fastest. But I didn't expect that after Zhang Yu rode the dragon, he could be almost as fast as him."

Before Dao Qiankun's eyes was playing the scene of Zhang Yu and Jiu Tianliu competing. Around him were his chosen teammates: Yan Qianji, Li Shiwei from the Taoist Arts Department, and Wen Rongjue from the Finance Department.

Seeing Jiutianliu in the lead, Dao Qiankun smiled and said, "Jiutianliu is very composed. He didn't rush to start, but instead wanted to sprint with Zhang Yu. I wonder if he can maintain this composure until the end."

Li Shiwei, who was standing next to her, was the second-ranked student in the Taoist Arts Department. As a junior, she had always regarded Dao Qiankun as her idol.

When Li Shiwei first heard Zhang Yu say that he wanted to put Dao Qiankun on the throne, he was extremely displeased.

"That's what I should be saying!" she roared inwardly.

Hearing Dao Qiankun's words, Li Shiwei asked in surprise, "Senior, do you think Zhang Yu will win?"

Dao Qiankun said calmly, "There is no such thing as a 100% certain victory or defeat in this world, but Zhang Yu does have a chance."

As they spoke, Jiu Tianliu and Zhang Yu rushed into a trench one after the other. Because of their speed, the live broadcast became cluttered and dark.

Seeing this, Dao Qiankun snapped his fingers and said, "I'll invite you all to watch the VIP seats."

As the spirit coins were paid, the projection of the spirit world appeared in the eye, and the environment around Dao Qiankun and his teammates had changed drastically in their eyes.

It was as if they had instantly teleported, moving directly from the endpoint to the trench, closely following behind Jiu Tianliu and Zhang Yu.

Li Shiwei thought to himself, "Is it a tracking camera combined with a spirit world projection? It's like being right there, following behind Jiutian Liu and Zhang Yu, watching their competition with my own eyes."

Looking at Dao Qiankun, who was treating everyone to a show, Li Shiwei thought to himself, "As expected of my senior, treating people to a show is as natural as breathing... So cool."

Just then, Dao Qiankun analyzed, "Jiutian Liu is gradually widening the gap. Ying Zhoufan is still injured after all, and it's normal for his stamina to decline after running for so long."

Li Shiwei asked, "Is Zhang Yu going to lose?"

Dao Qiankun said, "Currently, it's still open water, and Jiutian Liu has a great advantage. However, the track becomes increasingly narrow, especially after entering the final section of the underwater cave, where the terrain is complex, which may narrow the gap between the two sides."

A moment later, they saw Jiutian Liu and Zhang Yu arrive at the depths of the trench. Their figures flashed, twisted in a beautiful arc, and plunged into the underwater cave next to them while stirring up a sky full of waves.

……

Inside the cave, Jiutianliu's divine shuttle continued its rapid advance, weaving back and forth through the narrow underwater cavern, but its speed inevitably decreased. "Hmph, Zhang Yu... if you think you have a chance in this kind of complex terrain, you are sorely mistaken."

"Split light and create shadows, explore the spirit realm!"

Suddenly, phantom images rose from the divine shuttle and shot out in all directions, quickly exploring a large area of ​​terrain.

With the terrain data entered, Jiutianliu quickly completed the selection and deduction of the best route, accelerating forward and moving on the most perfect route at the fastest and most appropriate speed.

"The first priority when fleeing is intelligence."

"Only by making full use of intelligence can we unleash our full speed, truly prioritize escaping, and achieve optimal speed in any situation."

"Can you keep up with me, Zhang Yu?"

In Zhang Yu's mind, the entire underwater cave track appeared, and the model had already been completed.

At this moment, his position and the giant dragon beneath his feet were like a red dot of light, constantly moving at high speed in the model in his mind.

This is because Zhang Yu sent a demon beast to scout the terrain in advance, helping him to complete the modeling and familiarize himself with the route.

……

"Wow, amazing!" Li Shiwei exclaimed in surprise. "Even with the spirit realm camera following them, I'm still a bit overwhelmed. Are these two really here for the first time? But..."

Li Shiwei asked in surprise, "Why does it feel like the distance between Zhang Yu and Jiutian Liu has increased a bit?"

Dao Qiankun swiped his finger across the screen, and instantly a series of screenshots were locked, popped up, and enlarged, showing various dragon bodies colliding with terrain.

Dao Qiankun said, "The dragon's size is too enormous, and Ying Zhoufan's control is not as smooth as Zhang Yu's. At this extreme speed, any collision will cause deceleration, constantly widening the gap between them and Jiutian Liu. However..."

……

Inside the underwater cave.

The Nine Heavens Divine Shuttle shattered a patch of seaweed and passed over a huge cave with a forest of stone pillars, only to see a dragon shadow appear not far behind it.

"Ok?"

Seeing the figure on the dragon's head, Jiutianliu exclaimed in surprise, "They've caught up?"

……

Li Shiwei asked in confusion, "How did Zhang Yu catch up with him?"

Dao Qiankun calmly analyzed, "He made up for Ying Zhoufan's mistake with his own power."

"Using the divine power of Kunlun Mountain-Moving Divine Power, we made subtle adjustments to the terrain in advance to adapt it to the dragon's body and reduce collisions."

"To do this, one must not only have an extremely fast reaction time, but also calculate Ying Zhoufan's mistakes while calculating the route."

Under the astonished gazes of his two teammates, Dao Qiankun continued, "If Jiutian Liu was on the optimal route, then Zhang Yu has... broken through the optimal route."

……

Inside the underwater cave.

"Can't get rid of it?"

Looking at Zhang Yu, who was following closely behind, Jiu Tianliu thought to himself, "What a troublesome fellow."

……

Before the final stop.

Wen Wuyai sighed, "The key to underwater speed is either having strong enough power or being able to fully control the water."

"And if you control the water, the larger the area, the faster the speed."

"Zhang Yu used the Azure Water Golden Crystal Armor to control the water at close range, the power of the Dragon Transformation to control it at medium range, and the power of the Heavenly Kunlun Mountain Moving Divine Power to control it at long range, thus greatly expanding his water control range."

"How could he achieve this on his first time working with Ying Zhoufan?"

As the live stream rapidly progressed, both sides displayed their unique skills, leaving many students at the finish line in awe.

Dao Qiankun looked at the increasingly narrow cave ahead and said, "We've arrived. The final section of the underwater crevice is the most winding and complex part of the race. This will determine the outcome of the competition between the two of us."

At the same time, more and more viewers who were originally watching the other contestants also noticed the duel between Zhang Yu and Jiu Tianliu.

"Jiutian Liu has actually been entangled with Zhang Yu?"

"It's the result of Zhang Yu and Ying Zhoufan's collaboration."

"What cooperation? It was Zhang Yu who subdued Ying Zhoufan and led him to where he is now."

"That's incredibly fast! It's a true underwater speed showdown. Who will win?"

……

In the underwater cave.

Seeing the massive dragon trying to catch up through a gap, only to be quickly left behind, Jiutian Liuxin thought, "It's no use. I'm on the optimal route. Trying to bypass me by taking other routes will only make you slower than me."

Behind him, Li Shiwei watched intently in front of the camera: "Failed again, there's no way to surpass it."

Dao Qiankun said calmly, "The final three winding tunnels will determine the winner."

boom!
A loud crash came from the underwater cave, as the dragon's body, which had once again tried to bypass the Divine Shuttle, collided with it.

Watching the two sides continue to accelerate after the collision, Dao Qiankun's eyes flickered: "Jiu Tian Liu's concentration has decreased."

Under the tense gaze of his two teammates, Dao Qiankun said calmly, "Watch closely, the outcome will depend on this move."

With a sudden mishap by the Nine Heavens Shuttle, the optimal route was finally revealed.

A burst of flame erupted from the dragon's body, and the Heavenly Sun God surged forth from the dragon's tail. Accompanied by the dragon's severe wounds, it propelled the man and the dragon forward with terrifying power.

"I didn't make a mistake..." Jiutianliu was extremely calm at this moment: "I just want to change to a more perfect route that transcends your current dimension."

"Nine Heavens and Ten Earths Escape Shuttle! Escape underground!"

As the surface of the divine shuttle emitted a layer of illusory light, the shimmering shuttle shattered rocks along its way, cutting a shorter route towards the finish line without slowing down.

As it pierced through large swathes of earth and stone, the magical power within the Divine Shuttle was consumed rapidly, and the magical power of the Nine Heavens Flowing also burned intensely, soon to be depleted.

But the next moment, with a burst of light, the divine shuttle broke through the sea surface in one breath and arrived at the finish line before its magic power was exhausted.

"It's done."

Jiutian Liu breathed a sigh of relief, but when he looked at the dragon shadow that was following closely behind him and barely breaking through the sea, he was suddenly slightly startled.

"What about people?"

At this moment, Zhang Yu's figure could no longer be seen on the giant dragon covered in blood.

But Jiutian Liu did not slow down because of this, but continued to accelerate towards the finish line.

"No matter where I go, I'll get to the finish line first..."

But the next moment, seeing the second place displayed in his eyes, Jiutianliu was startled.

"what?"

When did he surpass me?

Jiutianliu suddenly raised his head and saw that Zhang Yu had already stood above the Divine Shuttle at some point. With the thunderous activation of the Kunlun Mountain-Moving Divine Power, he shot out of the Divine Shuttle like a cannonball and crossed the finish line first.

The second person to cross the finish line, Jiutianliu, was still replaying in his mind the scene of Zhang Yu covered in blood, stepping on the divine shuttle.

"This guy jumped onto my Shen Shuttle?"

"madman."

(End of this chapter)