Chapter 130: Divine Palace

Snow accumulation.

Jiang Jian turned his head and looked at the gray fox.

Use your spirit beast talent to attack my soul.

Ji Xue blinked, whispering: "I only know one technique—spirit pressure. It's crude."

Jiang Jian said: "Fine."

The gray fox raised its tail, stared at Jiang Jian, and cautiously waved its paw.

A dim gray spiritual light surged forward, striking straight at Jiang Jian!

The next instant.

A semi-transparent chain of stars, scattered with tiny glimmers, appeared before him.

Without a sound.

The dim gray light disintegrated inch by inch, vanishing without a trace.

"At this level of soul attack, the Star Armor consumes almost nothing."

Jiang Jian checked the Star Armor system, deeply satisfied.

His soul was damaged, riddled with cracks.

Barely holding on this long was his greatest weakness.

The cutting-edge artifact "Star Armor" had exceptional defense.

Though considered disposable.

But now it was brand new, fully powered.

More than enough for long-term use.

"Su Xue Yi."

Jiang Jian opened another box; a pale moonlight glow filled his vision.

Exquisite brocade woven with threads of winter snow.

This was a golden-threaded snow-white robe.

Made of premium materials, entirely frost-white, with golden threads woven along the cuffs, radiating shimmering specks.

Su Xue Yi was equally expensive.

Its effects were only two.

First, greatly increase cultivation speed.

Second, greatly enhance defense.

Jiang Jian picked up the snow-white robe, and a prompt sounded in his ear.

"This item is an outer garment, crafted by the Zhaojun Pavilion in Chang'an, sewn with top-tier materials, containing 3,000 micro-arrays."

"This item is exclusive: wearing Su Xue Yi prohibits simultaneous use of any other outer technological equipment."

"User detected. Bind?"

He removed the black robe of the Pray God sect.

Jiang Jian bathed, dried his hair.

Put on the Su Xue Yi and confirmed binding immediately.

Instantly.

The golden-threaded white robe emitted a faint glow.

Even a slight sweep of the sleeve scattered glowing specks.

"The defense of Su Xue Yi is this strong?"

Jiang Jian tried to slightly channel spiritual energy into the robe.

Instantly, thousands of arrays activated.

A frost-white energy shield appeared around him!

Its defensive strength was extremely high!

More importantly,

Su Xue Yi consumed very little spiritual energy.

Only a minimal amount was needed to activate the spiritual core and trigger the arrays!

Aside from defense,

its greatest function:

was to gather external spiritual energy and accelerate internal spiritual circulation.

Internal and external harmony greatly accelerated cultivation speed!

"Wearing this robe, my current cultivation speed already exceeds that of the campus training room."

A slight sensing revealed vibrant, overflowing spiritual energy.

Jiang Jian's eyes gleamed with satisfaction.

Su Xue Yi cost 38,000 credits.

The campus training room charged 10 credits per hour.

Over time, it was far more cost-effective.

Yet most students never saved enough credits to afford it, even by the time they graduated from Divine Grant University.

"Fei Shuang Bracelet, keep it. Liu Guang Jade, send to my sister."

Jiang Jian took the Fei Shuang Bracelet and Liu Guang Jade, and tossed them to the gray fox.

These two technological items were equally valuable.

Though they offered little benefit to Jiang Jian.

For ordinary students, they were still extremely useful.

Ji Xue gripped the Fei Shuang Bracelet, stunned, and asked cautiously: "Really for me?"

Delicate light flowed across the bracelet, shimmering faintly.

"My sister already has one."

Jiang Jian said, "Also, return this emerald jade pendant to Liu Liu Tiezhu."

Jiang Jian pulled a jade pendant from his backpack and handed it to Ji Xue.

Then he pointed to the pile of ordinary resources.

"All these mundane items, low-grade Divine Grant weapons, and low-tier talent orbs—I have no use for them."

"Collect them all. Sell them for me."

"Convert them into Alliance coins."

Jiang Jian picked up Han Guang and walked toward the balcony.

"Got it!"

Ji Xue responded, its eyes still filled with complex emotion and surprise.

It picked up the Fei Shuang Bracelet, gently slipped it onto its paw, stabilized it with spiritual energy, and rubbed it back and forth.

The Cross-Domain Flyer had arrived, hovering above the dormitory building.

The boarding ramp assembled and lowered directly onto the terrace.

Behind him,

Ji Xue's back was piled high, its tail curled around a bundle of items.

Daily cultivation necessities and rare resources.

All moved onto the Cross-Domain Flyer.

A few minutes later,

the Cross-Domain Flyer activated, rising into the sky.

Now,

just wait for the resource package to arrive.

Then I can depart for Taiping Prefecture.

Enter the Sky-Piercing Tower to cultivate.

By the window, Jiang Jian, clad in the golden-threaded white robe, cultivated in silence.

The Cross-Domain Flyer entered the Celestial Pillar Corridor, heading toward Wuchong Jiangcheng.

The Sky-Piercing Tower was extremely important.

Each opportunity to enter for cultivation was exceedingly rare.

Because ten prefectures shared one tower.

Resources were extremely limited.

Only those among the prefecture's elite with potential to rise could earn entry.

Only then can one earn the opportunity to enter the Tower of Heaven for cultivation.

an ordinary prodigy could enter the Sky-Piercing Tower only once.

After emerging, their cultivation foundation would advance dramatically!

Jiang Jian had ten opportunities.

This was to honor the promise made by the Hanjiang Prefect.

This is the Lord of Hanjiang, keeping his promise.

They were willing to expend the Hanjiang Prefecture's allocation for the next two years.

They somehow managed to gather it together.

Every opportunity is exceedingly precious.

"We're about to enter the Fifth River City. Where to next?"

Ji Xue turned around and asked Jiang Jian.

Jiang Jian's surroundings emitted a faint glow as he said softly, "The Jiangcheng Auction House."

Upon receiving the order.

Ji Xue made no further inquiry; her claw-like hands mimicked a joystick, moving swiftly.

The next moment.

The Overpass Flyer surged upward, soaring above the steel forest and descending toward the Jiangcheng Auction House.

This time, we're going to the auction house.

Jiang Jian's goal was clear.

A Level 4 Divine Gift weapon.

The Han Guang Longsword, its wooden sheath cracked, was in the midst of transformation.

It cannot be used for now.

The "Dark Scent" talent orb is about to separate.

Here, I only have the Qing Shuang Sword Array.

My methods are too few.

And.

Divine Gift weapons and talent orbs.

Though both fall under Divine Gifts.

Their value is vastly different.

A Level 4 Divine Gift weapon is, after all, an external object.

One or two appear from time to time.

A Level 4 talent orb can be placed within a acupoint—it's a second talent usable for cultivation.

Both are Level 4.

Yet their worth differs greatly.

"Young Master gave explicit orders for me to welcome the two academies' top students!"

As the Overpass Flyer landed on the landing field, a man resembling a steward stepped forward respectfully.

Jiang Jian descended the gangway and asked, "Where is Senior Zhang Yan?"

The steward smiled and said, "The Young Master has set up a banquet at Dew Platform. Please follow me, top students of the two academies."

Jiang Jian turned his head to Ji Xue and said, "Wait here for me."

The gray fox flicked its tail and agreed.

Not long ago.

Gu Qi had inquired on Jiang Jian's behalf about Level 4 talent orbs.

There were currently none in Linjiang Prefecture.

But the Jiangcheng Auction House had a Level 4 Divine Gift weapon scheduled for auction.

Zhang Yan learned Jiang Jian had interest.

He arranged a banquet and sent a message inviting Jiang Jian to attend.

Dew Platform.

Silk and bamboo music curled around the ears; dancers filled the sleeves with motion.

Students of the Divine Worship discipline gathered together.

Watching the debate between the two academies while engaging in loud, animated conversation.

Cups and chopsticks clinked; hosts and guests were all delighted.

The most conspicuous figures at the banquet.

Were Xu Xu Fengming of the second year and Jiang Jian of the first year.

People kept approaching to greet them and exchange identity device information.

In just over a dozen minutes.

Jiang Jian's identity device gained over a dozen new communication contacts.

"Top students of the two academies, Senior Zhang invites you for a private talk."

Amid the bustling noise, someone approached and spoke softly.

A few minutes later.

Dew Platform, side pavilion.

"Junior Jiang Jian, sit."

Zhang Yan's spiritual energy was tightly contained; his tone was gentle.

"Senior."

Jiang Jian sat down.

He looked at Zhang Yan and sensed sharply.

Zhang Yan's cultivation had reached an extremely terrifying level.

Even Master Zhang Jian of the department paled in comparison.

Recalling how Zhang Yan had spent countless gold to secure Gu Qi a place among the academy students, pouring out vast resources.

Jiang Jian had reason to suspect.

Zhang Yan had already reached the absolute limit of the Spring Flow Realm.

His obsession with the specialized academy was to harness its "divine power" to break through to the next realm.

The Divine Palace Realm.

Once entering the Divine Palace Realm, one is no longer an ordinary mortal.

Whether Divine Gift Realm or Spring Flow Realm.

Both remain within the category of ordinary humans.

Their life tier has not fundamentally changed.

The Divine Palace Realm opens the third acupoint: the "Divine Palace Acupoint."

Spiritual energy spontaneously arises; the Divine Palace becomes an ocean.

At this realm.

Ordinary technological equipment struggles to inflict harm.

One can go without food, drink, sleep, or rest.

One can walk through the air, step by step ascending to heaven.

One can withstand missiles, cleave mountains, boil seas, and destroy warships with a mere flick of the wrist.

The Spirit Platform Realm remains hidden from the world.

Under these circumstances.

The Divine Palace Realm.

Is the most formidable combat force across the seventy prefectures.

Yet.

Even among Divine Palace cultivators, the gap between beings is as vast as heaven and earth!

The Divine Palace Realm has an enormous range.

Within this realm, data-based measurements become completely useless, with no accuracy whatsoever.

Depending on the foundational reserves accumulated in the previous two realms.

Beings in the Divine Palace Realm still differ as vastly as clouds and mud.

Jiang Jiang Wenjian is a weak Divine Palace.

While the Hanjiang Prefect belongs to the stronger tier.

Before the Hanjiang Prefect.

Jiang Jiang Wenjian lacks even the courage to strike.

Race, bloodline, talent.

These innate conditions have great influence.

But each being's willpower, bone structure, comprehension, spiritual insight, wisdom, and belief are equally important.

The final foundation each being manifests.

Is always the result of many factors combined.

Each factor influences their cultivation.

Even with supreme talent, if cultivation is neglected and comprehension and bone structure are poor, their realm may not be high.

Even with ordinary talent, if one cultivates diligently and possesses innate spiritual insight, their realm need not be low.

These factors remain subtle at lower realms.

But in the third realm—the Divine Palace Realm—they will gradually erupt!

Ultimately forming an insurmountable and terrifying chasm!

This also creates a phenomenon.

Across the seventy prefectures on the surface, many Divine Palace Realm cultivators exist.

Though their realms are identical, their true combat power varies drastically.

Therefore, laying a solid foundation in lower realms is extremely important.

Jiang Jian clearly understands this point.

That is why he has exerted every effort to forge a firm and solid foundation in the Divine Bestowal Realm.

"Junior."

Zhang Yan sipped tea, smiling, "There are currently no Level 4 Talent Orbs."

"But there are two Level 4 Divine Bestowal Weapons, coming up for auction soon."

He set down his cup and looked at Jiang Jian.

"I heard from Gu Qi that you might have need of them."

"So I took the liberty of rescheduling both weapons' auction to tomorrow."

Zhang Yan waved his hand.

Immediately, someone stepped forward with a screen, offering it respectfully.

Jiang Jian took the screen and thanked him: "Thank you, Senior."

Zhang Yan chuckled lightly: "Take a look at the details first."

On the screen was a Divine Bestowal Weapon.

Both were Level 4.

"Xuanshan Seal: can control terrain, suppress, subdue spirits, slay ghosts, and protect the body."

Jiang Jian tapped the data; a holographic image appeared.

A palm-sized bronze seal floated before him.

Streams of green light encircled it; mountain patterns were engraved on its surface, radiating an overwhelmingly powerful aura.

Zhang Yan said: "The Xuanshan Seal is valued at 50 million Alliance Coins."

"If auctioned, the final price will likely reach 60 million Alliance Coins."

Here, Zhang Yan turned to Jiang Jian.

"Jiang Jian, junior, you dominated the ten thousand new students and secured the top position in both prefectures of the first year."

"You've added significant points to the Prayer Sect faction."

"Gu Qi's position as a disciple is virtually assured."

"I won't make a single coin off you."

"If you like it."

Zhang Yan tapped the table. "Forty-one million Alliance Coins—that's the lowest price."

"The Xuanshan Seal was acquired by the auction house; their purchase cost was exactly forty-one million Alliance Coins."

"Valuable items are closely monitored by clan elders."

"I can't offer you a lower price."

"The cost price is already the minimum."

Hearing this,

Jiang Jian replied: "Thank you, Senior. I'd like to see the other one."

The butler, standing nearby, immediately handed over a second screen.

"Luan Ming Hairpin: can be used for protection and greatly increases divine affinity."

It was a hairpin meant for women.

Jiang Jian's gaze turned odd; he set the screen down.

Zhang Yan cleared his throat: "Jiang Jian, junior, I'll give you a suggestion."

"The Xuanshan Seal is powerful."

"Even my own weapon is of this caliber."

Zhang Yan pointed to his side.

A gold-embroidered ceremonial sword leaned against the railing.

Fine threads of golden light shimmered along it—clearly a rare Level 4 Divine Bestowal Weapon.

Suddenly,

The butler's identity device chimed.

The next moment, he spoke: "Young Master, a noble family has heard the news and wants to buy the Xuanshan Seal in advance—they've offered 55 million Alliance Coins."

Zhang Yan waved his hand, his eyes fixed on Jiang Jian.

Jiang Jian's expression turned peculiar.

This scene resembled exactly the promotional tactics of the Shadow District marketplace.

But Jiang Jian knew the true value of the Xuanshan Seal.

After a moment's thought, he made his decision.

He stood up, extended his hand to Zhang Yan, decisively: "Thank you, Senior. I'll take the Xuanshan Seal."

Jiang Jian understood:

At this moment, his cultivation speed had nearly reached the limit of the Divine Bestowal Realm.

Further improvement in this direction would yield diminishing returns with extremely low cost-effectiveness.

Han Guang cannot be used.

And cultivation in the Sky-Piercing Tower requires facing many dangers.

His arsenal is extremely limited.

A Level 4 Divine Bestowal Weapon offers tremendous enhancement.

It will greatly increase his margin for error within the Sky-Piercing Tower.

Zhang Yan raised an eyebrow and turned to the butler: "Send a message immediately. Call the Prayer Temple staff and bring the item."

After shaking hands with Jiang Jian,

Zhang Yan pulled out a card and said: "You show no hesitation, Jiang Jian, junior—I must show some gesture too."

"This temporary card holds five million Alliance Coins."

"As a premium spending benefit, it's granted to you."

Jiang Jian took the card and swiped it on his identity device: "Thank you."

A few minutes later,

The butler arrived at the side chamber carrying a wooden box, followed by Prayer Temple staff.

The box was placed before Jiang Jian; the lid was opened.

A bronze seal rested atop red silk brocade.

An aura that shook the spirit radiated from it.

Jiang Jian examined the Xuanshan Seal and confirmed its authenticity.

He retrieved his identity device, opened his citizen account, and switched the payment unit to "ten million" for large transactions.

This mode converts the unit of measurement during large purchases and omits secondary confirmation prompts.

He initiated payment to the account held by the butler.

"Payment successful: 41 million Alliance Coins."

"Your remaining balance: 13.83 million Alliance Coins."

A massive sum of Alliance Coins vanished instantly.

Yet Jiang Jian's expression remained calm.

After careful research, he had learned one thing:

You cannot buy a Level 4 Talent Orb with Alliance Coins alone.

Likewise, no one would trade a Level 4 Talent Orb purely for Alliance Coins.

Even if a Level 4 Talent Orb appeared on auction,

It would require a combination payment—Alliance Coins plus rare resources—to have any chance of acquisition.

Thus,

Acquiring a Level 4 Talent Orb was impossible.

For him, the greatest possible upgrade was a Level 4 Divine Bestowal Weapon.

His remaining resources were still substantial.

He still had ten pieces of refined iron and twenty-nine Yin Crystals.

Together, these could fetch a considerable sum.

Even after spending 41 million Alliance Coins at once, he would not be left in financial distress.

"Tech gear: Star Armor, Suxue Robe."

"Divine Bestowal Weapons: Qingshuang Sword Array, Xuanshan Seal."

"These items will suffice well into the Gushing Spring Realm."

As he pondered, Jiang Jian drew his snow-white robe closer and took the Xuanshan Seal in hand.

The cold hardness of bronze soaked into his fingers.

A dim blue-green light encircled his fingertips.

"Hello, I will now perform the ritual to bind your divine weapon to you."

The staff member stepped forward and spoke politely.

Jiang Jian nodded slightly and extended his palm.

The Qing Shuang formation diagram flickered in and out of view.

This time, Jiang Jian had no intention of unbinding the Qing Shuang Sword Array.

A Level 4 divine weapon, after being bound in the Prayer Hall, can be stored within the Divine Palace.

It can be summoned or recalled at will—extremely convenient.

Simultaneously immersing two divine weapons in the Divine Palace causes slight spiritual energy contamination.

But Jiang Jian had already devised a solution.

Karmic Fire.

One of the traits of the "Karmic Fire" scripture is to eliminate impurities and retain the essence.

By constantly burning with Karmic Fire,

not only can the spiritual energy within the Divine Palace be purified to perfect harmony,

but one's control over spiritual energy and profound understanding of its circulation can also be refined.

A few minutes later.

The binding ritual was complete.

The staff member, having expended immense energy in performing the binding technique,

turned pale, bowed to Zhang Yan, and withdrew immediately.

"Jiang Jian, junior."

Zhang Yan asked, "How do you feel? Would you like to find a place to test its power?"

Jiang Jian replied and carefully sensed the weapon.

The Shi Xuan Shan Seal floated in a corner of the Divine Palace, its edges edged with dim blue-green light.

A slight thought stirred.

The Shi Xuan Shan Seal vanished instantly.

The next instant,

the small bronze seal appeared before him.

Jiang Jian brushed his golden-threaded white robe, and the Shi Xuan Shan Seal flew out from his hand.

The seal grew rapidly with the wind, swelling in midair to the size of a house in the blink of an eye.

Blue-green light erupted around it, crushing the air with a terrifying spiritual energy roar.

In an instant,

the Shi Xuan Shan Seal vanished again.

The blue-green light dissipated.

The small bronze seal had returned to Jiang Jian's Divine Palace, deep within.

"The power of a Level 4 divine weapon is stronger than I imagined."

Jiang Jian stored the Shi Xuan Shan Seal away, his mind churning with thoughts.

At lower realms,

one's own strength matters greatly.

But powerful external tools also contribute significantly to combat capability.

Another half hour passed.

The banquet ended.

Jiang Jian bid farewell to Zhang Yan and the others, returning to the Cross-Border Airship.

"The Level 5 resource package has been approved!"

Ji Xue's eyes sparkled as she leapt right in front of Jiang Jian!

(End of Chapter)