[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-ascending-to-divinity":3,"chapter-ascending-to-divinity-ascending-to-divinity-chapter-41":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Ascending to Divinity",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2280591,4461,"Chapter 41: Prayer","ascending-to-divinity-chapter-41",41,"\u003Cp>Jiang Jian raised his identity device.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“13-8.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A blue light swept over it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Lou family’s front gate split open to either side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shi Xuan sighed: “Too bad, one apartment per person.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’d be nice if I could live with a roommate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Here, he paused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked at Jiang Jian, his eyes filled with anticipation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other three walked over, stepped into the large elevator, and upon hearing this, all wore strange expressions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t overthink it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shi Xuan noticed the odd reaction and quickly explained, “I mean, being near Jiang Jian will motivate me to cultivate!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of them nodded in agreement: “That’s true.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Doo!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The large elevator stopped at the 12th floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shi Xuan turned to Jiang Jian: “Jiang Jian, want to have lunch together?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian gave no clear answer: “We’ll see. Contact via identity device.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shi Xuan replied: “Alright, then I’ll head back first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elevator doors closed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few seconds later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It stopped at the 13th floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Goodbye.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright, goodbye.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian greeted them, then stepped out of the large elevator.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before him was a tastefully decorated, elegant corridor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each room door bore a numbered plaque.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“13-8.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian walked down the wide corridor and stopped before a carved wooden door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Room 8.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He raised his identity device and lightly swiped it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Doo!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Verification successful!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lock unlocked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian pushed open the door and stepped inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immediately, a pleasant fragrance filled his nose and mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wooden door closed behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before him was an entire spacious residence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Linjiang Academy truly spares no expense.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian looked at the hundred-square-meter living room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gained a clearer understanding of the academy’s immense wealth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hello.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A gentle voice spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The machine butler approached, bowing slightly to Jiang Jian: “Welcome home.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its external form was that of a young woman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its azure eyes turned, filled entirely with mechanical coldness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet it lacked any spark of spirit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Linjiang Academy strictly adhered to laws and regulations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It forbade the use, confinement, enslavement, or trade of non-citizens.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, there were no spirit beings, ghosts, or demons here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maintenance of the academy’s external facilities relied mostly on expensive human labor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In contrast,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>the daily lives of faculty and students depended on machine butlers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the suppression of divine technology,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>machine butlers were merely machines.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They could never escape control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Would you like to eat?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The machine butler extended its hand, and a screen appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Slow-simmered pork rib soup: 2 Alliance coins.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sea urchin stir-fried liver: 3 Alliance coins.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Clear-braised beef ribs: 2 Alliance coins.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The menu was abundant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hundreds of dishes listed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The prices were not high.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, cheaper than those in Guangling City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian shook his head, glanced at it, and said: “Return to the mechanical room.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The machine butler replied: “Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It turned and walked into the narrow mechanical room, standing motionless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian climbed the steps into the hall and sat on the soft sofa.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>fatigue and drowsiness washed over him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He took out the “Hemostatic and Bruise-Relief Oral Tablets” and swallowed one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The discomfort lessened somewhat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian opened his identity device and looked at the bottom-right corner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dozens of new messages had arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your account has received a transfer: 100,000 Alliance coins.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your balance: 950,112 Alliance coins.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at his balance,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian’s expression remained calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though this sum was considerable,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>if used for cultivation,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>it was not much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To cultivate or not to cultivate—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The speed of spending is entirely different.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“For ordinary people who do not cultivate—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A few thousand Alliance coins suffice for a year of good food and drink.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But if one cultivates—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This amount won’t even cover a single meal.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thoughts churned within him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian turned to another message.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Linjiang City platform credit limit has been updated!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian opened the Linjiang network and checked his balance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your remaining shopping credit: 230,000.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Credit is equivalent to Alliance coins but cannot be directly exchanged for them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian set his thoughts aside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To accelerate cultivation—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Linjiang network and the academy platform are the two most important places.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Linjiang network accepts shopping credit or Alliance coins.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The academy platform accepts only academic credits.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His fingers swiped the screen as he opened the academy platform.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the upper-right corner of the page, the remaining credits are displayed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your remaining credits: 800.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian browsed the academy platform.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gained a clearer understanding of the uses of credits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Credits are extremely important.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They can be used to purchase usage time in the campus cultivation chambers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The campus cultivation chambers are incredibly expensive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One hour costs 10 credits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their special feature lies in the array within the chamber.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The array connects to the Prefectural Temple of Prayer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prefecture’s Divine Messenger personally arranged it, imbued with divine power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cultivating inside the chamber greatly increases the cultivation speed of the Shenque acupoint!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In addition,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Special facilities within the campus and rare spiritual materials unavailable elsewhere\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Can all be purchased with credits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Closed the academy platform.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian made a brief inventory of his assets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“950,000 Alliance Coins, 230,000 shopping credit, 800 credits.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“These are my foundation for the coming cultivation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian swiped across the screen, turning his gaze elsewhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Level 1 Talent Orb, random type.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Level 2 Talent Orb, selectable type.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Level 2 Divine Gift Weapon, selectable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“These items have not been shipped yet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But now, I must choose in advance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pondered for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian selected “Level 1 Talent Orb” and opened it directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Congratulations, you have obtained a Level 1 Talent Orb: Body, Revitalize and Strengthen the Body.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Please wait for shipment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian clicked to delay shipment, then selected the “Level 2 Talent Orb.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He opened it again and chose “Art.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Generally speaking,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Art” Talent Orbs are the most expensive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So for the selectable type, Jiang Jian did not hesitate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Level 2 “Art” orb is worth tens of thousands of Alliance Coins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian planned\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To list the unused Talent Orbs on Linjiang Network and sell them for Alliance Coins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A flow of light surged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few seconds later,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A flash of light passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Congratulations, you have obtained a Level 2 Talent Orb: Art, Wind Rises.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Please wait for shipment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Jiang Jian’s eyes brightened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clicked to delay shipment again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he opened Linjiang Network and listed the original email information for sale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Talent Orbs are highly valuable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To resell them, you must provide clear proof of origin and verify their existence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Listing failed!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Detected: Academy-exclusive Divine Gift Talent Orb — cannot be listed!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Return to your school platform and reclaim credits!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Linjiang Network alert kept sounding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian fell silent for a moment, then reopened the academy platform.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The idea of reselling for Alliance Coins was unfeasible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Level 1 Talent Orb: Body, Revitalize and Strengthen the Body.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Reclaim value: 20 credits.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Level 2 Talent Orb: Art, Wind Rises.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Reclaim value: 300 credits.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Confirm reclaim?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian did not hesitate and clicked confirm immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Reclaim successful!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You have received 320 credits.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your remaining credits: 1120.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The shipment information in the email vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Divine Gift Weapon must be chosen carefully.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian turned to another email.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Level 2 Divine Gift Weapon, selectable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a freshman benefit from the First Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among 1,800 new students,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only the 50 students of the First Academy\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could receive the benefit of a Level 2 Divine Gift Weapon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Second Academy received only Level 1 Divine Gift Weapons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Unowned Divine Gift Weapons can be used after a simple binding ritual.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian opened the email and went directly to the selection page.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Attack, Defense, Arraying, Control, Suppression, Restoration.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The six types of Divine Gift Weapons appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thought for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian selected “Restoration.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vast amounts of information flooded forth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heartloop Bracelet, Level 2 Divine Gift Weapon: Calms the mind, slowly restores Qi.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Herb Ring, Level 2 Divine Gift Weapon: Increases divine affinity, enhances Qi circulation speed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bone Pendant, Level 2 Divine Gift Weapon: Enhances physical strength, strengthens meridians.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Prayer Jade, Level 2 Divine Gift Weapon: Increases divine affinity, slowly restores Qi.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Silver Necklace, Level 2 Divine Gift Weapon: Clears the mind, repels evil spirits.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Restoration-type Divine Gift Weapons came in many varieties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Divine Gift Weapons differ from Talent Orbs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Shenque acupoint can hold only one Talent Orb.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most people possess only two talents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first is their innate talent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The second is the Talent Orb placed in the Shenque acupoint for cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Divine Gift Weapons have no such restriction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as one’s Qi is sufficient,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One can activate ten Divine Gift Weapons simultaneously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nevertheless,”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The campus materials still issued a warning.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The number of Divine Gift Weapons should not be excessive.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“One or two is most suitable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Every divine gift weapon must be bound through a ritual before it can be used.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Too many bindings.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They will cloud your Qi and hinder your cultivation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian pondered for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had already made up his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would limit his divine gift weapons to just one for now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Guang Sword was a naturally bestowed divine gift.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It required no binding ritual at the Prayer Hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It did not count among them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Level 2 Divine Gift Weapon: Wish Jade. Increases divine affinity and slowly restores Qi.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment of viewing, Jiang Jian’s gaze settled here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He did not hesitate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He directly selected this option and tapped confirm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Level 2 Divine Gift Weapon: Wish Jade. Confirm receipt?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian confirmed again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Congratulations! Receipt successful!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please await further notification!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He swiped away the communication and shut off his identity device.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian lay on the sofa, eyes half-closed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sleepiness surged like a tide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Since the Divine Gift Ceremony.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I haven’t had an episode in a long time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His thoughts were chaotic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Countless ideas flashed through his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without realizing it,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian fell into deep sleep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed he had dreamed a long dream.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the dream, everyone from the academy had turned into terrifying monsters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were grotesque and horrifying, moving through building after building.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Emitting shrill, unbearable screams, they frenziedly tore and bit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The light cast by the stars turned crimson.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Afternoon, 5:00 sharp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The daylight dimmed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian jolted awake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beads of sweat glistened on his pale forehead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What kind of strange dream was that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian’s face was pale as he gasped, \"Housekeeper, a mocha.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dream was, of course, false.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet through this, Jiang Jian vaguely realized:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His inner state was deeply unsettled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The disorientation of facing an unfamiliar environment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The confusion toward cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fear of the unknown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All these intertwined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Forming a bizarre, hallucinatory dream.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My inner composure is still insufficient.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian closed his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After several dozen seconds,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>he opened them again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze had regained its firmness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No matter what, I must hold fast to my heart and not be disturbed by external things.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amidst the turmoil of his thoughts,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>the housekeeper stepped forward, offering coffee with a gentle voice: \"Three Alliance coins.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cup steamed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian reached out to take it, then tapped his identity device: \"Prepay 1000 Alliance coins. From now on, all food and drink purchases will be deducted directly without reporting.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The housekeeper’s eyes flickered with light and said, \"Understood.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your account expenditure: 1003 Alliance coins.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your remaining balance: 949109 Alliance coins.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A notification came through his identity device.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian frowned slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He opened his message notifications.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Set the rule: \"No communication for expenditures under 10,000 Alliance coins.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next second,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian seemed to recall something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He found the communication with Jiang Zhao and tapped to open it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over the past two days,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Zhao had sent over a dozen messages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most of them\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>were reminders for Jiang Jian to take his medicine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Through these messages, Jiang Jian learned\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>that Jiang Zhao had arrived at Anhe Academy, completed her dormitory registration, and officially enrolled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anhe Academy, though also a Divine Gift university,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>was far too small.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It could not compare at all to Linjiang Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Linjiang Academy’s first-year campus alone\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>could match twenty Anhe Academies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Since the Divine Gift Ceremony, I haven’t had an episode. Don’t worry.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian paused, then sent a message.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few seconds later,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>a single \"beep\" sounded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian opened the real-time communication.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl’s sweet voice came through: \"Jiang Jian, you finally replied!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ll tell you, the academy gave us 10,000 Alliance coins in shopping credit!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ve never seen so much money!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The food here is free—of course, meals and lodging are fully covered!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even eating at the cafeteria, you only need ten Alliance coins a day!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She went on uninterrupted for several minutes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, she paused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian was speechless. \"You…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he could finish,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By the way, Jiang Jian.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Zhao spoke again: \"I got a school allowance. I spent a little, and still have 1200 Alliance coins left. I’ll transfer some to you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian fell silent for a moment, then said: \"I have money.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You spend fast at Linjiang Academy. I’ll send you 1000 Alliance coins first.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Zhao firmly shook her head: \"I don’t need it. At school, meals and lodging are free. I don’t spend on clothes, food, or transport.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian was startled. \"Jiang Zhao, don’t eat the free food. Pay for meals—it’s not expensive.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Zhao laughed lightly: \"It’s fine. Even the free meals are better than what we ate at home.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Divine Gift universities provide free meals and lodging.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the free food is not good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To enjoy the gourmet meals from the private kitchen, you must spend Alliance Coins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Linjiang Academy also has a free cafeteria.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one ever goes there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The vast majority of students use their robot butlers to purchase meals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“1,000 Alliance Coins—transferred to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Zhao left those words and immediately ended the real-time communication. “Remember to take your medicine!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Call ended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian stared at his identity device, his expression shifting between dark and light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your account has received a transfer: 1,000 Alliance Coins.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your balance: 950,109 Alliance Coins.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A notification tone sounded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian acted as if he heard nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned his head and looked out the window.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A gloomy sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like ten years ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guangling City, Shadow District.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Public Care Center.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t want to go!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t want to go either!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You go!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I won’t go!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People shoved each other, their faces filled with terror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every week, the guardian takes away one person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They call it “adoption.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But those sent away vanish as if erased from the world, never to reappear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the corner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A girl sat alone, her expression vacant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Until the eyes of others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fell upon her face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The courtyard fell suddenly silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone ventured to speak: “Let her go.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People exchanged glances, all nodding unconsciously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, let her go!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That guy isn’t here—let her go!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They grabbed the girl’s clothes and dragged her toward the courtyard gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t blame us!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We don’t want to die either!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Every week.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The guardian takes one person.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Last week it was your brother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This week it’s your turn!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they spoke,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fear on their faces gradually faded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It turned cruel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of them, quick-witted, sensed something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He trembled as he lifted his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next second,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes widened, his face flooded with terror: “That guy’s back!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At those words,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone froze, as if petrified.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They stood rooted, not daring to move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One bolder soul gritted his teeth: “Last week, he was adopted—how could he come back?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one dared to answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the gate,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A boy walked calmly into the courtyard, his face expressionless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group instantly stiffened, halting their actions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One man trembled and explained: “The guardian said a dignitary is coming today to adopt—someone must be sent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boy showed no expression and said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He naturally knew the “rules” of this Public Care Center.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The law in the Shadow District wasn’t called law.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The law of the Public Care Center wasn’t called law either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Here, “rules” reigned supreme.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every few days,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Non-citizens would arrive at the Public Care Center.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Disguised as “dignitaries,” they came to adopt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone would be taken away—and never return.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back then,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian was still young.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why did those “dignitaries” look so grotesque?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not a single one looked human.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why did those sent away show such terror, fighting desperately?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Later,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he had also grown up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The guardian?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boy held his wooden sword and smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You mean the one who sent me away last week?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“She’s gone to a quiet place now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I sent her there.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boy murmured to himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He walked through the courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His wooden sword moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like falling leaves, drifting petals, snowflakes on the breeze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heavy bodies kept thudding to the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After fifteen seconds,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the boy,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only the dazed girl remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother… brother…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl lifted her head, her cracked lips trembling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her face was pale, her expression still vacant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she recognized the boy before her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boy watched her in silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long while, he spoke: “On this trip, I met someone.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He taught me a way to cure you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To his words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl understood nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She only kept\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>murmuring the words in her mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother… brother…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2897,"2026-06-20T01:21:34.271Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","6fbaa9aceff578403b163076dd56847fa1cb255f50cd95377ff40ae7b554cabe","ascending-to-divinity-chapter-42","ascending-to-divinity-chapter-40",306,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fascending-to-divinity-cover.jpg"]