[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-ascending-to-divinity":3,"chapter-ascending-to-divinity-ascending-to-divinity-chapter-42":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},2280592,4461,"Chapter 42: Divine Navel","ascending-to-divinity-chapter-42",42,"\u003Cp>Beep!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The communication sound rang out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian snapped out of his daze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jiang Jian, there’s something important!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shi Xuan’s voice came through the identity device.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian said, “Go ahead.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, he glanced at the time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was already 6 p.m.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shi Xuan said, “I’ve received information from within the Shi family.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tomorrow morning, the Prayer Temple staff will arrive.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They’ll bring the talent orbs from the official treasury.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They’ll also perform a simple binding ritual to help us bind our divine weapons.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Therefore,”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tonight, you must choose the divine weapon you want.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Or spend money on the Linjiang network to buy one suited to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Prayer Temple staff are very busy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The next binding ritual won’t be until half a year from now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian nodded and said, “I understand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The communication ended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian opened his identity device, his gaze lingering briefly on the “Wish Jade.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then opened the Linjiang network.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The equipment page had two categories.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first was divine weapons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The second was technology equipment unrelated to the divine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But even technology equipment belongs to divine technology.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After purchase, it still requires binding through the Prayer Temple ritual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only after authentication and registration can it be used.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s only one binding ritual every six months.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian’s eyes narrowed in thought, “Each additional divine weapon bound taints the spiritual energy slightly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Technology equipment has no such risk.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But its cost-effectiveness is extremely low.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian skimmed through the listings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gained a sense of the prices for technology equipment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>High-quality tech gear often cost hundreds of thousands of Alliance credits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet their effectiveness was only comparable to a Level 1 divine weapon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheaper options were even more useless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But even the cheapest still cost tens of thousands of Alliance credits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Aside from the Wish Jade, I won’t bind any other divine weapon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This will preserve the purity of my spiritual energy as much as possible.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Although technology equipment has abysmal cost-effectiveness,”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll buy and bind one for now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It might slightly accelerate my cultivation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he pondered,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian scrolled through the dense list of items.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a while,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze suddenly stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Qi Gathering Bracelet, 170,000 Alliance Credits.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Manufactured using Jupiter technology, engraved with micro-arrays that absorb stellar light to slightly accelerate cultivation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian’s finger paused on the word “slightly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So expensive.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“One hundred seventy thousand Alliance Credits,”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Could support a lifetime in Guangling City.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cultivation doesn’t care about money.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian turned his head, looking at the screen in front of the machine butler.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tonight’s meal menu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Spicy Phoenix Meat, 4 Alliance Credits.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pork Belly Tofu Soup, 3 Alliance Credits.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Double Chili Chicken Noodles, 1 Alliance Credit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll have the Double Chili Chicken Noodles.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The machine butler erased the screen and bowed, “Please wait a moment; I’ll fetch your meal.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It walked into the mechanical room, the door closed, and slowly sank downward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The machine butler had its own dedicated elevator shaft.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian turned back to the identity device screen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His finger swiped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Purchase successful!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your expenditure: 170,000 shopping credits.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your remaining shopping credits: 60,000.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your item will be delivered to your door within three hours by dedicated personnel and vehicle.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A series of notifications flashed continuously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian paid no attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others buying tech gear usually seek powerful offensive or defensive capabilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This kind of auxiliary tech gear isn’t overpriced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the same price, you could buy a decent divine weapon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its only advantage,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is its own internal power source.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It doesn’t require spiritual energy to operate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as it’s maintained once a year and its array core is replaced, it can be used long-term.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Using technology equipment\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Won’t make the spiritual energy in your Shen Que acupoint impure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he pondered,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mechanical room door opened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The machine butler entered, carrying a tray with a broad smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Double Chili Chicken Noodles.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The large bowl on the tray steamed hotly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spicy, numbing, savory aroma rushed to his nose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beep!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A new communication arrived on the identity device.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Linjiang Academy, First-Year District, Class Schedule.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian picked up the tray.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he ate, he opened the communication.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The schedule was clear and concise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only four classes per week.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Monday: Cultivation class.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tuesday: Theory class.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wednesday: Theory class.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thursday: Theory class.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rest of the time is for free cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Four classes per week.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“One cultivation class, three theory classes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian ate while pondering, “So cultivation basically relies entirely on self-discipline.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The robotic butler stood beside him and asked, “Would you like some soup?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian waved him off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After finishing the meal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mechanical butler stepped forward automatically, cleared the table, picked up the tray, and walked into the mechanical room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian returned to his bedroom and sat down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Net Spirit True Method—the cultivation technique inside.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It requires stellar light to aid cultivation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve studied it for a long time, yet I can barely activate it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian pulled back the curtain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the mansion, the sky was dark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian half-closed his eyes and activated the Net Spirit True Method.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Faintly,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>there was a barely perceptible spiritual energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flowing toward him from all directions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the Shenque point, spiritual energy churned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every time he activated the Net Spirit True Method,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>the upper limit of spiritual energy increased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the increase was minuscule.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost imperceptible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If this continues,”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“even if I sit still for a hundred years,”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I still won’t fill it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The spiritual essence needed to fully saturate the Shenque point.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian halted his scattered thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He cast aside distractions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gradually sank into quiet cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unconsciously,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>another dozen hours passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian did not sleep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He remained in a state of light dozing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Continuously cultivating the Net Spirit True Method without pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This state,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>though not true sleep,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>was still a form of rest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At 7:30 a.m.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sun’s light was bright and blinding, shining through the windowpanes into his pupils.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian opened his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He exhaled slowly and deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a night of cultivation,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>the upper limit of spiritual energy at the Shenque point had increased slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the magnitude of this increase,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>was less than a single hair’s width.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian lifted his gaze toward the golden-red star.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He felt no despair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His resolve grew even firmer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No wonder,”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“everyone says cultivation is harder than climbing to heaven.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s truly accurate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But,”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“cultivation is inherently dull.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Only through relentless day-and-night practice,”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“can one glimpse even a sliver of hope for breakthrough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian stood up and opened the bedroom door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The robotic butler stepped forward: “What would you like for breakfast?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian looked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the semi-transparent screen, over a hundred breakfast options were displayed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pork dumplings, tofu soup, fried egg—2 Alliance coins.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pan-seared hot dog, toasted bread, fresh milk—2 Alliance coins.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Beef patty veggie burger, chicken congee—1 Alliance coin.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian walked toward the bathroom, saying, “The hot dog set.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Understood.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The robotic butler retracted the screen and smiled, reminding him, “You have a cultivation class today at 9 a.m.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian nodded and walked straight into the bathroom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After bathing,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>he changed into clean undergarments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian dried his hair and entered the living room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He immediately saw,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>a brand-new uniform neatly folded on the sofa.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The uniform’s fabric was soft and of premium quality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The embroidered patterns were crafted with fine artistry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“According to academy regulations, you must wear the uniform.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The robotic butler bowed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian picked up the uniform and put it on entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The matching shoes also bore river patterns along their sides.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the full-length mirror,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian looked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boy in the mirror was exceptionally handsome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dark, fine strands of hair fell over his forehead, making his complexion appear pale against the luxurious uniform.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyelids slightly lowered, his gaze deep and somber.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Breakfast is ready.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The robotic butler placed the meal on the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A plate of pan-seared hot dogs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three slices of toasted bread.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A large glass of fresh milk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian picked up the toasted bread and wrapped it around the hot dog.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On his identity device, a faint glow flickered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alert tones kept sounding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian ate while\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>opening a new communication.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shi Xuan: “Jiang Jian, aren’t you up yet?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Today’s cultivation class is at the southern indoor training ground.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian replied: “I’m eating. I’ll leave shortly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few seconds later, Shi Xuan sent: “I’m waiting for you downstairs.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another message.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a communication from Mu Ying, the student representative.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jiang Jian.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go to the indoor gymnasium on the south side of campus before 9 a.m.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t be late.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian swiped his finger to close the communication.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had eaten.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian picked up Han Guang, wrapped in black cloth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He tied it to his backpack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pushed open the door and stepped out of the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the large elevator, he encountered no students.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only a few staff members in uniforms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When they saw Jiang Jian’s ornate school uniform, they all showed respect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They bowed slightly and stepped aside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within the campus,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>the faculty and students held the highest status.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All other staff\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>were permitted to work on campus only to serve the faculty and students.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jiang Jian!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the entrance of Loufu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shi Xuan held Zhenyue Dao, smiling, “You didn’t leave your room all yesterday.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian stepped out the door, offering a polite smile: “I was tired, fell asleep as soon as I lay down.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shi Xuan nodded: “It’s almost nine. Let’s go.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He raised his hand and tapped his identity device repeatedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few seconds later,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>a small aerial shuttle hovered before them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Please board!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A mechanical voice sounded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This small aerial shuttle was unmanned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its purpose\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>was to transport people within the campus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yesterday,”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mu Ying’s aerial shuttle was far more luxurious.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shi Xuan stepped onto the shuttle and sat down. “We’re not student representatives—we don’t have Xu Kequan—so we can only use these unmanned shuttles.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian sat beside him and said, “Apart from being slower, there’s no difference.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>the shuttle accelerated and rose slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a nimble bird, it glided between towering buildings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Racing swiftly toward the campus’s southern side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The indoor gymnasium was another majestic building.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this building was unusual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the outside,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>it looked like a giant bowl inverted on the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its interior was completely hollow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It could hold hundreds of thousands simultaneously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jiang Jian.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Our First Academy truly has privileges.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shi Xuan tilted his head, gazing at the approaching indoor gymnasium.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I heard,”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“other academies have different schedules.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Their cultivation classes are staggered from ours.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Only the First Academy,”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“has cultivation class at 9 a.m. on Mondays.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Some later academies,”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“even delay their cultivation classes until Tuesday—or Wednesday!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>the shuttle passed through the gate and entered the indoor gymnasium.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Along the edge of the gymnasium,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>numerous aerial shuttles were parked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most of the First Academy students had already arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s almost nine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The academy’s head instructor hasn’t come yet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian stepped off the shuttle and looked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dozens of students in school uniforms stood nearby in small groups.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All waited in silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside him, Shi Xuan suddenly tensed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian followed his gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dozens of meters away,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>a girl with a ponytail stood alone, swiping her identity device.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few seconds later,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shi Xuan relaxed, deliberately avoiding looking that way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The head instructor’s here!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Look!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What a massive shuttle!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The students stirred in excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The indoor gymnasium was not open-air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The building’s roof connected to the academy’s spiritual array.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But its entrance was extremely tall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A massive shuttle, lights flashing, passed through the gate and glided in slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The shuttle’s cabin door opened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A towering figure stepped out, his instructor’s robe billowing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next instant,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>the figure leapt straight down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He jumped from the cabin door, dozens of meters above the ground!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gasps erupted among the students.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dust scattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m Zhang Jian.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He brushed off nonexistent dust from his robes. “In the First Academy, I’m in charge.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wore an elegant instructor’s robe, his face handsome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes were bright as falcons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jian stood there, radiating immense presence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The students applauded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian clapped along, but his mind turned to another thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The campus’s deputy director was named Zhang Tianzhi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their names were similar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was exactly nine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jian scanned the surroundings, his gaze passing over fifty students.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes paused for a moment on Shi Luohua.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter what.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Level 4 talent is always a figure of great attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Get into Linjiang Academy and assigned to the First Academy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That alone proves your ability.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jian stood with arms crossed, expressionless, “But here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Underperformers will be eliminated!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression turned suddenly cold, “The First Academy is not a place to loaf around and wait to die!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The First Academy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is the top class among seventeen departments!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is the gathering place of the brightest geniuses in this campus!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And the cradle of future champions!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And the face of Linjiang Academy’s first-year class!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jian’s lips curled in a cold sneer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Today.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I will hold a temporary ranking match.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The five students at the bottom of the ranking.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Will be kicked out of the First Academy!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as these words fell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dozens of students erupted in uproar!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The department assignment is already complete—how can it be changed arbitrarily!?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This clearly violates academy rules!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is unfair!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Around them, chaos and clamor surged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shi Xuan’s expression also shifted slightly; he muttered, “In my memory, Linjiang Academy has never had such a precedent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He quietly activated the Pure Spirit True Method.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He cultivated in silence, drawing upon the brilliant light of the star.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jian had already announced the rules of the ranking match.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Everyone’s cultivation method is different.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Each of you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Has one chance to ask me a question.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I will help you truly begin your cultivation!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I will give you five hours.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After five hours, the match ends!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The higher the increase in Qi capacity at the Shenque point.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The higher your ranking!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rules were fully stated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many students looked grim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ranking match’s rules seemed simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But what they tested was extremely comprehensive!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For cultivation,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Patience, resilience, comprehension, and talent strength—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All were under scrutiny!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2414,"2026-06-20T01:21:34.271Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","7b8cbfcef71a1c83ba0dc8fc57ca5a73e9a4c00d5d7e5bb3df69970af53ab092","ascending-to-divinity-chapter-43","ascending-to-divinity-chapter-41",306,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fascending-to-divinity-cover.jpg"]