[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-ascending-to-divinity":3,"chapter-ascending-to-divinity-ascending-to-divinity-chapter-71":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},2280621,4461,"Chapter 71: Dawn Breaks","ascending-to-divinity-chapter-71",71,"\u003Cp>The countdown ended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The transparent energy barrier on the arena faded away silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No words were wasted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boy gripped the Thunder Spear and surged forward at an utterly terrifying speed!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spear’s blade glowed with chilling frost, silver and white lightning converging.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After leaving countless afterimages in the air, it stabbed toward Jiang Jian!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>CRASH!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A piercing clang of metal on metal exploded!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Spiritual energy surged around Jiang Jian as he swept his sleeve and slashed out a sword strike!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The frost-white blade, wreathed in radiant flame, slammed hard against the spear’s tip!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sparks flew everywhere!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sword’s momentum halted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the flaming sword aura exploded outward, sweeping downward!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the sword flame neared his body, the spear-wielding boy’s face changed—he rapidly retreated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Spiritual energy erupted around him as he wildly spun the spear in his hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Spear shadows flashed like lightning, forming an impenetrable wall that shattered the sword aura completely!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seizing this opening, Jiang Jian had already gained the initiative.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next instant,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian rushed forward with his sword, spiritual energy raging as he slashed out dozens more strikes!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spear-wielding boy gritted his teeth, lifting the spear to desperately block the sword blades, thunder cracking all around him!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the blink of an eye,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Han Guang blade and the spear’s tip clashed dozens more times!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>CRASH!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deafening roars erupted as semi-transparent shockwaves surged outward in all directions!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian’s expression remained cold as spiritual energy roared from his Shen Que, pouring once more into Han Guang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each sword strike carried an immense torrent of blazing white sword light!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spear-wielding boy struggled to defend, retreating step by step, his face grim with strain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Facing Jiang Jian, he had almost no chance to counterattack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only was his own spear aura completely swallowed by the sword qi,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He also had to constantly shift his position to evade the crashing torrents of sword light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In just a few seconds,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was pushed all the way to the arena’s edge!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One misstep, and every step after was doomed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without warning,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several petals suddenly appeared beside the spear-wielding boy’s head!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment they appeared, they collapsed, dissolving into a fine shower of flower petals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint fragrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What kind of technique is this?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spear-wielding boy’s face twisted in shock—he sensed mortal danger and his scalp went numb!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fine flower rain scattered, falling into his pupils.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My winning streak is broken!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spear-wielding boy froze, a thought flashing through his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next instant,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His entire body, spear and all, was drenched in the flowing flower rain and reduced to ash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You have won this ranking match!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your rank: 9.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Special Notice: You have achieved 32 consecutive victories!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A holographic screen appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, the floating arena was spotless again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian landed on the ground, the sword in his hand dissolving, his face pale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Shen Que spiritual energy is depleted.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This battle drained too much.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next instant,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Que spiritual energy had fully restored.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian swiped the holographic screen, viewing the Ladder’s overall ranking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Total students in the district: 42,720.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Rank 1: Qi Ming.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Rank 2: Lu Tingting.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Rank 3: Qiu Lu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Rank 9: Jiang Jian.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Rank 17: Liu Tiezhu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Rank 33: Shi Xuan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Glancing at the list, Jiang Jian’s eyes narrowed in thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My spiritual reserve is still insufficient.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If I face an opponent with a Level 4 talent or one skilled in recovery combat,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My Shen Que spiritual energy won’t last long.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I will inevitably run out of spiritual energy mid-battle.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of this,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian shut off the holographic screen and exited the Ladder system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You have successfully exited.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The virtual pod emitted a prompt, its glow flickering as the particle glass dissolved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian stepped out of the pod and took Han Guang in hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A cool sensation radiated from the hilt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blade shimmered faintly, filled with swirling air currents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I wonder what level my spiritual reserve has reached.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian stepped out of his room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He took the elevator and stopped at the fifth floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Testing Hall.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian extended his finger and swiped the holographic screen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Verification successful!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Identity device permission: First Academy student.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A prompt sounded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Testing Hall doors slowly opened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>10:00 PM.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most students of the First Academy, having finished their study tasks, were rushing to climb the Ladder rankings through the night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The vast Testing Hall was empty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian walked to the device and raised his identity device.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Identity verification successful!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Test cultivation foundation?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A mechanical voice sounded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian confirmed again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The device’s orb instantly glowed brightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Array patterns along the base of the seat lit up one after another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Activate your spiritual energy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The orb spun rapidly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian willed his spirit, and a thread of crimson blood surged forth, flowing into the orb.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Testing…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The array patterns flashed at high speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After several dozen seconds, the test array ceased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the holographic screen, lines of small text appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Test successful!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Spiritual energy reserve test: duration 1 minute.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Estimated spiritual energy upper limit: approximately 10% of Divine Grant realm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian retracted his hand and made a quick internal calculation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The academy has been open for only one week.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My cultivation speed isn’t slow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s not enough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian walked toward the elevator and repeatedly tapped his identity device.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the holographic screen, a transparent black card appeared, slowly rotating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Faction Cultivation Special Hall, trial card.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Remaining time: 20 hours.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Golden light circled the black card.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian exited the dormitory building, boarded an unmanned aerial pod, inputted a command, and headed deep into the campus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within the campus stood many buildings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet all was silent, no students moving about.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The black card Gu Qi gave me is only a trial version.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It has only 20 hours left.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian gazed out the window at the towering buildings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Cultivation Special Hall was just one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Extremely precious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only those who join the “Top Student” faction are eligible to use it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This trial card was gifted by Gu Qi and is valid across the campus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Currently, the “Top Student” position at the academy remains vacant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the “Top Student” is confirmed, only high-year students’ trial cards grant access to the Cultivation Special Hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By normal logic.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“First-year students cannot yet access academy factions.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian stepped down from the aerial pod and looked toward the Cultivation Special Hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The building was brand-new, its surface densely covered in array patterns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stone steps were clean and luminous, spotless, even without the faintest scratch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>None of this year’s freshmen had come here yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Identity verified!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A mechanical voice sounded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian ascended the steps and entered the Cultivation Special Hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Array patterns lit up in sequence; spiritual energy surged from all directions, thick beyond belief!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian stood in the hall, his gaze sharpening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amid the roiling spiritual energy lay a terrifying force!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian opened his identity device and read the Cultivation Special Hall’s description.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A thread of divine power, personally collected over a long time by the Linjiang Bureau Divine Envoy, from the light of a star!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The “divine power” here is not true godly power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The radiance of gods has stained the sun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Through stellar light, it spills across the solar system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This thread of “divine power” was gathered by the Linjiang Bureau Divine Envoy using special methods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From sunlight, he collected a trace of faint, dust-like residue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Little by little, it accumulated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over decades, each thread of this “divine power” became priceless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most of it is sold at exorbitant prices to Divine Grant University and wealthy clans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Used to construct “Cultivation Special Halls” to nurture prodigies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time is precious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian sat cross-legged on the hall’s floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The trial card permits cultivation only in the hall; it grants no access to the building’s interior.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only the owner of the Cultivation Special Hall—the “Top Student”—can unlock internal permissions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No wonder the Cultivation Special Hall is so important.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as Jiang Jian began cultivating, he immediately sensed:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His Divine Palace’s spiritual reserve was increasing—slowly, thread by thread, visibly!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So fast already!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian took hold of his Wish Jade, slipped on his Spirit Gathering bracelet, tore open a cultivation herb, and swallowed it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His cultivation speed surged again!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This speed is far faster than the campus cultivation rooms!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“More importantly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cultivating here increases your Divine Palace’s foundation!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“These 20 hours are too precious.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I cannot waste them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian calmed his mind, fully immersing himself in cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By now, Jiang Jian was certain:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Cultivation Special Hall was unquestionably one of the rarest, top-tier resources in Divine Grant University!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because “divine power” is extremely limited!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a priceless resource is reserved only for campus prodigies—never open to ordinary students.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time passed second by second.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian’s Divine Palace spiritual reserve increased steadily, solidly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These past few days,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian’s mind had gained insight, and he had endured constant battles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His cultivation now not only deepened his spiritual reserve but also deepened his understanding of his prior battles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sun rose, the moon set.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dawn arrived quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the cultivation hall, only Jiang Jian’s faint breathing could be heard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>8:30 a.m.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian suddenly opened his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spiritual energy around him trembled violently!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1561,"2026-06-20T01:21:34.271Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 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