[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-ascending-to-divinity":3,"chapter-ascending-to-divinity-ascending-to-divinity-chapter-72":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},2280622,4461,"Chapter 72","ascending-to-divinity-chapter-72",72,"\u003Cp>It took ten hours.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian stood up and glanced at the black card on his identity device, feeling a pang of regret.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was worth it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian stepped out of the cultivation chamber and looked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The door behind him closed, and blinding sunlight poured down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scent of grass, flowers, and trees filled his nose and mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hundreds of meters away, insects and birds sang among the green trees, ants crawled across the grass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dewdrops, crystal clear, hung at the edges of the blades, shattering into countless tiny beads.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seemed within reach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian clearly felt his five senses had improved noticeably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He lowered his gaze to his pale palm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thin strands of blood-red spiritual energy, transparent and invisible to others, curled around him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These energies circled his fingers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if in perfect harmony with his mind, obedient as an extension of his limbs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My Shenque spiritual essence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is at least 15%!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian boarded the aerial shuttle, still savoring his recent cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In ten hours, his Shenque spiritual essence rose by five percent!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he said this aloud, no new student would believe him!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most new students strain for a full week.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And still fail to gain even one percent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although cultivation in the Divine Gift realm becomes harder the further one progresses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Above thirty percent, increasing spiritual essence becomes exceedingly difficult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet from ten percent to fifteen percent, it took only one night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still astonishing enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The remaining ten hours cannot be used casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The aerial shuttle headed toward the indoor training ground; Jiang Jian had already decided.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The remaining ten hours should be spent on his cultivation bottlenecks and critical barriers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, Linjiang Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still needs time before the position of Chief Student is confirmed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He has no access whatsoever to trial cards for the cultivation chambers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qi certainly won’t give him a second one anytime soon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even this trial black card.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was squeezed out of Gu Qi’s own cultivation resources, offered as a gesture of goodwill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such scarce resources are equally precious to senior students.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nine o’clock sharp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first-year cultivation class.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jian still leapt from the sky, landing heavily on the stone ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fifty students stood in small groups.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to a week ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most had accumulated spiritual energy in their Shenque, their qi dense and stable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, all had made some progress in cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Last week, I said.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jian scanned the group, “First-year students won’t tolerate lazy, good-for-nothing wastes!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze swept over Jiang Jian and suddenly halted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression showed unmistakable shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the words he was about to speak were swallowed back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fifteen percent!?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jian’s mind raced, instantly recognizing Jiang Jian’s cultivation progress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What surprised him even more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was that despite his rapid advancement, Jiang Jian’s foundation was exceptionally solid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Spiritual energy brimmed full, his breath long and steady.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not a trace of instability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few seconds later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many students looked puzzled, unaware of what had happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jian cleared his throat, suppressing his shock, and continued with a stern face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Therefore.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This week’s cultivation class will include a small competition.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The competition follows an elimination format!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fifty students, five per team, forming ten study squads.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The squad ranked last will have all five members expelled from the first year!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Here, Zhang Jian’s gaze turned cold and stern again. “I’ll give you a few minutes to form your teams yourselves!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he finished speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most students showed no change in expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only a few lazy students looked panicked, huddling together whispering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shi Xuan stepped beside Jiang Jian and whispered low: “What’s he up to now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian shook his head slightly, paying no mind, and continued his cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shi Xuan opened his mouth to speak, then suddenly fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A short distance away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jian walked over, his expression noticeably gentler: “Jiang Jian, your cultivation progress is excellent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Shi Xuan and Liu Tiezhu exchanged glances, both looking bewildered, stepping aside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian replied: “An upperclassman gave me a trial card for the cultivation chamber.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every use of a cultivation chamber is automatically recorded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the head instructor, Zhang Jian has broad authority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he wanted to check, he could easily find out everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jian felt a touch of satisfaction and said: “Among this year’s new students, I don’t have high hopes for many.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re one of them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He casually summoned a particle-glass barrier to block sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jiang Jian, I have a favor to ask.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian blinked, then said: “Teacher Zhang, if you need anything, just say it outright.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jian’s expression turned serious: “For centuries, Linjiang Academy has been the top Divine Gift university in the prefecture.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jian’s expression turned grave: “For hundreds of years, Linjiang Academy has been the first Divine Gift University in the entire prefecture.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The academy’s standing has weakened.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“One month from now, the Two Prefectures Martial Debate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Dozens of Divine Gift universities from both prefectures, one hundred thousand new students, will all participate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I want you to sign up for the individual martial debate, and win a ranking for Linjiang Academy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Restore our academy’s glory as the premier Divine Gift university in Linjiang Prefecture.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Restore the glory of Linjiang Prefecture’s first Divine Gift University.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian looked up, past Zhang Jian, and said: “Teacher Zhang, I’ve already promised Liu Tiezhu and the others to compete as a study squad in the Two Prefectures Martial Debate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jian sighed: “I know human energy is limited—I won’t force you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After your squad debate, if you still have strength left, sign up for the individual debate and give it a try.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian fell silent for a moment, then agreed: “I’ll do my best.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jian nodded: “I have over a dozen students I’m counting on. Within my authority, I’ll distribute resources to them. If you agree, I’ll include you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jian nodded: “I have over a dozen students I’m counting on. Within Xu Kequan’s allotted resources, I’ll distribute some to you. If you accept, I’ll count you among them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian replied, “After the team martial arts contest, I’ll sign up for the individual martial arts contest.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jian’s eyes showed approval; he dismissed the particle screen and turned away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What did he say?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shi Xuan stepped forward, eyes filled with curiosity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian said, “Teacher Zhang said I should sign up for the individual martial arts contest.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Tiezhu stood beside him, smiled, and said, “He also approached me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clapped Jiang Jian on the shoulder. “The team martial arts contest is mainly for exchange.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“All one hundred thousand new students from the two prefectures must participate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But the individual martial arts contest is entirely voluntary.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I agreed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jian nodded: “I agreed too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Tiezhu looked at Zhang Jian’s back and said, “Teacher Zhang has deep feelings for the school.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shi Xuan sighed. “You’re going to compete in the individual martial arts contest so soon after the team one? Aren’t you tired?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Tiezhu’s eyes gleamed. “But the title for first place in the individual martial arts contest is more prestigious than the team one.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He opened his identity device and held it up to Shi Xuan’s face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The title for first place in the team martial arts contest is ‘Prefectural Academic Champion.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The title for first place in the individual martial arts contest is ‘Liangjiang Chief.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Depending on grade level, there are fifteen holders of the ‘Prefectural Academic Champion’ title.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But there are only three holders of the ‘Liangjiang Chief’ title!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Linjiang Prefecture and Hanjiang Prefecture—two major prefectures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This year’s first-year intake numbers one hundred thousand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only by sweeping all one hundred thousand new students across both prefectures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By overpowering your entire cohort alone, standing supreme above all others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Can you earn the single, year-exclusive ‘Liangjiang Chief’ title.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This also means the one who earns the ‘Liangjiang Chief’ title.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is the top prodigy among two hundred million people across both prefectures, dozens of Divine-Gifted Universities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among one hundred thousand new students—the number one prodigy!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You won’t have cultivation classes anymore.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Tiezhu suddenly spoke. “This should be the last cultivation class.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“From what I understand, by tradition, future cultivation classes will change format.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you have questions, go ask your department’s lead instructor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you have no questions, train on your own.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Theory classes can be reviewed via playback.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shi Xuan raised an eyebrow. “Then why did Zhang Jian bother with this elimination system?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Tiezhu spread his hands. “The cultivation class format has changed, but that doesn’t mean the elimination system is gone.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Still, these things—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t really concern us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1442,"2026-06-20T01:21:34.271Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","95cbb5315663901c1844699637cb193a56a9ba5fcc05dc52ba7b3189cc3f50d8","ascending-to-divinity-chapter-73","ascending-to-divinity-chapter-71",306,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fascending-to-divinity-cover.jpg"]