Chapter 24: The Faithful, Ye Lian

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Reader’s Note: There have been many negative reviews for this chapter.

Ye Lian is not the female protagonist, nor is she, as in other novels, destined to become a female disciple. She is merely a lens through which the story begins—a woman’s perspective brings a gentler touch. The subsequent plot will give all the students equal attention; no one will dominate the narrative. The author bows again in thanks.

…

When High Priest Shen Xing announced he would take on disciples and personally impart his unfathomable divine arts, the news exploded like a supernova, illuminating every corner of the Celestial Sphere.

The world trembled; every corner buzzed with excited discussions and boundless yearning.

Divine arts—this phrase had long since transcended legend in people’s hearts. It represented a supreme power, a mysterious force capable of altering fate and defying the laws of nature.

Throughout history, those who had been granted the gift of divine arts became legends themselves, their deeds shining like stars in the annals of the Celestial Sphere.

Yet legends belong to the past, and now High Priest Shen Xing’s feats astonished the world even more.

With the strength of one man, under the watchful eyes of countless people, he had destroyed a planet many times larger than the Celestial Sphere.

This alone was the ultimate testament to the true might of divine arts.

Even the most advanced technology could not compare.

Nuclear weapons, in the presence of divine arts, were nothing but children’s toys.

People’s dreams and desires were set ablaze, and within their hearts, all manner of wishes blossomed:

“I want to fly like the High Priest and touch the clouds for myself!”
“I want to live forever and see if the universe has an end!”
“I want to stand on the moon and witness the legendary gray wasteland!”
“As long as I can become the High Priest’s student, I’m willing to give everything I have!”
“I want to use my strength to defend the peace of humanity!”

Everyone had their own dream, but all pointed to the same goal—to become Shen Xing’s disciple.

They knew only by passing the rigorous tests of the Central Temple and earning Shen Xing’s recognition could they embark upon this glorious path.

…

On the eastern frontier, nestled by waves that gently caressed the shore, lay a small fishing village.

A young woman named Ye Lian had just turned eighteen this year.

Her father was a simple fisherman, spending his days at sea, supporting his family with honest labor. Her mother was a homemaker, caring for Ye Lian and her younger siblings.

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As the eldest daughter, Ye Lian had shown a love of learning and a thirst for knowledge from an early age. Her intelligence and diligence earned her outstanding academic achievements.

Her father, though exhausted from his daily toil, felt pride and hope whenever he saw his daughter’s success.

Ye Lian’s hard work finally paid off this year.

At eighteen, she was admitted to Celestial Academy in the central district with excellent results, becoming the pride of the entire village.

When the news arrived, the little fishing village was filled with joy and excitement at having produced such a gifted student.

Ye Lian’s father, who never touched alcohol, made an exception that night, drinking a few celebratory cups, his happiness unmistakable.

However, a decree from the Central Temple brought a fresh wave of commotion to the small village.

High Priest Shen Xing—that legendary figure, master of the divine arts—had announced he would take on disciples and personally teach them.

The news spread to every corner of the Celestial Sphere.

In both bustling cities and remote villages, people discussed the proclamation, and the longing for divine arts burned in every heart.

When the village chief’s voice echoed through the square, finishing the reading of the Central Temple’s decree, all eyes turned instinctively toward Ye Dahai.

Their gazes brimmed with envy; the air was thick with lively discussion.

“In our village, who besides Old Ye’s daughter has gone to university?”
“Dahai, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for your girl—you must tell her right away!”
“If she can become the High Priest’s disciple, that would be the highest honor! Old Ye, let your daughter go to the Central Temple for the test!”

Standing in the midst of the crowd, Ye Dahai felt the warmth and expectations coming from all sides.

He was filled with pride and a trace of pressure; Ye Lian’s intellect and diligence were recognized by all.

This opportunity was both a challenge and a blessing of fate for her.

The villagers’ words, free from jealousy or exclusion, carried only the sincerest wishes for Ye Lian and curiosity about the unknown, warming Ye Dahai’s heart like a gentle current.

Taking a deep breath, he knew that as her father, he must support his daughter’s dreams.

He lifted his head, responding to the villagers’ expectations with unwavering resolve.

“Thank you all for your concern and advice. I’ll be sure to tell Ye Lian about this. Whatever the outcome, we’ll do our best and live up to everyone’s hopes!”

Returning home, Ye Dahai found Ye Lian and relayed the Central Temple’s decree.

As she listened, Ye Lian’s eyes sparkled with dreams of endless possibilities and a yearning for her aspirations.

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“To become the High Priest’s student—what an extraordinary honor that would be.”

She repeated the thought in her heart, filled with an excitement she’d never known, mingled with deep uncertainty and doubt.

For Ye Lian, this was not only a chance to pursue higher knowledge but also a path to realize her personal dreams.

She understood that there was only one way to obtain the divine arts:

She had to pass the rigorous test of the Celestial Faith and earn the High Priest’s acceptance.

But on the Celestial Sphere, talented young people abounded.

Could she, a girl from a small fishing village, truly be chosen?

Ye Dahai looked into his daughter’s eyes—there was hope, confusion, and a touch of self-doubt.

Though he revered the power of divine arts, he cared even more for his daughter’s future.

Becoming the High Priest’s disciple would be a tremendous challenge for Ye Lian, but also a rare opportunity.

“If we never try, we’ll never know the result.”

“Tomorrow, I’ll go with you to the Central Temple. We’ll face this challenge together!”

Ye Lian raised her head and, seeing the determination in her father’s eyes, felt her confusion and fear wane.

She knew that, whatever the outcome, she would not be alone.

Her father would always be by her side, offering strength and support.

…

The next morning, the villagers gathered at the entrance of the village, their eyes full of blessings and anticipation.

Bathed in these warm gazes, Ye Lian and her father, Ye Dahai, set out for the Central Temple.

The high-speed train slid out of the station, carrying the hopes of the entire village, traversing vast fields and bustling cities toward the central district.

Ye Lian knew this path would not be an easy one, but she believed that with perseverance, she would one day truly understand the greatness of the Celestial Father.

This was a crucial choice in her life and the beginning of her journey toward her dreams.

Lost in her thoughts, after a day and a night of travel, the train finally arrived at its destination.