Chapter 9

In the beautiful garden of the City Lord's residence, two women sat facing each other.

One of the women was Ziyan, who stood solemnly, her face filled with reverence as she listened intently. Opposite her was a woman of extraordinary beauty, who smiled and began to speak, imparting countless truths and principles of cultivation. Ziyan benefited greatly from her words.

This beautiful woman was none other than Mingcong Island's only main city, Dawn City's current City Lord, Fu Minghua.

No one knew the extent of her cultivation, but since she crossed the vast ocean three years ago and invited the elders of the island's four major families for a meeting, no one dared to question her identity or orders.

Although it was clear that the City Lord had come to Mingcong Island to gain experience and prestige, she generally behaved herself and did not issue arbitrary commands. However, once she gave an order, even the four major families on the island would follow it without hesitation, supporting and obeying her wholeheartedly. This alone showed the authority and status she held on the island.

At this moment, she was carefully instructing Ziyan, her satisfaction with the young girl increasing by the minute.

Suddenly, Fu Minghua's expression changed. She abruptly stopped speaking and stood up from her seat, gazing into the distance.

Ziyan was taken aback and asked in surprise, "City Lord, what's happening?"

Although she had never fought with the City Lord, she knew that the City Lord possessed unfathomable abilities. The reason she had willingly come to the City Lord's residence these past few days was to listen to her insights on cultivation. Even without any direct inheritance, the benefits she had gained were unimaginable.

Fu Minghua hesitated for a moment and then smiled, "Nothing, I must have been overthinking it." She shook her head lightly, "The gods are so revered, how could they possibly come here?"

Ziyan looked puzzled. Although she was exceptionally talented, her young age and lack of experience prevented her from understanding the implications of these words.

Fu Minghua smiled and shook her head, "Ziyan, I am very satisfied with your progress. Once my term ends, I will take you back to the mainland. There, you will find a truly wonderful world where you can fully utilize your talents and not let your gifts go to waste."

Ziyan responded softly, a hint of reluctance in her eyes.

Fu Minghua smiled and said, "Don't worry. Before I leave, I will make sure that your brother is well taken care of. In fact, for your brother to receive divine favor and condense star energy in a single night is a tremendous blessing." She paused, then added with a hint of envy, "If this were on the mainland, someone who has received such divine favor would be highly sought after by all the major sects."

Ziyan looked up suddenly and pleaded, "City Lord, if that's the case, why don't you take him with us?"

Fu Minghua sighed and consoled her, "Ziyan, since he has received divine favor, he cannot be easily moved. This is a strict rule of the gods, and no one dares to defy it." After a moment's thought, she continued, "But don't worry. After the one-year ban, regardless of whether your brother still receives divine favor, I will bring him to reunite with you."

Ziyan's face lit up, and she bowed deeply to Fu Minghua, "Thank you, City Lord."

Fu Minghua smiled and helped her up, "You must also work hard. Once you open your divine eyes through divine favor, I will personally take you as my disciple and teach you the secrets of divine cultivation."

"Yes," Ziyan's eyes sparkled, "I will work hard and not let you down."

Fu Minghua waved her hand and smiled, "Go and prepare. There are still more than ten days left. If you want your brother to participate in the assessment, that's fine, but don't have too high hopes."

Ziyan responded softly and turned to leave.

She walked back home, but before she could see her little brother, she saw Shen Sheng standing in the hall with a strange expression.

Ziyan was slightly startled and asked in surprise, "Shen Sheng, what's wrong?"

Shen Sheng's lips twitched, "It's not me, but your precious little brother..." He sighed, seemingly at a loss for words.

Ziyan became even more surprised and worried, "What did my little brother do wrong, or is someone causing him trouble again?"

Shen Sheng smiled bitterly, "Neither. Your little brother, he actually... actually succeeded."

Ziyan's beautiful, long eyebrows furrowed, "Shen Sheng, what are you... ah, what did you say?" She couldn't help but raise her voice at the end.

Shen Sheng raised a finger and hushed her, "Be quiet."

Ziyan realized her mistake and nodded gratefully, but couldn't help asking, "Shen Sheng, are you saying that my little brother successfully manifested divine favor?"

Even though she was almost certain, she still found it hard to believe.

Manifesting divine favor was a goal that many mid-stage star cultivators at the fourth or fifth rank struggled to achieve.

Star ranks were the power that those with a connection could cultivate. Each rank advancement provided an opportunity to refine the body, significantly enhancing one's physical constitution.

However, the true measure of a star cultivator's strength, besides the rank difference, was whether they could manifest divine favor.

Only those who could manifest divine favor were truly blessed by the gods and gained the power to fight beyond their rank.

This was a tremendous blessing for Linghe.

However, after the initial joy, Ziyan's expression became slightly unusual.

Shen Sheng said slowly, "Ziyan, you've thought it through, right?"

Ziyan nodded lightly, "Shen Sheng, you're right. We must not publicize this."

Shen Sheng said softly, "I understand, so I had Uncle Fu return early. No one else knows about this except you and me." He paused, "But what do you plan to do? This can't be kept secret for long."

Ziyan thought for a moment, "I originally planned to have my little brother participate in the divine favor rank test before I leave. Since this has happened, we'll do it earlier." She smiled proudly, "If I could manifest divine favor in the rank test, it wouldn't be surprising for my little brother to do the same with divine favor."

Shen Sheng exhaled deeply, "That's the only way. But..." His gaze was peculiar, "I thought you were the most blessed person I would ever meet, but it turns out Linghe is even more blessed than you."

Ziyan smiled, "He's my little brother, of course he's special."

Shen Sheng shook his head slightly, as if he wanted to say something but held back. In his heart, he thought, this brother and sister... are too enviable.

Composing himself, Shen Sheng said slowly, "Linghe is in the inner courtyard. Go talk to him yourself. During the test, tell him to hold back a bit. If he accidentally surpasses the benchmark you set, it might cause trouble."

Ziyan nodded with a smile, "I understand. But even if there's trouble, it's fine. The City Lord has already promised me that once the one-year ban is over, she will take my little brother to the mainland."

Shen Sheng was taken aback for a moment, then congratulated her with a smile.

At his urging, Ziyan went to the inner courtyard, while he left the Yu family residence silently. As he pushed open the gate, his expression changed subtly.

It was a mix of envy, regret, pain, and a sense of inferiority.

Ziyan, the gap between us is growing wider. I can no longer keep up with you. Now, even seeing your back is a luxury.

Ziyan, of course, had no idea about Shen Sheng's thoughts. Her mind was entirely focused on her little brother. In a few quick steps, she reached Linghe's bedroom. This time, before she could knock, the door opened.

Her eyes sparkled with surprise, "Little brother, did you know I was coming?"

Linghe smiled, "Sister, I just wanted to go find you, but I didn't expect you to be back already. It must be a case of telepathy." He was joking, but in his heart, he thought, your footsteps are so heavy, of course I knew.

Ziyan reached out and lightly tapped his forehead, "Don't be naughty." Her expression turned serious, "You can manifest divine favor now, show me."

Although she knew Shen Sheng wouldn't lie about this, she was still eager to see it.

Linghe nodded, took a deep breath, and raised his hand. A faint light immediately appeared in his palm. In the next moment, the light grew brighter, becoming dazzling in an instant. Then, a lifelike mouse appeared in Linghe's palm. The mouse glanced coldly at Ziyan, and the chill in its eyes made her feel as if she had fallen into an ice cellar.

In the next moment, a faint light also appeared around her, and a blooming lotus flower emerged, as if admiring its own beauty. The light from the lotus enveloped her body, and when facing the small mouse, it seemed to be on high alert.

Ziyan was inwardly startled. Her divine guardian had appeared automatically to defend her. Could it be that the divine object her little brother was visualizing was a powerful deity?

However, in that instant, Linghe's wrist trembled, and the mouse in his palm disappeared. He looked at Ziyan with joy, "Sister, did I succeed?"

Ziyan looked at him deeply, "Yes, little brother, you succeeded." She said solemnly, "Rest well today. Tomorrow, I'll take you to the temple for the divine favor rank test. But during the test, I need you to do one thing."

Linghe nodded repeatedly, "Sister, tell me, I will do it."

"Good. When you are possessed by divine favor, suppress your power. No matter what, do not let the manifestation form."

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**PS:** This is the first week of Baihe's ranking push, with no recommendations. The only support I can rely on is from all the lovely readers! So, if you pass by, please give Baihe a vote. Thank you!

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