Chapter 116 The Power of Incense, Director of the Star Refining University

The third day after Ning Shijun attained godhood.

Yunlin City... no... it should be called Great Peace now.

Ning Shijun named it Great Peace after the world of Zhang Jiao's dreams, hoping that Great Peace City could become a paradise, a world of ultimate bliss without war, disease, or reincarnation, where everyone could live happily without worries.

A statue was erected in the center of Great Peace City, bearing the exact likeness of Ning Shijun.

It was spontaneously erected by the citizens, and beneath the statue were four large characters: Grand Preceptor of Great Benevolence.

Citizens would come to worship at the foot of the statue every day, lighting three sticks of incense.

Behind the statue stood the tallest building in Great Peace City, the [Faith Fire Tower].

"Why is the current Power of Faith so different from the Power of Faith at the beginning?"

Ning Shijun and Gu Ye stood before a floor-to-ceiling window, watching the worshipping crowd below.

Gu Ye thought for a moment, feeling that what Ning Shijun described was very similar to something from the Eastern mythological systems of his past life.

"It's Incense Fire Power."

"Hmm?"

Ning Shijun turned to look at him in confusion.

"Before you became a god, you received the faith of the people. This faith was an energized expression of 'I believe in you, I think of you, I beseech you.' It was a one-way form, and that is the Power of Faith."

"But after you became a god, although the people's pleas remain, they have received your response. It is a two-way contractual energy of 'I worship you, you protect me.'"

"Furthermore, the current Power of Faith has been purified through a certain ritual, which is why it's also called Incense Fire Power."

Gu Ye gave his explanation while observing the citizens below and the glowing statue surrounded by curling blue smoke.

After listening to Gu Ye's words and sensing his own state, Ning Shijun asked again:

"Then what is the difference between the two?"

Hearing this, Gu Ye couldn't help but roll his eyes. Was he the god, or was Ning Shijun?

"The content of the Power of Faith is too chaotic; it carries desires and stray thoughts. It's not easy to absorb and can cause backlash."

"Incense Fire Power, on the other hand, is pure and easy to absorb, but it carries the risk of being hijacked or assimilated by the willpower of the believers."

"So there's not much difference; both have risks. But relatively speaking, Incense Fire Power is stronger than the Power of Faith."

Ning Shijun pondered for a moment before giving a free and easy smile.

"I've already become a god; these are all minor matters. It's enough that I have the power to protect the people."

Gu Ye smiled. This was still the Ning Shijun he knew.

"Let's go. I'll take you to fill out your school applications. I imagine many academies are hoping you'll join them."

As he spoke, a golden light from Ning Shijun enveloped Gu Ye, and he took a step forward.

The two arrived in a small alley. Ning Shijun had swapped his black-gold divine robes for the gray trench coat Gu Ye had seen him in the first time.

"Let's go to Huoyang No. 1 Middle School. I've already sent word. The admissions director from Star Refining University is already waiting for us."

A few minutes later, the two walked to the entrance of Huoyang No. 1 Middle School. After Ning Shijun greeted the guard, he led Gu Ye inside.

When they reached the principal's office, three people were sitting on the sofa, with three cups of steaming tea on the coffee table.

Zhu Mancang's mind was racing, and his palms were sweating profusely.

Two figures suddenly appeared at the door. He looked up, and when Gu Ye came into view, he stood up in surprise and went to greet them.

"Ah, Student Gu, you've finally arrived."

Zhu Mancang looked at Ning Shijun beside Gu Ye and hurriedly bowed to welcome him. He had known for a while that Ning Shijun was a powerhouse of the Mythical rank, and his heart was visibly racing.

"This must be your father!"

"Ning Shijun!"

Ning Shijun responded with a smile.

"Please, come in!"

Zhu Mancang stepped aside to let the two enter first.

Ning Shijun took the lead, followed closely by Gu Ye, and the two sat on the sofa.

Gu Ye observed the three people on the sofa.

Zhu Mancang was a plump middle-aged man. To his left was an old man with eyes full of wisdom; both of their auras seemed to be above the Gold rank.

To his right was an arrogant youth at Silver Rank Nine, whose gaze toward Gu Ye was filled with provocation and disdain.

Zhu Mancang said with a beaming smile, "Student Gu, you're planning to apply for my Star Refining University, right?"

Gu Ye nodded slightly and saw him take out a document and place it on the table.

"Student Gu, these are the best terms our academy can offer."

Gu Ye picked up the document and began to flip through it.

"Star Refining University will provide you with one billion in cultivation resources every year, plus the breakthrough materials from Silver all the way to Diamond, and a once-a-year qualification to enter the [Godly Essence Realm] Card Domain."

After speaking, cold sweat trickled down Zhu Mancang's forehead, and his eyes unconsciously flickered toward Ning Shijun.

He watched Ning Shijun's expression, terrified that a single disagreement might lead to everyone present being obliterated, but Ning Shijun's expression remained unchanged as he quietly sipped his tea.

"Acceptable."

After reading the document, Gu Ye nodded slightly in satisfaction.

Hearing this, Zhu Mancang immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

At that moment, the youth beside him spoke up arrogantly, saying:

"I was wondering who it was that could get the academy to offer such high terms. So it's this year's College Entrance Examination champion."

"And you are?"

Gu Ye looked at the youth with amusement, wanting to see what kind of trouble he was trying to stir up.

"Li Yaoling of the Imperial Capital's Li Family."

"What are you trying to say?"

Gu Ye asked directly.

Li Yaoling was taken aback; he hadn't expected Gu Ye to be so direct. He no longer hid his ambition.

"I don't think you're worthy of being the College Entrance Examination champion."

Before his voice even died down, the atmosphere in the room instantly froze. Seeing this, Zhu Mancang's face turned pale, and the cold sweat that had just stopped began to flow again.

"Li Yaoling, what are you doing? Get out of here..."

Gu Ye stopped him: "Director Zhu, let him finish."

"I want to test the worth of this College Entrance Examination champion of yours."

Hearing this, Gu Ye narrowed his eyes and then agreed.

"Fine!"

Li Yaoling looked delighted and quickly continued: "Since it's a duel, how can there be no stakes?"

Gu Ye looked at him with amusement: "What stakes do you want?"

"Your [Godly Essence Realm] slot."

"And what about you?"

Li Yaoling placed a card on the table: "One purple card-making material!"

Gu Ye shook his head at the sight. "Not enough. I think you know the value of a [Godly Essence Realm] slot better than I do."

Hearing this, a flash of humiliated anger crossed Li Yaoling's eyes, and he gritted his teeth as he pulled out two more purple card-making materials.

Seeing this, Gu Ye replied: "Deal!"

"No..." Zhu Mancang was about to stop their bet when suddenly, a wave of pressure bore down on him.

Zhu Mancang saw Ning Shijun glance at him and immediately shut his mouth.

The group arrived at the gymnasium of Huoyang No. 1 Middle School.

"It's sealed off now; no one will disturb you."

The old principal of Huoyang No. 1 Middle School adjusted the glasses on the bridge of his nose.