Translator: CinderTL
Jiang Ye had never heard of such a thing.
Failing to even register?
"The Cosmic Divine Path is controlled by an Interstellar Consortium," Zhao Qingli explained. "Although the Federation can compel its use, it's mostly managed by the Consortium, so the application process is extremely competitive."
"Interstellar Consortium?" Jiang Ye's expression shifted slightly; this was the first time he'd heard of such an entity.
Zhao Qingli continued, "As far as I know, unless you're an exceptionally talented Heavenly Pride, you need a recommendation to even participate in the Cosmic Divine Path."
"This is somewhat similar to the Reserve Star Professional Assessment."
"However, for the Reserve Star Professional Assessment, a high school teacher's recommendation is sufficient."
"For the Cosmic Divine Path, even a university professor's recommendation might not be enough." Zhao Qingli shook her head gently.
"Even a university professor's recommendation isn't enough?" Jiang Ye was surprised.
Zhao Qingli nodded. "The Cosmic Divine Path is backed by the Interstellar Consortium. To get a recommendation, you need to find someone within that Consortium."
She turned to Jiang Ye.
"If you've only just achieved your first breakthrough and have no reputation, your application will almost certainly be rejected."
"After all, each activation of the Cosmic Divine Path requires immeasurable resources."
"Therefore, without a recommendation, the Cosmic Divine Path is only open to true Heavenly Pride," Zhao Qingli patiently explained.
Jiang Ye's expression shifted slightly at this.
"Does each activation require a massive expenditure? They wouldn't charge an application fee, would they?"
"No, there's no fee for the strength certification itself," Zhao Qingli shook her head. "That's a Federation regulation."
"However, these recommendation slots are transferable, which can lead to significant financial transactions."
"It's essentially a backdoor application fee," Zhao Qingli added.
"Good grief," Jiang Ye muttered, finally understanding the situation.
So, these recommendation slots were just a loophole created by the Interstellar Consortium to circumvent Federation regulations?
You won't let me charge an application fee?
Fine, I'll impose a recommendation requirement instead.
Pay for a recommendation slot to get your strength certified.
"So, my only way in is through a recommendation?" Jiang Ye frowned.
He didn't know anyone from the consortiums.
He wouldn't even know where to buy a recommendation slot.
The organization controlling the Cosmic Divine Path must be an unimaginably massive entity.
Likely one of the oligarchs at the very pinnacle of the Blue Star Federation.
"Is there no other way besides a recommendation?" Jiang Ye asked.
Zhao Qingli shook her head. "If you can get into one of the ten great schools, you won't need a recommendation at all."
"That status alone will open the doors of the Cosmic Divine Path for you," she said earnestly.
Jiang Ye sighed in frustration.
That's as good as saying nothing at all.
If I could get into one of the ten great schools, why would I even need Cosmic Divine Path certification?
Jiang Ye frowned. "Director Zhang never mentioned needing a recommendation."
"This is insider information my mother told me," Zhao Qingli said with a dismissive snort. "It's normal for Director Zhang not to know."
Great. Having a Star Practitioner mother really makes you special.
Jiang Ye sighed again. It seemed he had no choice but to discuss strategies with the director.
Seeing his gloomy expression, Zhao Qingli tilted her head thoughtfully.
"Do you really want to join the Cosmic Divine Path?" she asked, looking at Jiang Ye.
Jiang Ye nodded.
"I might have a way," Zhao Qingli said, resting her chin on her small hand. "But I can't guarantee it will work."
Jiang Ye's eyes lit up.
"Really? If it works, I'll treat you to dinner!" he blurted out instinctively.
But he immediately realized that with the class monitor's family background, she hardly needed him to treat her.
Zhao Qingli's lips curled into a slight smile as she said coldly, "Just wait for my news."
With that, she straightened her proud chest, turned on her snow-white legs, and strode away.
Jiang Ye watched her retreating figure and slowly exhaled.
"I hope she succeeds."
He decided not to report the matter to Zhang Jianwu immediately, as the latter might not have a solution anyway. He would wait to see if Zhao Qingli could resolve the situation first.
Jiang Ye returned to his spot, closed his eyes, and resumed his cultivation.
Meanwhile, Zhao Qingli approached the staircase, pulled out her phone, and hesitated for a moment.
Then, she dialed a number.
Beep
The call connected.
"Qingli," a cold female voice answered. "What is it?"
The voice was like a winter wind, icy and piercing.
Yet Zhao Qingli remained completely unfazed.
"Sister," she said, a hint of warmth softening her usually aloof expression. "It's been so long. Let's meet up."
A moment of silence hung in the air.
Ding! A projection materialized.
A young woman in a snow-white gown stood tall, a longsword strapped to her back, radiating an aura of extraordinary presence.
The young woman appeared to be around twenty years old, her face bearing a striking resemblance to Zhao Qingli's, as beautiful as the radiant moon.
Beneath her swan-like neck, her figure rivaled Zhao Qingli's in voluptuousness, while beneath her impossibly slender, snow-white waist, a pair of long, pale legs shimmered faintly.
Absolutely stunning.
Yet her expression was as cold as frost, radiating an aura that kept others at arm's length.
This was Zhao Qingli's elder sister, Zhao Jingxue.
"Qingli," Zhao Jingxue said in an icy tone, "state your business quickly. I need to resume my cultivation."
Zhao Qingli knew her sister always spoke this way and paid it no mind.
"Sister," Zhao Qingli said, her voice tinged with playful affection, "I just missed you."
Zhao Jingxue glanced at her helplessly, her voice still frigid. "I'm about to participate in the Nine Refinements. Time is short."
"Nine Refinements?" Zhao Qingli blinked in surprise.
She knew this was one of the most important events at Zhao Jingxue's university.
Without further delay, she cut to the chase. "Sister, you have several recommendation slots for the Cosmic Divine Path, right? Could you transfer one to me?"
Zhao Jingxue looked at her in astonishment. "You're planning to take the Cosmic Divine Path certification?"
"It wasn't me," Zhao Qingli confessed. "It was a classmate of mine."
"Your classmate?" Zhao Jingxue frowned, her voice icy. "The Cosmic Divine Path slots were granted by my teacher, Old Chen. They can't be transferred arbitrarily."
Zhao Qingli's face fell. "Didn't you say last time you could transfer one to me?"
"You're my sister. Transferring it to you would be understandable," Zhao Jingxue said coldly. "But your classmate is an outsider."
Zhao Qingli's disappointment was palpable. Her usually proud face now wore a crestfallen expression.
"Ugh, I shouldn't have told him," Zhao Qingli muttered, pouting.
Zhao Jingxue studied her sister intently. "What's he to you?" she asked suddenly.
"I already said—he's a classmate."
"A classmate?" Zhao Jingxue chuckled softly. "What were his scores on the monthly exam? What's his family background?"
Zhao Qingli eyed her sister warily. "Why are you asking all these questions? It feels like an interrogation."
Despite her protest, she answered truthfully: "He's second in our grade, with 839 points. His family is ordinary."
Upon hearing this,
Zhao Jingxue shook her head, her voice icy. "With a score like that, giving him a spot would be a waste."
She turned to her younger sister, her tone sharp. "Qingli, you should avoid associating with people like him. They're not our social equals. The Zhao family's status is not something ordinary people can approach."
"Besides," Zhao Jingxue continued coldly, "haven't you always despised dealing with the poor? Calling them 'paupers'? Why are you associating with someone like that now?"
"I still dislike paupers," Zhao Qingli said, her delicate brows furrowing, not denying the sentiment. "But he's now a Second-Tier Reserve Star Practitioner!"
(End of the Chapter)
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