The classroom erupted with questions.
"What's going on, Teacher?"
"Tell us already!"
Mr. Zhong Jianguo smiled, his face glowing with pride.
"Our class," he announced, "is about to produce not one, but two Ability Users."
For a heartbeat, silence.
Then—
Whoosh!
The entire classroom exploded with noise.
"Teacher, are you saying both Li Jiangchang and Zhao Xuan have met the standard for spiritual power?"
Mr. Zhong nodded, his face radiant.
"Yes. And not only that — Zhao Xuan's spiritual power test result reached thirty-seven."
The words hit like a thunderclap.
Gasps and murmurs spread like wildfire.
Dozens of heads turned in unison toward Zhao Xuan, eyes wide with disbelief.
"Teacher, is that true!?"
"Zhao Xuan, your spiritual power is thirty-seven?"
"That's impossible! During last year's major test, he barely had fifteen!"
The room descended into chaos — students talking over one another, desks rattling, excitement buzzing in the air.
"Quiet down! Everyone, quiet!"
Mr. Zhong raised his hand, trying to restore order.
"Of course it's true," he said firmly. "As for why Zhao Xuan's spiritual power surged so suddenly, the principal suspects it's due to a mutation. You've all heard about Governor Fang Wu of Sujiang Province, haven't you? He also experienced a similar mutation in his spiritual power."
The commotion lasted more than ten minutes before Mr. Zhong's sharp reprimand finally silenced the class.
"Do you all forget what time it is? The college entrance exam is barely two weeks away, and you're still gossiping? What are you thinking? Every second counts — meditation is part of the exam too!"
Chastened, the classroom quickly fell quiet.
Students resumed their meditative postures, eyes closing one by one.
Zhao Xuan, too, straightened his back and prepared to enter his meditative state.
Just as his mind began to settle—
A crisp, ethereal voice echoed in his ears.
"Ding— The Heaven's Reward System is activating…"
"Ding— Activation successful!"
Before he could react, a translucent light screen appeared before his eyes.
[Heaven's Reward System]
Name: Zhao Xuan
Age: 17
Spirit: 37.31 / 37.31
Constitution: 19.84 / 19.84
Abilities:
Shave (Beginner: 86/100)
Iron Body (Beginner: 58/100)
Finger Drawing (Proficient: 16/200)
Moon Step (Proficient: 9/200)
Tempest Kick (Beginner: 98/100)
Finger Gun (Beginner: 59/100)
Swordsmanship (Beginner: 89/100)
(Skill Mastery Ranks: Uninitiated → Beginner → Proficient → Expert → Master → Grandmaster → Supreme → Transcendent → Saint)
"Holy—! A system!?"
Zhao Xuan's heart surged with exhilaration as he stared at the floating screen.
It took him several moments to calm his racing thoughts.
Taking a deep breath, he asked silently in his mind:
"System, what functions do you have?"
The instant the thought formed, a stream of knowledge poured into his mind.
The information was simple, yet thrilling.
The Heaven's Reward System did exactly what its name implied.
Heaven rewards diligence.
In other words — the harder you work, the stronger you become.
"So… as long as I keep working hard, I can grow stronger?"
Zhao Xuan's eyes gleamed with excitement—