The next morning, the sun blazed in a cloudless sky.
The square of Linjiang No. 2 High School was already packed, shoulders brushing shoulders, a sea of people bustling with excitement.
"Jiang!" Zhou Peng waved frantically from afar as he ran over.
"Jiang! I'm so excited!" he trembled all over. "Do you think if I awaken an S-rank divine gift, I'll become famous in school?"
Jiang Yan chuckled lightly. "If you awaken an S-rank gift, then from now on, you can call me 'bro'."
"Oh, Jiang, you're joking," Zhou Peng scratched his head nervously. "With my talent, waking a C-rank would be lucky enough. But you… I'm sure you'll awaken an A-rank divine gift!"
A-rank?
Jiang Yan didn't know if he could awaken a divine gift at all. After all, he had been born with the red umbrella—his innate divine artifact.
"Can I even awaken the umbrella again?" he murmured under his breath.
"Jiang Yan! You finally made it!" A melodious voice called. Ye Yiran, wearing a floral dress, floated gracefully beside him like a dancing sprite.
"Yiran," Jiang Yan said with a faint smile, showing little emotion toward his class beauty.
First, Ye Yiran had pursued him, gaining status among the girls in Class 2, Grade 3.
Second, Jiang Yan merely used her as a shield, discouraging other girls from confessing—everyone got what they wanted.
Nearby students watched, green with envy.
"Lucky Ye Yiran, dating Jiang Yan! With his talent, he's bound to be an A-rank divine-gifted!"
"Look at them, so lovey-dovey. Poor Guo Chun in the next class—so ugly, still trying to chase Ye Yiran. Hilarious!"
Guo Chun's eyes twisted with fury. "Jiang Yan! No matter what, you always outdo me. One day, I will kill you!"
Jiang Yan ignored the gossip and focused on the divine gift stage. The ceremony was about to begin.
The principal stood on the high platform, smiling warmly. "The Divine Gift Ceremony officially begins. Students, follow the roll call. Step forward when your name is called."
"Wang Dezhong!" the ceremony officer announced.
A boy, excited and nervous, stepped onto the stage and placed his hand on the divine gift map. A faint glow emanated, then a blaze of fire surrounded him.
The officer raised an eyebrow. "B-rank ability awakened: Vermilion Firebird."
"A brilliant start!" The principal nearly fainted with excitement. The very first student had awakened a B-rank gift.
If this kept up, A- and S-ranks were bound to appear!
"Looks like I'll get promoted this year," the old principal murmured, stroking his beard. "I'll miss Linjiang No. 2. Which school will I be transferred to?"
"Lin Jie! B-rank ability, Purple Thunder!"
"Li Hua! E-rank artifact, English Textbook!"
"Wang Gangdan! C-rank artifact, Purple Mood!"
"Cai Kunzi! D-rank artifact, Power Basketball!"
…
"Guo Chun!" the officer called.
Guo Chun of Class 1, Grade 3 walked toward the stage, eyes burning with cold fury as he passed Jiang Yan.
He lightly placed his hand on the divine gift map. The previously dull surface exploded into dazzling, radiant colors.
"What—this is—!!!" The old principal jumped from his seat, glasses falling to the ground, lips trembling. "Such brilliance, such colors… It can't be wrong! It can't be wrong!"
"This is an S-rank divine gift…" Even the officer muttered in disbelief. "By my hand, we've produced an S-rank!"
Boom—!
A massive shockwave swept outward. Many students were thrown to the ground. This was the aura of an S-rank divine gift!
The officer regained his composure and shouted, "Guo Chun! S-rank divine artifact awakened: Shadowless Spear!"
The crowd fell silent. Moments later, chaos erupted.
"Oh my God! Guo Chun awakened an S-rank artifact! How did we never notice before? He's getting more attractive—he's a god among men!"
"Haha! Guo Chun is Jiang Yan's rival. This is going to be interesting." Many students snickered.
Ye Yiran's eyes trembled. "Guo Chun awakened an S-rank…"
She glanced at Jiang Yan and softly asked, "Jiang, you'll awaken an S-rank too, won't you?"
Jiang Yan thought of his little red umbrella. He didn't know its rank. Calmly, he said, "We'll see."
He had no high expectations for the ceremony—he only wanted to know the true nature of his umbrella.
By now, Guo Chun had left the stage and walked straight toward the unshaken Jiang Yan.
Students parted to give him a clear path.
"Jiang Yan, you must be jealous now," Guo Chun sneered.
"Jealous that you're uglier than me but more confident?" Jiang Yan replied lightly.
The remark was mild in tone but sharp in insult. Many students laughed.
Guo Chun, realizing he'd been outdone instead of intimidating Jiang Yan, fumed. "Jiang Yan, I'll fight you to the death!"
The words caused an uproar.
"No way! They're actually going to fight to the death? Only one can survive!"
"Guo Chun awakened an S-rank. He has the advantage. I'll bet a pack of spicy strips."
"What if Jiang Yan awakens an SS-rank gift? I bet Jiang Yan wins—two packs!"
Seeing Jiang Yan remain silent, Guo Chun mocked, "Scared? Afraid to fight me to the death?"
"No, I'm just wondering how blind someone must be to be as confident as you," Jiang Yan said, calm as ever.
"Jiang, you're not seriously agreeing to fight him to the death, are you? That's deadly!" Zhou Peng fretted.
"Why shouldn't I?" Jiang Yan smirked. "If you kill, you must be ready to be killed. Guo Chun, are you prepared?"
"You…" Guo Chun's anger reached its peak. "I'll make your death humiliating!"
He hefted the Shadowless Spear, blue lightning crackling along its tip. "After the ceremony, our duel will decide it all."
"Fine," Jiang Yan replied casually. "A buzzing fly has been annoying me long enough. Time to swat it and restore peace to my ears."
At that moment, the officer called Ye Yiran's name.
She looked deeply at Jiang Yan before stepping onto the stage. Placing her hand on the divine gift map, an instant brilliance erupted, illuminating the heavens.
This was—an S-rank divine gift!