The classroom door slammed open with a sudden bang, and it was no surprise that Bai Hao immediately became the center of attention. Every eye in the room turned to him as he stood framed in the doorway, the afternoon sun casting a warm glow over his slightly flushed face.
Though he'd had plenty of experience sneaking out of school back in his "previous life" and dodging the security guards at the main gate, he'd never expected to walk straight into his most feared class – Mr. Li's math lesson. His heart hammered against his ribs, and a wave of guilt washed over him the moment he saw the teacher standing at the podium. This was exactly what he'd been dreading – getting caught red-handed and late.
He forced a stiff smile onto his face, bracing himself for the worst.
"Hehe… Mr. Li, good afternoon…"
His voice came out dry and strained, every hint of nervousness plain to hear. On the podium stood Mr. Li – a math teacher renowned for his meticulous thinking and no-nonsense approach, someone who struck fear into the hearts of most teenagers. At the sound of Bai Hao's voice, he looked up from his lesson plans, adjusting his metal-rimmed glasses as his sharp gaze swept over the latecomer through the clear lenses.
Bai Hao instinctively straightened his back, his muscles tensing as he prepared for the inevitable storm. It could be a harsh reprimand that would leave him red-faced in front of the entire class, or perhaps a punishment of standing in the corner for half an hour… either way, he was ready to take his medicine.
But the storm never came.
Mr. Li just stared at him quietly, his expression unreadable. After a long moment that felt like an eternity, his tone softened unexpectedly – a rare, almost gentle look crossing his stern face.
"Bai Hao."
His voice was deep and resonant, yet surprisingly soothing. "I know that awakening only a Profound-level talent must have been a heavy blow to you. But life can't be spent wallowing in disappointment. You need to adapt quickly and focus all your energy on the trials ahead."
He stepped down from the podium, his short frame moving with purpose as he stopped directly in front of Bai Hao. Though he wasn't tall, he carried an air of quiet authority and genuine sincerity.
"My boy, remember this – society runs not just on its shining stars, but on the ordinary little cogs that keep everything turning. Sometimes, those cogs are what form the strongest foundation of all. Not being able to become a powerful superhuman doesn't mean your life loses any of its value."
He pointed to himself, his thumb pressing against his chest. "Most people in this world – even someone like me, with only Yellow-level talent – we're all nurturing the future pillars of the Xia Kingdom right here on this three-foot platform. Bai Hao, do you understand what your teacher is trying to say?"
Bai Hao lowered his gaze, his eyes falling on the slightly worn gaps between the floor tiles beneath his feet. The teacher's words were heartfelt, filled with genuine concern and encouragement – there was no denying that.
But he couldn't bring himself to agree.
Even in his previous world, where no one had extraordinary powers, people were all physiologically the same – one nose, two eyes, all ordinary human beings. In theory, there should have been no distinction between high and low, noble and common. Yet even then, the powerful oppressed the powerless, the rich exploited the poor. Even those at the bottom of society would find ways to feel superior by lording over those weaker than themselves.
In the end, humans were inherently selfish and self-centered creatures – fairness and equality were beautiful ideals, but believing they could ever be fully achieved was simply naive. And now, in this world where extraordinary powers existed, old perceptions had been completely shattered. Once someone reached the rank of Spirit Envoy or Spirit Master, the gap between the strong and the weak became so vast it was almost like a difference in dimensions!
The idea that all beings were equal might work as a comforting lie to tell others, but to believe it yourself was ridiculous. Still, he couldn't simply reject Mr. Li's kindness – the teacher was only saying these things to comfort him.
"Mr. Li, I understand now. Don't worry – I'll make sure to prepare myself properly for whatever comes next."
As soon as Bai Hao finished speaking, he hurried back to his seat in the back row, hoping to avoid any further attention. Just as Mr. Li was about to say more, the bell rang out sharply, signaling the end of class.
School's out.
Mr. Li shook his head, unsure how much of his advice had actually sunk in. He could only walk back to the podium, gather his books and papers, and announce to the students: "Class is dismissed."
A wave of cheers swept through the room as teenagers jumped from their seats, grabbing their bags and chatting excitedly as they prepared to head to the cafeteria. Bai Hao had just sat down, barely having time to catch his breath, when someone jabbed him hard in the back with what felt like an elbow.
He turned around to see a familiar face grinning widely – mischief and arrogance written all over it, while the person gave an exaggerated thumbs-up.
"Hehe! Haozi! That was brilliant, absolutely brilliant! Your timing couldn't have been more perfect! You don't show up after school yesterday, but today you waltz right in under the teacher's nose – amazing! I'm genuinely impressed!"
The voice was loud and clear – unmistakably Li Yao, his best friend since they'd been kids together.
"Come on, something urgent came up and I lost track of time. I really didn't mean to make a scene," Bai Hao said, waving his hand dismissively. He found Li Yao's over-the-top reaction both amusing and slightly annoying. In his memories from his previous life, Li Yao had been just an ordinary student who'd somehow aced the college entrance exam and gotten into the nation's top defense university. Rumor had it he'd later been involved in some secret government projects, and eventually they'd lost touch.
Now, in this new world where psychic powers ruled supreme, what kind of path would this same person take?
"Tsk tsk tsk! Not fair at all! You wake up yesterday and vanish without a word – I waited for you forever! You value romance more than brotherhood, don't you?" Li Yao plopped down on the empty chair next to Bai Hao, leaning back casually as if he owned the place.
"Look at you, strutting around like you're the king of the world!" Bai Hao shot back, glancing at him irritably. "You must have gotten some amazing news to be this happy – did you hit the jackpot or what?"
From what he knew of Li Yao, his emotions were always written all over his face. If he was this excited – practically bouncing out of his seat – it could only mean he'd awakened something truly extraordinary.
"Alright, alright, bro! I know it might look like I'm showing off or… uh, rubbing it in your face! But I swear I just can't hold it in – I have to share this incredible news with you!" Li Yao rubbed his hands together excitedly, his eyes sparkling with barely contained joy. "You have no idea how happy I am right now…"
Seeing Li Yao's mix of excitement and nervousness, Bai Hao just waved his hand impatiently. "Okay, okay, I get it – I'm not that sensitive. Just tell me already – what kind of talent did you get? Don't keep me in suspense."
Judging by his friend's reaction, it had to be at least Heavenly-level, right? Otherwise, he wouldn't be making such a big deal out of it.
"Hey! Now you're talking my language!" Li Yao beamed, leaning forward conspiratorially and lowering his voice to a whisper despite his obvious excitement. "Alright, alright – open your eyes wide, big brother!"
He stretched out his right hand, his expression suddenly becoming serious and focused. The air around his palm seemed to vibrate slightly, as if responding to his will – then, a soft hiss hiss sound filled the air.
A layer of crystal-clear white material began to spread across the back of his hand – it looked like solidified ice, yet it sparkled like diamonds catching the light. It grew outward like living vines, emerging from beneath his skin and spreading at an astonishing speed. Within seconds, the sparkling substance – which had a cold metallic sheen – covered his entire palm, forming a perfect crystal glove that radiated a faint chill.
"This is… Crystallization?" Bai Hao murmured, his eyes widening slightly in recognition.
Crystallization was a rare and powerful talent that combined high attack and defense capabilities. At its peak, cultivators with this ability could develop near-invincible defenses and destructive power that could shatter almost anything in their path. When fully mastered, it was said to grant an immortal body stronger than any magical artifact, paired with terrifying destructive force capable of leveling mountains.
For teenagers who valued direct action and dreamed of defeating their enemies single-handedly, this type of Spirit Envoy ability was incredibly appealing – far more so than those that relied on teamwork or complex techniques. Of course, this extreme focus on individual power meant that the benefits to their contracted Spirit Master were relatively limited.
"…Very impressive. Congratulations," Bai Hao said casually, his tone flat despite the significance of what he'd just seen.
"Haozi, don't you worry about a thing!" Li Yao pulled his hand back, slapping his chest hard enough to make a loud thud. He exuded the kind of heroic confidence that made him seem ready to charge into battle at a moment's notice. "From now on, I'll have your back! Anyone who dares to bully you just needs to mention my name – Li Yao! If they so much as touch a hair on your head, I'll teach them a lesson they'll never forget!"
His overconfidence practically filled the entire classroom, making Bai Hao shake his head in amusement.
"Cut it out already," he chuckled, standing up and grabbing his backpack. "Stop bragging and go practice with that ability of yours. Now let's go eat – I'm starving."
"Hey! Wait up!" Li Yao immediately jumped to his feet, instinctively reaching out to throw his arm around Bai Hao's shoulders – a habit he'd had since they were kids. But Bai Hao twisted his body deftly to avoid him, stepping aside with practiced ease.
"How many times do I have to tell you to stop doing that?!" Bai Hao sighed, rubbing his forehead in frustration. "No matter how much the world changes, you just can't break that annoying habit of yours!"
Just as the two reached the classroom door, their conversation came to an abrupt halt. Standing in the doorway, bathed in golden afternoon sunlight, was a slender, tall figure that looked as if she'd been touched by morning dew. She wore the school uniform perfectly – the crisp skirt accentuating her youthful figure, her long black hair tied neatly into a high ponytail that flowed gracefully down her back.
Her face was beautiful and elegant, with eyes that seemed to hold entire galaxies of starlight within them. The moment she appeared, she acted like a magnet, instantly drawing the attention of every boy in the class who hadn't already rushed out.
The air in the room froze for a split second.
"Isn't that Yun Meng? The Saint-level genius who awakened yesterday?"
"A goddess! What's she doing in our class?"
"Must be here to see Mu Wanqiu, right? The two top geniuses – they're the prettiest girls in school…"
"Wow, look at her posture… No wonder she's on the track team – just look at her physique…"
"Shut up! Look! Who's she looking at?"
Whispers and excited murmurs spread through the room like wildfire, filled with silent admiration and awe. Even those boys who'd been in a hurry to get to the cafeteria stopped in their tracks, their breathing slowing as they stared.
In the sunlight, Yun Meng's gaze swept quickly across the classroom. When her eyes landed on her target, her expression transformed – as if spring snow was melting under the sun, the cool composure on her face vanishing completely. Her beautiful eyes curved into perfect crescent moons, clear as crystal and filled with pure happiness. The corners of her lips lifted into a sweet smile that could have melted even the thickest ice.
The warm afternoon sun cast a golden halo around her enchanting profile – in that moment, her beauty was enough to captivate every confused and anxious teenager in the room who was still navigating the turbulent waters of puberty.
"Good grief…"
Li Yao stared blankly, his eyes glazed over and his jaw hanging open in pure shock. He nudged Bai Hao with his elbow, his voice trembling as if he were in a dream.
"Bai… Bai Hao… she… she's looking at me, right? She must be! My spring… it came out of nowhere?!"
Bai Hao felt his vision darken for a moment, millions of thoughts racing through his mind at lightning speed. Of course he remembered his promise to Yun Meng – they'd agreed to meet after school to talk about their reversed contract. But couldn't she have chosen a better time? Like late at night, when fewer people were around? Not during lunch hour, when the entire class had their eyes wide open like light bulbs…
She's putting me in an impossible position! he thought frantically. Do I not attract enough attention already as "the mysterious guy with the weird awakening"? What about my reputation?! Does that mean nothing to her?!
Just as Bai Hao was silently cursing his luck, the smiling girl at the door raised her hand, extending one slender finger in a gentle yet unmistakable gesture. Even from several meters away, she pointed precisely at his location.
Her voice was clear and melodious, carrying across the quiet room with undisguised warmth and laughter:
"Bai Hao~ come here~"
It was like thunder striking from a clear blue sky.
BOOM!
Those three simple words and one small gesture detonated what felt like a super nuclear bomb in the hearts of every boy in the class. Surprise, shock, disbelief – every emotion mixed together in a chaotic storm. In the end, all those gazes turned into countless pairs of bloodshot eyes, filled with envy and confusion, all fixed firmly on Bai Hao.
"By what right?!"
A muffled, almost distorted growl erupted from a corner of the room.
"A Saint-level goddess… looking for Bai Hao – that Profound-level nobody?!"
"What… what's their relationship?! I've never seen them talk before!"
"This can't be right! There has to be something going on here – I refuse to believe it! I won't accept this!!"
The atmosphere in the classroom immediately ignited, heated to boiling point by this completely unexpected scene. Bai Hao could feel countless stares burning into his back like hot needles, and the look of utter disbelief on Li Yao's face – as if his entire worldview had just shattered – made him feel more overwhelmed than ever before.