Under the scorching sun of Cangze City on Blue Star, the awakening square of Cangze No.1 High School was packed with people.

A group of nervous teenagers huddled at the edge of the square, their gazes fixed on the massive, silver-glinting machine at the center. This Awakening Device would determine their fates.

Teachers stood solemnly nearby, watching the entire process with grave expressions. The line inched forward, each step accompanied by tense breaths.

Among the crowd, Zhuang Ning felt his heartbeat quicken slightly. As a programmer who had transmigrated from the 21st century, the scene felt both familiar and alien to him. In his original world, death from overwork had been his fate. But in this world, where martial prowess reigned supreme, he was about to begin an entirely new chapter of life.

Here, not only were there legendary warriors capable of splitting mountains and shattering boulders, but tales also spoke of martial saints who could soar through the skies and traverse the stars. Of course, this world wasn’t all light—demonic creatures and malevolent spirits constantly plagued humanity, posing an unending threat.

Staring at the Awakening Device before him, Zhuang Ning couldn’t help but feel a quiet anticipation. His mind raced with thoughts of his potential talent level. In this world where strength dictated destiny, martial cultivation would shape the course of his life.

"F-rank talent. Next, please."

The mechanical announcement echoed across the square.

Watching the boy stagger away, the crowd couldn't help but sigh.

An F-rank talent all but sealed one's fate—doomed to struggle at the bottom of society, with no real hope of ever making it in the martial path.

One after another, young hopefuls stepped forward for their evaluations, only to be met with crushing disappointment.

"D-rank talent."

"F-rank talent."

"C-rank talent."

The cold, indifferent voice of the testing device continued, each pronouncement a verdict on another young life.

Then, suddenly, a clear, melodious chime cut through the heavy atmosphere—

"S-rank talent."

The square erupted.

Every head turned, every eye followed the graceful figure walking away.

Li Ruotong, dressed in an elegant, understated gown, moved with unhurried poise, her expression serene—as if this were nothing more than a trivial footnote in her day.

But everyone knew better.

The young heiress of Cangze City's most powerful family was destined to go far on the martial path.

And as for Li Ruotong herself?

She remained utterly composed, as though an S-rank awakening had been nothing more than expected.

"Oh my god! The eldest daughter of the Li family has awakened an S-rank talent!"

"Seriously? That's just unfair! Stunning looks, born into wealth, and now this incredible gift?"

"Some people get all the luck. The heavens must really favor her."

"The Li family hit the jackpot this time—a once-in-a-generation genius like this."

"No kidding. Our school hasn’t seen an S-rank in decades."

Whispers buzzed all around.

The weight of an S-rank talent spoke for itself.

After all, it was a rarity—one in a million.

Teachers murmured among themselves. Li Ruotong, with her S-rank awakening, was destined to become the Li family’s next legend.

In a world where martial prowess reigned supreme, an S-rank talent guaranteed a path to becoming a Grandmaster—perhaps even ascending to the revered status of a Martial Sage.

The journey was long and treacherous: from Novice to Warrior, then Master, Grandmaster, and finally, the pinnacle—Martial Sage or the mythical Martial Deity.

A Martial Sage already stood at the apex of Earth’s martial hierarchy.

As for a Martial Deity? None had emerged in centuries.

Zhuang Ning stared at Li Ruotong’s figure, sighing inwardly at the girl who seemed blessed with both beauty and brilliance. A pang of envy flickered through him.

Finally, it was his turn. Heart pounding, Zhuang Ning stepped forward, approaching the mysterious testing device.

A soft glow enveloped him, and he felt the warmth of his blood rushing faster beneath his skin.

"No talent detected. Next."