The news that Zhao Xuan had rejected a Logia-type Devil Fruit
in favor of what was widely regarded as the weakest category—the Zoan type—
spread across Tongcheng No.1 High School like wildfire.
In no time at all—
The entire school was in an uproar.
"That guy's lost his mind!"
"What an idiot—how could he waste a chance like that!?"
"He must've been kicked in the head by a donkey!"
"That can't be true! Who would ever not pick a Logia?"
Zhao Xuan heard the rumors, of course—
but he didn't care.
He didn't bother to explain, either.
Time was precious.
Why waste it on gossip when he could be training?
Fang Qin had been right:
There were barely ten days left before the college entrance exams.
Every bit of progress now could mean one more point on the test—
and sometimes, a single point could decide a person's entire future.
After all,
the difference between an elite university and an ordinary one
was like heaven and earth.
Meanwhile, at Fengming High School — Class 2, Grade 12
"Ru Qing, have you heard?"
A chubby girl leaned toward her friend, excitement written on her face.
"That guy from Tongcheng No.1—Zhao Xuan, the one with thirty-seven spiritual power?
He didn't choose a Logia fruit!
He said his sixth sense told him to pick a Zoan instead!"
Di Ruqing froze for a moment, then snorted softly,
her eyes flashing with disdain and faint disappointment.
"Hmph. How ridiculous.
I thought he might be a worthy rival for the exams…
What a joke."
But not just Fengming High—
Within a single day,
Zhao Xuan's decision had become the talk of the entire city.
Tongcheng was buzzing with the story.
Yet through it all, the man at the center of the storm remained unmoved.
Zhao Xuan's days passed in disciplined monotony.
Except for six hours of sleep,
Every remaining moment was devoted to training.
Thanks to his skyrocketing physique
and the support of the Heavenly Reward System,
His progress was astonishing.
[Heavenly Reward System]
Name: Zhao Xuan
Age: 18
Spirit: 40.86 / 40.86
Constitution: 103.85 / 103.85
Abilities:
Shave (Proficient · 55/200)
Iron Body (Proficient · 126/200)
Finger Drawing (Proficient · 111/200)
Moon Step (Proficient · 57/200)
Tempest Kick (Proficient · 99/200)
Finger Gun (Proficient · 49/200)
Swordsmanship (Proficient · 25/200)
Armament Haki (Beginner · 518/1000)
Azure Dragon Fruit (Beginner · 298/1000)
Except for his newly gained Azure Dragon powers and Armament Haki,
every single ability had already reached the Proficient level.
"All that effort these past few days really paid off," Zhao Xuan murmured,
a satisfied smile tugging at his lips.
But then his expression hardened.
"Still not enough. Not even close.
I have to push further."
He steadied his breath, ready to dive back into training—
when suddenly—
a commotion erupted outside.
"Li Jiangchang's back!"
"No way! No way! Li Jiangchang just hit the jackpot!"
"How much dogshit did that guy step in today!?"
"He actually got a Logia Fruit!"
"You're kidding!"
"It's true—our homeroom teacher confirmed it himself!"
"Which one did he get?"
"The Snow-Snow Fruit!"
"Damn, that's insane!"
"Insane +10086!"
"Where is he?!"
"He's with the principal right now, apparently!"
The training hall buzzed with excitement.
"Man, Li Jiangchang's luck is unreal.
His spirit power was only twenty-one!
That's like—a one in ten thousand chance of getting a Logia!"
"Too bad it's the Snow-Snow Fruit.
If it were the Ice-Ice Fruit, that'd be perfect."
"Perfect my ass! Snow-Snow is amazing too!"
"I wonder how Zhao Xuan feels right now?"
"Probably regrets everything!"
"Obviously!"
Zhao Xuan, hearing the chatter from a distance, merely raised an eyebrow.
"The Snow-Snow Fruit, huh?"
A faint glimmer flashed through his eyes.
"One in ten thousand odds… I'll admit, his luck's not bad.
But compared to the Azure Dragon Fruit,
it's still leagues apart."
He shook his head, dismissing the thought entirely.
Then, closing his eyes once more,
He focused on his breathing and sank back into cultivation.
Time flowed quietly.
Zhao Xuan was deep in training when he suddenly felt a presence approach.
He opened his eyes.
Ding!
"You've diligently developed your Azure Dragon ability for a short time.
Azure Dragon proficiency +5!"
The system's chime faded—
and Zhao Xuan looked up.
Standing before him was a face flushed red like a monkey's backside—
none other than the "lucky genius" himself,
Li Jiangchang.