Ming Ling stood still, watching as Yang Feng disappeared into the sprawling grounds of the Spiritual Academy. His usually calm face grew serious, his brows knitting together in thought. Yang Feng was no ordinary boy, and the gravity of that truth weighed heavily on his mind. As the wind tugged at his robes, he sighed softly, his eyes narrowing as he zoomed in on Yang Feng's departing figure, a distant yet focused gaze piercing through the distance. After a few moments of contemplation, he turned his back and walked away, leaving the academy's entrance behind.
The sun bathed the academy in a golden hue, its rays streaming through the large windows of the principal's office. The principal, a stout, scholarly man with a head of silvered hair, was hunched over his desk, reviewing the day's reports. He was lost in thought, considering the future of the academy and the potential students coming in for the enrollment trials. Ming Ling's recent assignment lingered in his mind, and he couldn't help but wonder how things had gone. Was it true that Yang Feng was indeed the Sun Ranker they'd heard whispers about?
As if in answer to his thoughts, a sharp knock echoed from the door, pulling the principal out of his reverie.
"Come in," he called, straightening in his chair.
The door creaked open, and Ming Ling stepped inside, his presence as calm and controlled as ever. The principal's eyes widened in mild surprise. "Ming Ling?" he asked, his voice carrying both curiosity and expectation. "You're back already? That was quick."
Ming Ling nodded, his expression unreadable. "Yes. The news was true. Yang Feng is without a doubt the Sun Ranker for the Eastern Spiritual Land."
The principal's face lit up with uncontained excitement. "Excellent! Truly excellent news!" he exclaimed, rising from his chair. His robes fluttered as he moved toward the window, gazing out toward the academy's vast courtyard. "A Sun Ranker at such a young age—this is unprecedented. We got lucky this time," he said, his voice tinged with disbelief and joy. "The Eastern Spiritual Lands will have a prodigy like no other. With him, our academy's reputation will soar."
He turned back to Ming Ling, his eyes gleaming. "Where is he now?"
Ming Ling's lips pressed into a thin line as he replied, "He's currently enrolling with the rest of the students."
The principal's expression shifted from delight to confusion. "What? Enrolling? Why?" He frowned, walking back to his desk and sitting down. "Ming Ling, why didn't you just let him bypass the enrollment process? Yang Feng is a Sun Ranker, and you confirmed this yourself. He should have been admitted immediately and given the highest status. Why is he taking the enrollment test like any common applicant?"
Ming Ling clasped his hands behind his back, his voice steady as he explained, "It's true that Yang Feng is the Sun Ranker, but we must consider his background carefully. He comes from Wu Lin Village, a place with no reputation, no ties to nobility or recognized families. If we were to elevate him immediately, without due process, the nobles and influential families would not be pleased. They already compete fiercely for prestige and recognition. His sudden rise would create enemies for him before he even steps foot in the academy."
The principal sat back in his chair, listening intently, though his expression remained conflicted. "So, you're saying we need to shield him from that sort of hostility?"
Ming Ling nodded. "Precisely. By allowing him to go through the enrollment test like the others, we give Yang Feng a chance to determine where he stands on his own merit, without the weight of the Sun Ranker title hanging over him. It gives him an opportunity to forge his own path and prove his strength. If we immediately elevated him, it would invite jealousy, hatred, and scrutiny from both his peers and the instructors."
The principal rubbed his chin thoughtfully, still processing Ming Ling's words. "But he's already qualified in every way. He's more powerful than the others by a wide margin. He doesn't need to prove anything."
"That's true," Ming Ling admitted. "But it's better this way—for him, and for us. We will hide his identity as the Sun Ranker for now. Let him reveal his strength in his own time. By doing this, we avoid stirring unnecessary conflict, and we give Yang Feng the freedom to earn his respect organically, through his actions, rather than his title."
The principal let out a slow breath, leaning back in his chair. "I see your point. Allowing him to integrate slowly would give him time to grow without the burden of too many expectations."
"Exactly," Ming Ling agreed, his voice calm but firm. "The truth remains—Yang Feng is exceptional, but he's also young. This will allow him to avoid unwanted attention until he's ready to handle the pressure. In time, when he demonstrates his abilities, he'll naturally earn his place among the academy's elite."
The principal sighed, clearly weighing the pros and cons in his mind. After a few moments of silence, he nodded. "I suppose you're right. I hadn't considered how the nobles would react if we gave him special treatment from the start. They wouldn't take it kindly."
"Indeed," Ming Ling said. "And we don't need more enemies. Besides, Yang Feng doesn't need shortcuts. His power will speak for itself in due time."
The principal's face softened as he nodded in agreement. "Alright, Ming Ling. I'll trust your judgment on this. You've always had a way of seeing the bigger picture."
A small smile tugged at the corner of Ming Ling's lips. "I've sent Sing Yun to watch over him. He will ensure that nothing goes wrong during the enrollment process. If anything happens, he will intervene."
The principal relaxed at those words. Sing Yun was a trustworthy guardian, one who would be more than capable of keeping an eye on Yang Feng while allowing the boy to grow at his own pace. "That's reassuring to hear. Sing Yun is one of the best. With him watching over Yang Feng, I'm sure the boy will be in good hands."
Ming Ling inclined his head. "Exactly. We must be cautious, but we must also give Yang Feng room to breathe and develop on his own. He will face many challenges, but if he is truly worthy of his title as the Sun Ranker, he will rise to meet them."
The principal stood up, walking around his desk once more, his gaze falling back to the courtyard where students were bustling about, preparing for the enrollment trials. "Let's hope he can prove himself further, Ming Ling. The future of this academy may very well rest on his shoulders."
Ming Ling remained silent for a moment, his eyes thoughtful as he considered the weight of those words. Yang Feng's journey had only just begun, but already, so much was expected of him. Still, Ming Ling had no doubt that the boy was capable. There was something about him—something that went beyond his rank. The boy carried a strength and a purpose that couldn't be ignored.
"I believe he will," Ming Ling finally said, his voice low but certain. "In time, he will prove himself."
The principal nodded, though a trace of concern lingered in his eyes. "Let's hope that time comes sooner rather than later."