The next day broke through the towering glass spires of Crimson Spire Academy, painting the horizon in streaks of silver and teal. Xuan Jing stood at the edge of the academy's private training grounds, his gaze fixed on the morning mist swirling through the sky like restless spirits. He was calm, his usual detached self, though a subtle tension in his posture hinted at his thoughts.
The training exchange was set to begin soon, and the entire academy buzzed with a mix of excitement and apprehension. The Marked were a rare presence, their visits few and far between, and whispers of their arrival had spread like wildfire.
Wei Lin was the first to approach, his garnet eyes narrowing as he took in Xuan Jing's calm demeanor. "Young Master Jing," he began, his tone gruff but soft as always when addressing him, "the Council's already setting up. The Marked are here. You're expected to make an appearance."
Xuan Jing didn't respond immediately. Instead, he turned slightly, his teal eyes glinting with something indecipherable. "Expected?" he repeated, the faintest edge of amusement in his voice. "By whom?"
Wei Lin sighed heavily, crossing his arms. "By everyone. Don't act like you don't know. They're looking for power, and yours is…" He trailed off, searching for the right word. "Unique."
Yíng Yǐng materialized from the shadows with his usual mischief, lounging against a nearby pillar. He wore the academy's uniform, though he'd modified it slightly—just enough to irritate the more traditional instructors. "Jing Jing," he drawled, "you're like the academy's crown jewel. Of course, they want to see what you can do."
Xuan Jing's expression remained impassive, though a faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "A crown jewel… Is that what I am now?"
Wei Lin rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath, "More like a magnet for trouble."
The sound of footsteps interrupted their conversation. A small group of students entered the training grounds, led by none other than Lǚ Zhīqiáng. His dark green hair gleamed under the morning light, and his sharp purple eyes locked onto Xuan Jing the moment he spotted him.
"Xuan Jing," Zhīqiáng called out, his tone formal but not unfriendly. "The council has asked for your presence. The exchange begins shortly."
Yíng Yǐng perked up, floating closer to Zhīqiáng with a wide grin. "Oh, look! It's our messenger boy again. Did the Council send you to grovel this time?"
Zhīqiáng ignored him, his attention solely on Xuan Jing. "The Marked are already observing. They'll want to see you in action."
Xuan Jing finally moved, stepping forward with the grace of a predator. "And if I choose not to participate?" he asked, his voice low but firm.
Zhīqiáng hesitated, clearly unprepared for that response. "Then…" He paused, glancing at Wei Lin for support, though the other boy merely raised a brow. "It would be… unwise. The Marked aren't here just to observe. They're evaluating potential candidates for something bigger."
Yíng Yǐng cackled, clearly enjoying Zhīqiáng's discomfort. "Bigger, huh? Careful, Zhīqiáng, your nerves are showing."
Ignoring the banter, Xuan Jing walked past them, his presence commanding enough to silence the group. "If they want to see what I'm capable of," he said, his tone cold, "then they'll have to keep up."
---
The exchange arena was a massive open space lined with crystalline panels that reflected the sky above. Students from various academies were gathered, their murmurs filling the air. The Marked sat high above, their imposing figures shrouded in shadows that seemed alive.
Xuan Jing entered the arena with Wei Lin and Yíng Yǐng flanking him. His silver hair, tied loosely, shimmered under the sunlight, drawing attention from everyone present. The murmurs grew louder, and several students turned to gawk, their eyes widening as they recognized him.
"Is that Xuan Jing?"
"He's the one with Eclipsed Essence, isn't he?"
"They say he's untouchable. Do you think the Marked will choose him?"
Wei Lin's sharp glare silenced the whispers, and Yíng Yǐng smirked, clearly enjoying the attention.
The first round of the exchange began with paired matches. Students faced off in intense duels, their powers clashing in bursts of energy. Xuan Jing watched with mild interest, his teal eyes scanning the field as he leaned casually against the arena's edge.
Zhīqiáng approached again, his expression serious. "You're up next," he said, his voice steady. "Your opponent is one of the Council's own—Su Jiéyu."
The name drew murmurs from the crowd. Su Jiéyu was a prodigy, a direct descendant of the Su Clan, known for their mastery of flame and steel.
Xuan Jing stepped into the arena, his movements slow and deliberate. The crowd fell silent as Su Jiéyu entered from the opposite side, her fiery orange hair billowing like flames in the wind. Her piercing amber eyes locked onto Xuan Jing, and a smirk played on her lips.
"Let's see if the rumors are true," she said, her voice confident.
Xuan Jing tilted his head slightly, his expression as calm as ever. "Rumors don't concern me."
The match began with a burst of energy as Su Jiéyu launched a wave of molten steel toward Xuan Jing. The crowd gasped, but Xuan Jing didn't flinch. With a flick of his wrist, the Soul Lantern materialized, its eerie flame absorbing the attack effortlessly.
Su Jiéyu's smirk faltered, replaced by a look of disbelief. "What the—"
Xuan Jing stepped forward, his movements smooth and unhurried. Shadows pooled at his feet, stretching and twisting into jagged tendrils that lashed out toward Su Jiéyu. She countered with a wall of flames, but the shadows devoured it, leaving her exposed.
"You rely too much on force," Xuan Jing said, his voice cold. "Power without precision is meaningless."
With a final strike, his shadows wrapped around Su Jiéyu, immobilizing her. The arena fell silent as the Marked leaned forward, their interest piqued.
The announcer's voice broke the silence. "Winner: Xuan Jing."
As the crowd erupted into cheers and whispers, Xuan Jing turned and walked away, his expression unreadable. Wei Lin and Yíng Yǐng followed closely, the latter grinning from ear to ear.
"You're going to be the talk of the academy now, Jing Jing," Yíng Yǐng teased.
Wei Lin sighed, his garnet eyes narrowing. "The Marked are watching. This is only the beginning."