"Sorry, teacher. I got held up here and might be a bit late," Ye Chenfeng said apologetically.
"Yeah, yeah, no problem," came the response, and Ye Chenfeng agreed, ending the call. He looked up at the sky thoughtfully.
"It's been over a year since I first awakened my magic."
A dim light appeared behind him as a door opened, and a slightly older figure approached him.
"Master."
"How's it going with that spiritual-level stardust magic weapon?"
"Almost within reach," Ye Chenfeng replied, glancing down at the invitation in his hand. He considered the timing—his teacher's invitation matched the school's annual assessment period. It seemed like a good moment to verify the storyline of this world.
"Uncle Ye, I'll come with you. Better to get it sooner rather than later."
"Alright, I'll arrange a meeting now. Let's move quickly."
In Bo City at Mingwen Middle School, Mo Fan placed a wheelchair in front of Ye Xinxia.
"Xinxia, I've dealt with those troublemakers. They won't bother you again."
"I just saw… lightning. It looked like the primary Thunder Seal skill," Ye Xinxia noted, her eyes widening in surprise as she thought it over.
"The one who cast it… was it Brother Mo Fan?"
"It's really you, Brother Mo Fan? You're a magician?" she asked in amazement.
"Yes, you're the first to witness my true power." Mo Fan moved in to kiss Xinxia on the cheek, but seeing her serious expression, he hesitated, confused.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"Brother Mo Fan, it's been less than half a year since you awakened, and you can already cast spells. Even the most gifted need almost a year to learn basic skills."
"What do you mean, 'even the most gifted take a year'?" he asked carefully.
"In Bo City, the top talents are Mu Ningxue and Brother Ye Chenfeng. Even though they're in different academies, they both surpass most students. Mu Ningxue took eight months to learn basic ice skills, and Brother Chenfeng only broke through near the end of July."
Mo Fan was stunned. He'd only recently come to understand the basics of magic, but these names were well-known across campus.
So if Mu Ningxue and Ye Chenfeng, both geniuses, took eight months, what did that make him? An unprecedented genius! Yet… there was still some doubt. He laughed, trying to dismiss it.
"Brother Mo Fan… did you learn from someone dangerous?" Ye Xinxia whispered cautiously. "The old scholars say that people with rapid cultivation are often tied to the Black Church."
"The Black Church? That's impossible! I just met an old man who said I had great talent and helped me awaken early," Mo Fan explained, though Ye Xinxia remained slightly confused.
"But early awakening can affect your training. Since you're in the Magic Association, it shouldn't be a big deal," she replied, smiling.
"Really? Only the Black Church has done it in five months?"
"Yes…"
Poor me—such a talent, yet I can't flaunt it! The annual assessment was nearing.
Back at the station, Ye Chenfeng hurried to his phone. "Sorry, I just got here, but I'm on my way to school now."
"Got it, no worries. We'll see you soon," he assured them. But he muttered under his breath about a stardust magic weapon delaying him.
Meanwhile, Xue Musheng hung up, updating the principal. "Chenfeng just arrived. He'll be here soon."
The principal nodded. "It's thoughtful of him to take special leave for this. Be ready to welcome him."
On stage, Mu He took over, enthusiastically addressing the crowd. "Today is special. We've invited Bo City's most exceptional magician, accepted into the Imperial Capital Magic Academy at just 15! Many of you know her as the legend… Mu Ningxue!" The students erupted in cheers.
Mo Fan, at the back, stretched to get a glimpse of the famed magician, while a friend whispered about the rich kid with glasses who seemed connected to the principal.
At the school gate, Ye Chenfeng appeared—sharp in a white jacket, black suit, and polished shoes. His confident air faded as he glanced around, seeming almost nervous.
"There you are, Chenfeng!" Xue Musheng exclaimed, pulling him in. "Hurry, we're about to start!"
"Whew, just in time," Ye Chenfeng said, following the teacher into the hall, where he greeted the principal and walked over to Mu Ningxue, nodding politely.
The vice principal announced, "We're ready to continue. I'd like to introduce Mu Bai from Class 8, one of our most capable students."
Ye Chenfeng raised an eyebrow. Next up should be Mo Fan, he thought. Things were about to get interesting.