"Next, you will begin training outside the Anjie," Teacher Li Jing announced gravely. "There will be no protective measures during this training. If you encounter danger, no one will come to your rescue."
"No protection at all?" someone blurted out, their voice tinged with disbelief.
"We will provide you with a light magic signal pen," Teacher Li Jing clarified. "If you get trapped, we will send a rescue team—assuming you're still alive."
The room fell silent, and unease settled over the students like a heavy fog.
"In past years, students have suffered injuries and even deaths during this training," Teacher Gu Han added, his tone somber. "I cannot stress this enough: do not relax for a single moment. Don't take unnecessary risks, and don't underestimate the dangers outside the Anjie. You might think a few monsters are easy to handle, but it's rarely that simple."
Teacher Qiu Yuhua chimed in, her face stern. "You've had classes about demons, and your teachers have explained the threats outside the Anjie. However, most of those teachers have never actually ventured beyond the Anjie themselves. What they teach you may not be enough to save your life in a crisis. Be cautious. Some people leave for this training, but not everyone returns."
"Damn, Old Ye!" Zhao Manyan exclaimed, slapping Ye Chenfeng on the back. "It's a good thing you've reached the high-level tier. We're practically invincible with you around!"
Ye Chenfeng smirked. "Do your best out there. But if you find yourself in a life-or-death situation, don't count on me."
The Imperial Capital students grimaced, their expressions frozen in disbelief.
"Brother, we're all students here. Don't be so heartless," one of them muttered.
"Yeah, even the Mingzhu guys stick together," another added.
Everyone silently protested: You've got to be joking. What's the use of having you here if you won't help?!
Ye Chenfeng ignored their reactions, his confidence unwavering. What kind of opponent could actually threaten me? A general-level monster? Unlikely. A commander? Even more absurd. As a high-level magician, I could go toe-to-toe with a commander-level creature for dozens of rounds. But why waste time and energy when I could just focus on eliminating leader-level monsters?*
"Ye Chenfeng is right," Teacher Gu Han interjected, bringing the conversation back to reality. "In a life-or-death crisis, even a high-level magician might not be able to save you. You'll have to rely on yourselves."
Teacher Li Jing nodded. "The training site has been decided, and you have a few days left to prepare. Use this time wisely. If you can, invest in some good defensive magic equipment. It could save your life when it matters most."
The gravity of their situation sank in. Even with a high-level mage among them, survival wasn't guaranteed. Panic bubbled beneath the surface, but there was no turning back.
As preparations began, Ye Chenfeng stood apart, already equipped with the best gear money could buy. His focus shifted to mastering high-level magic, particularly controlling the high-level stars required to cast such spells.
"Where are we going now?" someone asked as Ye Chenfeng led the way.
"To the Imperial Capital Magic Association," Ye Chenfeng replied casually.
"What for?" Mu Ningxue raised an eyebrow. "You're always dragging people around."
"To awaken my next magic system, of course," Ye Chenfeng said with a grin. "Every time I break through, I check which system awakens next. It's the best part of leveling up!"
Mu Ningxue sighed. "Couldn't you have done this earlier?"
"I was busy," Ye Chenfeng shrugged. "You called me back last time. But don't worry, Xuexue. You can do it next year."
"Don't call me that!" Mu Ningxue slapped his hand away as he playfully ruffled her fur-lined coat. "The awakening room is right ahead. Go by yourself."
"Oh, someone's grumpy," Ye Chenfeng teased, darting into the awakening room with a smirk as Mu Ningxue glared after him.
Inside, a dazed receptionist greeted him. "You didn't make an appointment, so you'll need to pay the full fee upfront," she explained. "If you'd like guidance, let me know which system you're aiming to awaken."
"The summoning system," Ye Chenfeng replied.
Her eyes widened. "That's... a bit unusual. Let me ask a teacher."
A few moments later, an older man with a weathered face stepped into the room. "You're here for a summoning system awakening?" Guo Li, the teacher, asked with a frown.
"Yes," Ye Chenfeng said, meeting the man's critical gaze.
Guo Li sighed. "You're at the intermediate level. Why not aim for something more practical, like shadow or lightning magic? Summoning is rare and unreliable."
Ye Chenfeng chuckled. "Uncle Guo, your magic aura is impressive. You're super-class, right?"
Guo Li puffed out his chest. "Of course! I became a super-class magician in my early forties. If I hadn't retired, I'd be considered a top genius of my generation!"
"And yet you mistake a high-level mage for an intermediate one," Ye Chenfeng deadpanned.
"What?!" Guo Li grabbed Ye Chenfeng's hand, probing with his mental energy.
Ye Chenfeng sighed as Guo Li's expression shifted to shock. "You can't figure it out?"
Guo Li hesitated. "You must have some kind of treasure protecting your spiritual world, right?"
Ye Chenfeng pushed the man's hand away, his tone dry. "Or maybe you've just been out of practice for too long."