A soft knock echoed the door. Then a familiar voice followed saying Brother Mike… are you here?
His heart skipped a beat. And he says in his mind, Jian Wu.
For a brief moment, Mike froze. His gaze dropped to his hand which is still marked by the faint black trace. What if she noticed it… what if she sensed it… She would know.
Without hesitation, Mike reached for a pair of black gloves and pulled them on, covering his hand completely. Then, he replied with steadying his voice. Yeah, Come in. I'm here.
The door opened. Rong meilin stepped in first, moving quickly, her expression full of relief. Right behind her came Jian Wu.
The moment she entered, the air in the room changed. Mike felt it instantly. His eyes flickered toward her before he could stop himself, and his breathing tightened just a little. For a second too long, his attention stayed on her, her pale face, the lingering exhaustion in her posture, the calm strength she forced to maintain, after all these she is still looking beautiful for mike and he don't know why but because of this he completely failed to notice the others.
Hey. Feng Jian's voice finally pulled him back to reality. Mike blinked. Only then he do realize Feng Jian, Lei Hu, and Ling Xue were also standing in the room.
Inside his mind, Huo Chuntian's amused voice sounded. Oh my… our Mike is nervous. What's wrong? Sudden pressure Mike frowned inwardly. Mr. Huo, stop.
I'm not nervous. And don't speak right now, you're making it worse.
Alright, alright, you need silent mode, Huo Chuntian replied lazily.
Feng Jian stepped forward, smiling. Long time no see, Mike. How have you been these years?
He glanced at him curiously. I thought you were still stuck in the Mill Tower. Never imagined you'd leave the academy.
Now, mike says Oh, uh… you three came too? How are you all?
He moved forward, exchanging quick handshakes and friendly gestures, an awkward hug here, a familiar tap on the shoulder there, trying to look normal.
Lei Hu crossed his arms, eyebrow raised. What? he said. You didn't even see us standing here?
The words landed lightly but the room still fell into a brief, awkward silence.
Mike scratched the back of his head and smiled apologetically. Oh… then I'm really sorry about that.
Before anyone could respond, Rong meilin waved her hand dismissively and stepped in. Oh, that's fine for them, she said with a grin. Tell me instead, how are you? It's been a long time since we last met.
Mike turned toward her, surprised. Oh… yeah. It seems you're pretty close with them now?
Rong meilin smiled openly. You could say that. After all, Jian Wu owes me something.
Mike blinked. Oh? What's that?
Rong meilin! Jian Wu interrupted immediately, her ears turning faintly red. Stop talking nonsense.
Feng Jian had already seated himself on a chair, leaning back with his usual calm expression. Mike, he said casually, i heard you've become quite powerful.
Mike laughed softly and shook his head.
Just rumors, Feng. Don't worry, you and I are still at the same level.
Everyone gradually took seats around the table.
Feng Jian leaned forward, curiosity clear in his eyes. Then I'll ask directly. What's your rank now, Mike?
Mike answered without hesitation. One-star Dou Ba.
Silence. Every face in the room froze because it was more than the expected.
Jian Wu was the first to speak, her voice softer now. Brother Mike… these years must have been very hard for you.
Mike flinched slightly, then smiled. Yeah. A bit tough. But honestly I did a lot of interesting things. He paused, then added lightly, I kind of wished you were there to see them.
Jian Wu's eyes softened. Really… Brother Mike, how is the outside world? she asked quietly. I rarely leave the academy. Father doesn't allow it much.
Mike felt a brief sting of pity but he kept it off his face.
It's far more beautiful than I imagined, he said. More than what people here think.
Rong meilin, Lei Hu, Feng Jian, and Ling Xue exchanged glances, smiling, yet oddly confused.
Lei Hu stood up, lifting his tea cup.
Well, he said seriously, maybe we should leave these two alone. What do you think?
Feng Jian hesitated for half a second, then stood as well, looking slightly awkward.
Yeah… Lei Hu's right.
Mike froze.
Jian Wu froze.
What? Mike blurted out. What are you two doing? What do you mean by that?
Rong meilin and Ling Xue also rose.
Mhm, Rong meilin said innocently. Then she leaned closer to Jian Wu's ear and whispered, Make a good moment, Wu. You were always hoping he'd come back.
Jian Wu's eyes widened. Huh? What are you talking about?!
In moments, everyone had slipped out of the room one by one, leaving only Mike and Jian Wu behind.
(In their minds, Rong meilin, Feng Jian, Lei Hu, and Ling Xue all thought the two liked each other.
In reality, neither Mike nor Jian Wu understood why everyone suddenly cared so much.)
Mike sighed deeply. Creepy friends… .
Jian Wu hesitated, then spoke softly.
Brother Mike… I heard you won the Life-and-Death Competition. Is it true?
Mike nodded.
Yeah. I was lucky.
He paused deliberately, lowering his voice.
Would you like to hear the real truth behind that victory… or something more interesting?
Jian Wu tilted her head, thinking.
Inside Mike, Huo Chuntian coughed loudly.
Mike, he muttered, why is your heart running a marathon?
Mike replied mentally, Oh, you're not sleeping, Old Huo?
Of course not, Huo Chuntian said. But why are you dragging me into this?
Mike turned to Jian Wu.
Give me a second. I need to take care of something.
He stepped outside the room and spoke quietly, Mr. Huo. Come out.
Huo Chuntian appeared, arms crossed.
What is it?
Mike looked around calmly.
This academy is beautiful, he said. Why don't you explore it properly?
He met Huo Chuntian's eyes.
I think you understand what I mean.
Then Mike turned and went back inside.
Huo Chuntian stood there for a moment, stunned then laughed softly.
Boy… only you would say something like that.
In the next breath, he vanished, heading swiftly toward the forest.
Inside the quiet room, Jian Wu thought for a moment. Then mike entered and sighed with blink.
Is something wrong? she asked.
No, no nothing at all, Mike replied quickly, waving it off. So tell me, what's your choice? The truth… or something interesting?
The truth, jian Wu said without hesitation.
Mike smiled faintly.
Alright. Then here it is.
He paused, then spoke plainly.
Master lent me his power during the Life-and-Death Competition. That's how I won.
Jian Wu froze.
Huh? Her eyes widened. Really? Father gave you his power?
Mike nodded. It's true.
She stared at him for a second, then relaxed.
Then… okay. She looked at him carefully. Is there something special you wanted to tell me?
Mike straightened slightly.
Yes. I'm participating in the Core Selection Competition.
Jian Wu smiled.
That's good news. But… what's special about that?
Mike chuckled.
I knew you'd say that.
He leaned forward slightly.
This competition is just the first step. After that…
He met her eyes.
I'm taking you somewhere, Jian Wu. Outside the academy.
Her breath caught.
What? she said quickly. Don't tell me that's a lie.
I swear, mike said calmly. It's real.
He continued,
You, me, Rong meilin, Lei Hu, Feng Jian, Ling Xue. We're all going out into the world together.
Jian Wu didn't even hesitate.
Of course I'm coming, she said immediately. When? Where?
Mike smiled.
When the right time comes. For now, it's late.
He added gently,
You should return to your chamber and rest. You did well today.
Jian Wu frowned slightly.
How do you know I fought today?
Mike paused then answered smoothly.
Master came earlier. We talked. He mentioned it.
Oh… Jian Wu nodded, then suddenly stiffened.
Ah right! Father gave me the Yellow Flame. I still have to subdue it!
Mike raised an eyebrow.
Yellow Flame? We brought that from the auction hall.
He thought for a moment.
You should subdue it in a proper cultivation place.
Jian Wu hesitated.
I know… but I don't really know where to go.
She looked at him hopefully.
You know that place, right? Can you take me there?
Mike nodded.
Yes. But before that, I need to visit the market tomorrow.
The market? Jian Wu asked. Is there something you want to buy?
Yes, Mike said quietly. I'm hoping that thing is still there.
Then I'll come with you tomorrow, Jian Wu said immediately.
Is that okay, Brother Mike?
Of course, Mike replied. But for now, go rest.
She smiled and nodded.
Alright. Good night.
As she left the room, the door closed softly behind her.