The second stage of the final examination began without warning. The temperature in the barrier field dropped slightly as the assessment formation activated. Every student felt the weight of the test pressing against their spiritual worlds.
Stardust Control.
The part of the exam that separated real mages from those who only knew how to flare their stars.
Groups stepped forward one by one, and the results quickly created a clear division in the crowd.
Lu Jun Steps Forward
When Lu Jun stood in the center of the formation, even the instructors leaned in slightly.
His Metal stardust compressed into a stunning silver blade of energy, sharp enough that the air wavered around it.
His Water layered over it in a calm, fluid sheath, as if two completely opposite forces were working in perfect harmony.
No shaking.
No leakage.
No instability.
The instructors exchanged looks.
"This boy… his foundation is frightening."
Lu Mei watched her younger brother silently. She showed no surprise; she had expected nothing less.
Xu Mang's Lightning That Should Not Exist
"Xu Mang, Class Seven."
Whispers followed him again.
"He never comes to class."
"Maybe he will fail now."
"He should not even be allowed to take the exam."
But when Xu Mang lifted his hand, all the comments died.
His lightning did not crackle wildly like most beginners.
It flowed.
Smooth. Controlled. Obedient.
His stardust compressed into a silver arc so steady it made two elites in the stands sit up straight.
Lightning was the hardest element to control at the novice level, and yet Xu Mang shaped it as easily as lifting a finger.
Mu Ningxue's eyes narrowed slightly, a rare reaction.
Lu Jun raised an eyebrow.
Mo Fan muttered, "This guy hides more than I do."
Mo Fan's Deliberate Weakness
Mo Fan stepped forward next.
He activated his fire with controlled awkwardness, letting his flames flicker just a bit out of line.
He pretended to struggle slightly, despite having already reached Novice Three.
Xue Musheng nodded approvingly.
"Not bad, but he still needs stability."
Perfect.
Exactly the evaluation Mo Fan wanted.
The Scores Arrive
Lu Jun – Excellent
Xu Mang – Excellent
Mo Bai – Excellent
Mo Fan – Above Average
Mo Fan glared at the board. "Above average? Seriously?"
Xu Mang smirked.
"You hid everything. What did you expect?"
Lu Jun simply nodded to his sister, who gave the smallest approving tilt of her head.
The crowd buzzed with envy and disbelief, but the exam was far from over.
The Combat Evaluation Begins
The third stage was the one everyone feared and anticipated: combat.
The barrier field expanded. The controlled beasts were released in sealed cages. Students swallowed their fear and stepped back.
Mo Bai immediately lifted his chin in arrogance.
"This is where the real ranking begins."
The normal students trembled.
The elites prepared their stars.
Tension thickened in the air.
Lu Jun exhaled calmly, his aura hidden flawlessly.
Xu Mang rolled his shoulders like he was warming up for a workout.
Mo Fan cracked his fingers, planning how to hold back without looking suspicious.
Xue Musheng raised his voice.
"Everyone, prepare—"
He never finished.
The Mu Family Arrives
A wave of oppressive superiority swept over the field as several well dressed men walked into the barrier space.
At their front stood a man with a sharp expression and cold arrogance etched into every line of his face.
Mu Zhuoyun.
The field froze completely.
Even the instructors stiffened.
"Sir Mu…" Xue Musheng began, but Mu Zhuoyun ignored him entirely.
His gaze locked directly onto Mo Fan.
"So. You are the boy who dared humiliate my daughter."
Students held their breath.
Teachers exchanged worried looks.
Even some elites frowned.
Mo Fan blinked.
"Humiliate? She threw boiling water at me. I defended my face. It is not my fault she has bad aim."
A wave of gasps erupted.
Even Mu Bai looked stunned for a moment before grinning viciously.
Xu Mang pressed a hand over his mouth to hide a snort.
Lu Jun coughed lightly to suppress laughter.
Even Mu Ningxue's eyelids twitched, though her face remained serene.
Mu Zhuoyun's expression darkened instantly.
"Insolent brat! Your arrogance has already caught the attention of the young master of our family."
The crowd stiffened.
Mo Bai straightened proudly.
He already knew the name.
Xu Mang's expression turned serious.
He had only heard rumors about this person from his connections, but even he felt the significance.
Lu Jun's brows dipped slightly.
Mu Zhuoyun lifted his chin with a smirk.
"My nephew… Yu Ang."
The entire field erupted in whispers and fear.
The prodigy of the Mu Family.
Privately trained.
Exceptionally gifted.
Barely ever seen in public.
Known as the storm that would sweep the younger generation.
"And he wishes to see the boy who thinks he can defy us."
Mo Fan clenched his jaw.
This was it.
The spark that would ignite the coming duel.
The moment the Bo City arc shifted into a storm.
Xu Mang, Lu Jun, and even Mu Ningxue felt the air tighten around Mo Fan.
The combat exam was still happening.
The ranking fights were still ahead.
But the true conflict had already been set in motion.
Yu Ang had entered the story.
And Bo City was about to shake.