The training grounds of Sun and Moon Academy were already alive when Lin Huang arrived.
The morning air carried the faint scent of metal and ozone, the lingering traces of soul tools being tested nearby. Students moved in small groups, some practicing techniques, others quietly adjusting equipment. The rhythmic thud of footsteps and the distant hum of mechanisms blended into a steady, disciplined pulse.
It had been several days since the previous incident with the noble students, yet the atmosphere around the field had not completely relaxed. Whispers still followed Lin Huang when he walked past. Curiosity, admiration, and a trace of jealousy tangled in those low voices.
Lin Huang slowed near the edge of the training field. Familiar figures were already there.
Xu Tianzhen stood with her arms crossed, her posture straighter than before, the faint heat in the air around her more restrained. Ma Xiaotao leaned against a pillar nearby, crimson eyes calmer, though a subtle restlessness still lingered beneath her composed exterior. Zhang Lexuan spoke quietly with Su Mei while observing the others. Xiao Hongchen was sparring with another student, movements sharp and deliberate.
Ji Juechen stood alone at the far end of the field, sword resting against his shoulder. Compared to before, there was less wildness in his aura—more discipline, more control.
As Lin Huang approached, Ji Juechen lifted his head.
"You're late," Ji Juechen said flatly.
"You're early," Lin Huang replied, a faint smile on his lips.
Without another word, Ji Juechen drew his sword in a clean arc.
"Fight me."
The training field quieted.
Lin Huang sighed, setting aside his outer robe. "You really don't know how to greet people."
Their clash was brief but intense.
Steel rang against condensed soul power. Ji Juechen's sword intent surged forward like a cutting wind, while Lin Huang met it head-on with controlled bestial essence and precise footwork. The pressure in the air forced several nearby students to retreat instinctively.
In the end, Lin Huang halted Ji Juechen's blade two fingers from his shoulder.
"Enough," Lin Huang said calmly.
Ji Juechen froze, then slowly withdrew his sword.
"…You're stronger," he admitted after a moment.
"And you're more stable," Lin Huang replied. "Your sword doesn't waver like before."
Ji Juechen nodded once. "I'll train with you."
A subtle ripple spread through the onlookers.
At that moment, several noble students who had been watching from a distance exchanged looks.
"So he's really forming his own group now," one muttered.
Another scoffed. "A nobody getting too comfortable."
One of them stepped forward deliberately, aura flaring just enough to draw attention.
"Lin Huang," he called out, voice calm but edged with provocation. "Do you think this is your private training ground? Bringing outsiders, gathering people… acting like you own the place?"
The surrounding students quieted.
Lin Huang turned slowly. "If you want the field, say it properly. If you want a fight, be honest."
The noble's smile stiffened. "Such arrogance."
Xu Tianzhen's gaze cooled. Xiao Hongchen straightened. Ji Juechen's hand tightened around his sword hilt.
Before the tension could erupt, an instructor's presence descended on the field like a cold wave.
"That's enough," the instructor said flatly. "This is a training ground, not your family court. If you want to settle grudges, apply for a duel. Otherwise, leave."
The noble's expression darkened, but he stepped back.
As they withdrew, Lin Huang's eyes narrowed slightly.
'That provocation was too clean… too deliberate.'
Xu Tianzhen noticed the shift in his gaze and looked away faintly.
Meng Hongchen, watching the retreating nobles, clicked her tongue. "Tch. Those people are starting to move again."
She glanced at Ji Juechen, then back at Lin Huang.
"Well, at least this time you brought a man."
Su Mei blinked. "Don't say that… what if it really happens?"
Zhang Lexuan laughed lightly. "Hehe, don't give him ideas."
Lin Huang rubbed his temples. "This is already enough trouble."
A brief, silent exchange of glances passed between Lin Huang and Xu Tianzhen.
There was something wrong with the timing of that provocation. Lin Huang felt it instinctively.
Meng Hongchen caught the look.
"Hehe," she said sharply, "the little couple is flirting again."
Xu Tianzhen frowned. "Don't say things like that."
Su Mei shot Lin Huang an accusing look. "You're the one who keeps causing misunderstandings."
Zhang Lexuan burst into laughter. Xiao Hongchen leaned against the railing, openly amused.
Ji Juechen looked between them, completely lost.
Before Lin Huang could respond, hesitant footsteps approached.
A young girl stood at the edge of the training field. Her hair was deep earthy brown, tied loosely behind her back. A dense, heavy pressure lingered faintly around her aura.
"Senior… are you Lin Huang?"
Lin Huang turned. "Yes. What's wrong?"
"My name is Long Xiaoyi," she said softly. "I was told you might be able to help me."
Lin Huang studied her aura.
"What's your Martial Spirit?"
"The Earth Dragon," she replied. "It isn't weak in power, but… it's starving. I don't have enough resources to nourish it. When I cultivate, my body feels like it's being crushed from the inside."
Lin Huang crouched slightly. "May I take a look? I won't touch your spiritual sea without permission."
She nodded.
His spiritual sense brushed lightly against her aura.
Heavy. Compressed. Dense.
"You're not broken," Lin Huang said calmly. "Your Martial Spirit isn't flawed. It's malnourished. Dragon-type Martial Spirits require massive amounts of compatible resources—earth-aligned essence, bloodline-compatible energy, and long-term physical reinforcement. Without that, your Martial Spirit pushes back against your body."
Long Xiaoyi's eyes widened. "So… it's not my fault?"
"No," Lin Huang said. "You're hungry."
Her shoulders trembled with relief.
"Come with us," Lin Huang said. "Train with us. You'll stop hurting yourself."
He turned to the group. "This is Long Xiaoyi. She'll train with us for now."
Xu Tianzhen nodded faintly. Zhang Lexuan smiled. Su Mei hurried forward to reassure Long Xiaoyi. Ji Juechen acknowledged her with a short nod.
Meng Hongchen's expression darkened.
"…So you really did bring another girl."
Lin Huang raised both hands. "She came to me."
Xiao Hongchen laughed outright. "You're hopeless."
Long Xiaoyi looked flustered. "I didn't mean to cause trouble…"
Zhang Lexuan waved her hand. "Don't mind them. This group is just noisy."
Qiu'er, who had been standing slightly apart, watched the scene with softened eyes. For once, the cold distance in her gaze eased.
Later, when the group dispersed briefly, Qiu'er stepped closer to Lin Huang.
"Can we talk?" she asked quietly.
Lin Huang nodded.
They moved a short distance away.
"I want to tell you something," Qiu'er said, fingers tightening. "About who I really am."
Lin Huang looked at her steadily. "I already have a guess."
Her eyes widened slightly.
"If you trust me," Lin Huang continued, "I can help you—and Bi Ji and Zi Ji as well. You trusted me enough to stay. I won't waste that."
For the first time, a faint, complicated smile appeared on Qiu'er's lips.
Far above the training grounds, in a secluded pavilion overlooking the academy, Xu Tianran listened to a whispered report.
"So Lin Huang has begun gathering people around him," Xu Tianran murmured.
"Should we interfere?" the subordinate asked.
Xu Tianran smiled faintly. "Not yet. Let him grow comfortable."
As he spoke, a strange chill ran down his spine.
For just a moment, his smile stiffened.
"…Hmph."
Somewhere in the unseen currents of fate, something had begun to move.