Though the journey toward the Mountain of Wind was grueling, the friendship between Li Hua and Seely was gradually blossoming into love. Even though they could not touch each other, the lingering glances and the deep care they showed for one another were obvious even to Agni.
"Look at them, Agni," the dragon muttered to himself. "They can't touch, but their two hearts are so close."
However, that peace did not last long. Suddenly, the sky turned pitch black as the dark shadow forces sent by the Demon Queen surrounded them once more. Li Hua drew his silver sword, Seely unleashed her poison powers, and Agni transformed into his dragon form to join the fray.
The battle was fierce. Ultimately, under their combined assault, the demonic forces were defeated and fled back into the shadows.
"We aren't strong enough!"
As the battle ended, a panting Li Hua leaned heavily on his sword. "Seely, we won today. But I can feel the Demon Queen's power growing day by day. We are still at the same level. We need to become much stronger than this."
Seely nodded. "You're right, Li Hua. And besides, we don't have any money or resources for this journey. Just wandering aimlessly is becoming dangerous for us."
They entered a small nearby town, where they heard a fascinating rumor about the world-famous "Celestial Spirit Academy," a place that teaches spiritual power and the ancient martial arts.
"This is our chance!" Li Hua exclaimed. "This academy can help us increase our spiritual power and unlock the secrets of these marks."
The three of them decided to enroll. Agni shifted back into his human form once more.
An academy instructor arrived to test them. "What kind of talents do you possess?" he asked sternly.
Li Hua replied with a completely straight face, "I am excellent at grinding mung beans... I mean, I can fight like a Great General!"
The instructor looked at Seely. "And you?"
"I can poison anyone I choose, but I am currently learning how to heal," Seely replied calmly.
Finally, the instructor turned to Agni and asked, "And what is your talent?" Agni promptly puffed out a small fireball, accidentally singeing the instructor's beard. "I can host a great barbecue!" Agni said with a grin.
The instructor, stroking his burnt beard, sighed. "Fine... fine... I'll enroll all of you. But be warned, this place has many rules."
Now, Li Hua and Seely are students of the academy. Their goal is to grow stronger, defeat the Demon Queen, and save the world.