Chapter 10: You masked one… what exactly are you looking for?

In that pitch-black chamber — as dark as the mask of its owner — a small pool shimmered faintly, carved into an ancient stone as old as the kingdom itself. The pool would glow with a subtle light whenever the disciples of the Heavenly Academy approached — the finest youths of the kingdom, its bravest and most gifted. Wisdom and sharp intuition flowed in their veins, making them the kingdom’s greatest hope after losing its strongest elders in the last assault… the very assault in which Jin Hai perished.

The masked figure stood there, silently observing their movements, reading their reactions — hoping to find that one among them. He had yet to find what he sought… but he had not lost patience, even after all these years.

That morning, he saw someone appear in the reflection of the pool… someone walking steadily toward the Academy’s gate. There was something familiar about him from afar. Who could he be? With every step that figure took closer, the masked man felt an unsettling pressure — that was no ordinary person. Someone who heralded… the unexpected. Would he become the kingdom’s downfall… or its iron fortress?

The masked man left his chamber at once and headed toward the Academy. He moved toward the one he had been searching for — or so he believed.

In the grand plaza, the elite soldiers of the kingdom stood in formation beside their instructors. It was the first assembly of the year. By the end of this year, the Great Instructor Wu Xin — together with Instructor Li — would choose the Elite of the Elite to oversee the most sacred regions of the kingdom.

Their task: to complete twelve trials across various fields. And whoever dared to match the Great Instructor’s record… would claim the highest authority in the entire kingdom.

The disciples — only a few dozens — stood in three neat rows.

Instructor Li walked before them, inspecting each face one by one. Suddenly, he stopped in front of someone, a playful smile lifting his lips.

“I never thought you would be interested in joining us… old man.”

The old man’s face lit up despite himself, and he replied with gentle humor:

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“I spent the finest days of my youth training here… I wouldn’t mind reliving that — if my knees allow it, of course.”

Great Instructor Wu Xin approached and spoke to him with respect:

“In every place you stand, you are the Elite among the Elite. Even if your body betrays you, your spirit never will.”

The old man’s smile faded into something deeper.

“My spirit… desires something else. Will you grant it?”

Wu Xin answered without hesitation:

“I agree — before even hearing the request.”

The old man chuckled.

“Then do not blame me… for the trouble that will follow.”

Wu Xin frowned slightly, unsure of his meaning — until the old man pulled someone from behind him.

A girl. Not just any girl.

Wu Xin’s gaze hardened, cold and unreadable.

“What… are you doing here, Furnace Girl?”

She tilted her head innocently.

“‘Furnace Girl’? Didn’t you give me another name before? Let me remember… Ah yes, you called me Sweetheart, then changed it to My Little Beloved because you didn’t like it. Did you forget?”

A flush crept up Wu Xin’s face. He couldn’t deny it — every word she spoke was true.

“How shameless!” Mei snapped, jealousy burning in her eyes. “How dare you lie about the Great Instructor and taint his name in front of us all!”

Huo Feng didn’t respond. She simply walked around Mei, studying her from every angle like she was solving a puzzle. Then she stopped abruptly and raised her voice:

“Aaah! I see! You’re angry because you want him to call you that! Don’t worry. He can call you Sweetheart — and I’ll stay his Little Beloved. How about that?”

The atmosphere twisted into chaos — especially at the strange silence of Wu Xin and the absurdity of the girl’s words.

The old man finally intervened:

“Do not speak unless you are given permission.”

Then he turned to Wu Xin with a hint of embarrassment.

“Forgive me, Great Instructor. But I warned you before… Can you handle it?”

Suo scoffed from the side.

“Just say it clearly — can you handle this disaster?”

Instructor Li opened his mouth, gaze still fixed on her.

“It’s fine. I can train her, so don’t worry—”

But Wu Xin cut him off sharply:

“I can handle the disaster. Do not worry.”

Huo Feng raised her hand like a child asking to speak. The old man nodded.

She walked up to Wu Xin and patted his shoulder as if encouraging him.

“Don’t worry. I can handle the disaster too. You know how strong I am… Did you forget the Ice Mountain?”