Author's Note
My dear readers, before we dive into today's chapter, I have some incredible news to share. This novel has officially surpassed 100,000 views!
When I first started writing this story, I never imagined it would reach so many people. I am truly, deeply grateful to every one of you for your support. Reading your comments and encouragement truly made my day.
This milestone belongs to you, and as a token of my sincerest gratitude, I will be releasing three extra chapters this week.
I also want to take this moment to apologize sincerely for the recent lack of updates. Life sometimes has other plans, but I am committed to this story and to you, my amazing audience. Thank you for your patience and for sticking with me.
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The following morning, after seeing an excited Xiao Wu and a characteristically calm Tang San off at the academy gates, Mei stood for a moment, watching their figures disappear down the road toward the distant mountains.
A small part of her felt a twinge of loneliness, but it quickly disappeared.
Alright, no time for moping! Ai's voice chimed brightly in her head.
Your adoring public—and your future fans—await! Head to the job board near the Spirit Hall.
Mei blinked, turning her steps toward the city center.
"The job board? Is this your big idea? To have me join a spirit-hunting team?" she asked internally, weaving through the morning market crowd.
It's a brilliant idea, if I do say so myself! Ai preened.
Think about it! Strong, rugged spirit masters, facing danger and beasts in the wild! It's the perfect setting for a rising star to shine! And let's not forget your unique... talents.
She has a point
Luminous's voice, now a familiar and enthusiastic presence, joined the conversation. His translucent form fluttered with excitement beside her ear, unseen by others.
My passive ability to enhance your allure, the low-level spirit beast should be attracted to you naturally
You'll captivate them effortlessly! And as for the spirit beasts... well, let's say my presence has a certain calming effect on creatures of light and nature.
Mei couldn't help but smile at their combined enthusiasm.
You'll be like a Disney princess, winning over the forest itself!
It was a strange path for an idol, but then, her entire life was strange now.
Reaching the bustling square near the Spirit Hall, she found the public job board, a large wooden plank plastered with dozens of handwritten notices and flyers.
Her eyes scanned the various requests—escort missions, herb gathering, and local odd jobs. Then, one neatly written flyer caught her eye:
Seeking Support!
Experienced team hunting for capturing a few 400-year spirit beasts in the Western Forest.
Need a reliable support-type spirit master to round out our team.
A good pay guaranteed.
If interested, meet at the North City Gate at noon.'
It seemed straightforward and, more importantly, within a reasonable risk level for her first outing. She plucked the flyer from the board.
"Looks like this is the one," she murmured.
Perfect! Ai and Luminous said in near-unison.
Following the instructions, Mei made her way to the North City Gate as the sun climbed toward its zenith.
A small group of spirit masters was already gathered there, their postures and gear marking them as seasoned adventurers. As she approached, four sets of eyes turned to assess her.
Mei offered a polite bow. "Hello. My name is Mei. I'm here about the support role on your hunt."
The team's members exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of surprise and skepticism. She was clearly younger than they had anticipated.
The tallest of them, a rugged man with a stern face and visible scars crisscrossing his muscular arms, stepped forward. His gaze was sharp and appraising.
"I'm Liu Xin, team leader. Spirit: White Wolf. Level thirty-four." His voice was a low rumble. "You're a bit... young for this kind of work, aren't you?"
A short, stocky man with a brusque demeanor crossed his arms. "Guili. Spirit: Wooden Shield. Level thirty-one." He grunted. "We need solid support, not a kid who'll freeze up when a beast charges."
A slender, tall woman with an observant, calm air stepped slightly to the side, her eyes missing no detail.
"I am Katy. Spirit: White Cat. Level twenty-eight, swift attack." She offered a slight, non-committal nod.
Finally, a tall, well-built young man with a confident, almost cocky smile sauntered forward. He looked Mei up and down with open appreciation. "And I'm Pei. Spirit: Bronze Sword. Level twenty-nine." He winked.
"Don't mind these grumps. It's always a pleasure to have a pretty face on the team. What's your spirit, little lady? And your level?"
Mei met their gazes steadily, her idol smile—polite, warm, and slightly unshakeable—firmly in place. "My spirit is the Starlight Stage. I am a support type. My soul power is at the twenty-second rank." She decided to omit the details about Luminous for now.
A brief, stunned silence fell over the group. Level twenty-two at her apparent age was unheard of.
Liu Xin's stern expression shifted to one of intrigued calculation. Pei's flirtatious smile widened into genuine interest.
Guili looked slightly less dismissive, and Katy's observant eyes narrowed thoughtfully.
"The Starlight Stage, you say?" Liu Xin repeated, his voice losing some of its gruffness. "Never heard of it. What's your spirit skill?"
Mei nodded. "My first spirit skill provides a boost to allies' attack and speed within its domain. And my second soul skill will mentally attack enemies in my domain every second they stay in the domain."
For a second, there was only the sound of the city gate traffic behind them. Then, Guili, the stocky shield wielder, choked on air, his eyes bulging. "A domain? Did you just say domain?"
Katy, the calm and observant White Cat Spirit master, took an involuntary step forward, her previous composure shattered. "That's impossible. Domain-type skills are... they're for Titled Douluo. Not for... no offense, but not for a Spirit Grandmaster."
Liu Xin's intrigued calculation sharpened into something akin to awe. He looked at Mei not as a curious young girl, but as a tactical asset of unimaginable value.
"A domain that buffs allies and harries enemies simultaneously... at the twenty-second rank..." He trailed off, the implications clearly spinning in his mind.
See?
Ai's voice was triumphant in Mei's head.
I told you! They're speechless! That's the power of a future star!
The light is pure and compelling, Luminous added, his translucent form fluttering with pride.
It was Pei who broke the tension, letting out a low, appreciative whistle. His cocky smile returned, wider than ever.
"Well, well, well. Little lady, you just turned from a pretty face into our secret weapon." He grinned at Liu Xin.
"Captain, with a domain like that, we might actually have to pay her extra. Maybe even split the spoils differently."
Liu Xin ignored Pei's mercenary quip, but he didn't contradict him either. His gaze was locked on Mei.
"Show me," he said, his voice low and intent. "Not the full effect, just the manifestation. I need to see this domain."
"Understood," Mei replied, and she took a step back, the movement unconsciously smooth and practiced, as if stepping onto a concert stage. She raised her hand and focused.
With a soft, shimmering sound, like distant chimes, the air around her feet began to glow. A circle of soft, silver light expanded, approximately five meters in diameter.
Ethereal, star-like motes of light drifted upwards from its surface, and the very air within it seemed to hum with potential energy. It was a small stage, but it was hers.
The team stared, captivated by the otherworldly sight. There was no more skepticism, only a stunned silence.
Stage presence, darling! Ai crowed. You've got them in the palm of your hand!
Liu Xin finally nodded, a rare, grim smile touching his lips. "Alright. The terms have changed. You get a twenty percent share of the spoils, not a flat fee." He shot a look at Guili, who, after a moment, gave a gruff nod of agreement.
"Stick close to me, kid," Guili rumbled, his tone now possessing a newfound respect. "That light of yours is gonna draw more than just spirit beasts' attention from now on."
"Understood," Mei said again, letting the Starlight Stage fade. As the team shouldered their packs and began the trek towards the Western Forest, she fell into step behind Guili, just as instructed.
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