On the assessment stage, Mu Bai stood proudly beside Mu Zhuoyun, his gaze lingering on Mu Ningxue.
Her snow-white hair danced in the wind, her expression calm and distant — like a goddess high above the mortal world.
Mu Bai clenched his fists.
He was merely a distant relative of the Mu family — a nobody in the grand scheme of their lineage. But this assessment was his one chance to prove himself!
If he could take first place, the Mu family would definitely pour resources into cultivating him.
Then maybe, just maybe, even Mu Ningxue would look at him differently.
Meanwhile, Mo Fan was watching from the crowd, a smirk stretching across his face.
"When it's my turn, I'll make sure to blind their dog eyes," he muttered. "Especially that smug Mu Bai."
He wasn't bluffing.
Born with dual elements and aided by his jade pendant, Mo Fan's cultivation speed was terrifying. Both of his elements could already cast spells — something no one else in Tianlan Magic High School could do.
Today, he would shock everyone.
The assessment continued one class after another.
Finally, it was Class Eight's turn.
Beside Mu Bai stood a middle-aged man in a dark suit — Mu He, his uncle.
"Mu Bai, perform well," Mu He said softly, his tone full of expectation.
"I will," Mu Bai replied firmly.
He stepped onto the stage, placed his hand on the Star Sense Stone, and instantly —
A brilliant white ice light burst out!
The glow was so strong that it illuminated half the stage.
"Whoa!"
"His Ice element is so pure!"
"As expected from someone of the Mu family — terrifying talent!"
Excited murmurs swept through the students.
The three teachers began scoring, and moments later, three shining letters appeared on the crystal screen:
S, S, S!
"Three S's!"
"The first perfect score in years!"
Mu Bai's lips curled upward. He turned slightly, eyes meeting Mu Ningxue's…
But her face remained as cold as frost, unmoved.
The fleeting pride in his heart turned into frustration.
When he looked back, his gaze met Mo Fan's, and a trace of disdain flashed in his eyes.
"Brother Fan, he's provoking you," Zhang Xiaohou whispered.
Zhao Kunsan crossed his arms with a sneer. "Hmph, Mu Bai's on another level. Some people shouldn't even dream about matching him."
Zhang Xiaohou's temper flared. "Say that again—"
Mo Fan stopped him with a hand. "Forget it. Let the results speak."
Mu Bai moved on to the magic release assessment.
His control was fine, but the spell lacked impact — the result was only a B.
"Mu Bai's final score: Star Dust assessment — S, Magic Release — B!"
Even so, his combined score made him the current leader.
"Next, Mo Fan!"
The crowd's excitement shifted immediately.
Mo Fan stepped forward, placing his hand on the Star Sense Stone. Song Jie, standing among the students, watched calmly — he already knew what was about to happen.
Just like the original storyline, someone tried to sabotage Mo Fan by slipping a dark stone beneath the Star Sense Stone.
But it was discovered in time.
The assessment restarted.
A few seconds later—
Crimson light blazed out from the Star Sense Stone!
"Three S's again!"
"The same as Mu Bai!"
"Wait— wasn't he admitted through connections?!"
"Zhao Kunsan, you hearing this? Your bark broke?"
Laughter rippled through the students.
Mu Bai's face darkened, his jaw tightening as he glared at Mo Fan.
Then Mo Fan began the magic release test — and once again, an S rating appeared!
"Holy cow!!" Zhang Xiaohou nearly jumped in excitement. "Brother Fan's release is also S!"
The crowd erupted.
Even the teachers looked impressed. Two perfect S's — it was official. Mo Fan was the strongest of this batch!
Just then, Mu Zhuoyun himself stood up, smiling faintly.
"Mo Fan, you've done well. If you're willing to work under the Mu family, I can—"
"Mu Zhuoyun, are you out of your mind?" Mo Fan interrupted coldly.
The hall fell silent.
He dared to talk to the chairman like that?!
But Song Jie understood. Three years ago, the Mu family had humiliated Mo Fan's family — even cut off their support.
It was impossible for him to bow his head now.
The two exchanged heated words, tension rising until the principal hurriedly stepped between them.
"Calm down, both of you! Save this for graduation day!"
Everyone finally relaxed.
The principal cleared his throat. "Alright, continue the assessment. There are still students left."
"Next — Song Jie!"
Song Jie stepped forward calmly.
After Mo Fan's dazzling performance, most students had already decided the first place was sealed.
Who could surpass double S's?
"Begin," said the bald examiner.
Song Jie nodded and placed his hand on the Star Sense Stone.
At that moment—
A blinding golden light exploded across the hall!
The entire assessment stage was bathed in radiance. Even the ceiling shimmered with golden reflections.
"Ah! My eyes—!"
"What the hell?! It's so bright!!"
"Whose light element is that?! Mine never looked this divine!"
Students shielded their faces, stunned.
Even the three examiners froze, blinking at the radiance.
"This… what level is this?"
"This light already surpasses the S rating…"
The scoring crystal flickered uncertainly — unable to process the data.
The teachers looked at one another, dumbfounded.
"How… how do we score this?" one finally muttered.
The hall fell into absolute silence.
Everyone stared at Song Jie — the golden glow still rippling from his palm — and for the first time, even Mo Fan was speechless.
This wasn't just talent.
It was outrageous.