("Do your duty. Act with integrity.Don't cling to outcomes — the larger order will take care of that."- Quoted by Lord Krishna)
...
{3rd Pov}
One full year had passed since Astreo had deliberately pretended to awaken the Psychic Element, carefully hiding the true extent of his abilities during that time.
Now, the school had finally reached one of the most important events of the academic year—the Annual Assessment.
This assessment was crucial, as it directly determined how students would be ranked and classified moving forward.
Based on their scores and overall performance during the assessment, students would be divided into two primary categories: the Elite Classes and the Common Classes.
This distinction was not merely a matter of status or pride; it carried real and tangible consequences for each student's future growth.
Students who successfully entered the Elite Classes would receive a Normal Stardust Magic Tool, allocated according to their ranking within the elite group.
These tools were extremely valuable, as they could significantly accelerate a mage's cultivation speed, allowing them to form star paths more efficiently and stabilize their spiritual energy faster.
In contrast, students assigned to the Common Classes would not receive such benefits and would have to rely solely on their own limited resources.
This difference was incredibly important, especially in the current era.
Due to the Great Depletion, Stardust Magic Tools had become absurdly expensive.
Even though supply and production had started to stabilize somewhat in recent years, the prices were still outrageously high.
For ordinary families, purchasing a Stardust Magic Tool was simply unrealistic.
After all, this was not something that could be casually bought with spare change.
Even the most basic Stardust Magic Tools were worth millions of yuan.
For the vast majority of students, the Annual Assessment represented their only real chance to obtain one legally and without paying a fortune.
That was why the atmosphere surrounding the assessment was tense, serious, and filled with pressure for everyone involved.
On top of all that, students who managed to enter the Elite Classes would also receive far more attention from the school.
They would be given priority access to resources, closer supervision, and even one-on-one training sessions with experienced instructors.
All of this would further accelerate their cultivation and widen the gap between them and the students placed in the Common Classes.
The difference in treatment was harsh, but it reflected the reality of the magical world.
At that moment, the principal stepped up onto the podium and looked out over the gathered students.
After clearing his throat, he began his speech.
He started with a brief introduction, explaining the importance of the Annual Assessment and what it represented for each student's future.
Then, without softening his words, he continued.
"For those who pass with flying colors, the future belongs to you," the principal said firmly.
"But for those who fail, I will say this plainly—give up on becoming a mage. The path of a mage is not meant for you."
The effect of his words was immediate.
The enthusiasm that had been burning brightly in the students' hearts only moments ago cooled down as if doused with cold water.
Many students lowered their heads, their expressions turning heavy as the reality of the situation fully sank in.
They all understood that the assessment was not only about dividing students into Elite and Common Classes.
A significant number of them would also be removed entirely from the magic curriculum.
Those who had not put in enough effort or failed to meet the minimum standards would be forced to change their paths.
Continuing to pursue magic without sufficient talent or dedication would only harm their futures rather than help them.
After delivering what was essentially emotional damage to every student present, the principal paused briefly, allowing the weight of his words to settle in.
Then, as if nothing unusual had happened, he calmly continued his speech.
Finally, he shifted the focus and formally introduced Mu Ningxue, who stepped onto the stage beside him, immediately drawing everyone's attention.
"I am proud to announce the presence of one of our distinguished former alumni," the principal said loudly, his voice filled with pride.
"Mu Ningxue has returned to visit us for this year's Annual Assessment." He paused deliberately, allowing her name to sink in before continuing.
"She awakened her magic at the age of fifteen and was accepted directly into the Imperial Magic Institute. She is without a doubt the pride of Bo City."
The principal then gestured toward her with an open hand.
"Today, she will also demonstrate to all of you what true magic looks like," he said proudly as he pointed in Ningxue's direction.
Mu Ningxue stepped forward calmly, her expression composed and cold.
Without any unnecessary movement, she placed her hand gently on the testing stone.
The reaction was immediate.
In an instant, dense Ice mana surged out from her body, completely overwhelming the stone.
Frost spread rapidly across its surface, encasing it in thick layers of ice.
The freezing did not stop there.
Ice continued to spread outward, crawling from the testing stone across the podium itself and even reaching the ground below.
The temperature around the stage dropped sharply, and the sheer amount of Ice mana released stunned everyone present.
Gasps echoed throughout the crowd as the students stared in disbelief.
"Amazing!"
"She's so strong!"
"She's a real Ice Mage!"
Voices overlapped as excitement and admiration filled the area.
For many of the students, this was the first time they had witnessed such a powerful and refined display of magic.
Mu Ningxue's demonstration left a deep impression on everyone watching, clearly showing the gap between ordinary students and someone who had already stepped onto a much higher level.
Meanwhile, Astreo felt an overwhelming sense of awkwardness as he watched the scene unfold. If someone like Mu Ningxue—who was still just a beginner Ice Mage by his standards—was being treated as this incredible and awe-inspiring existence, then what exactly did that make him?
After all, he was a full-fledged Forbidden Curse Tier Mage with a physique comparable to a Supreme Monarch.
The gap was so absurd that it almost made him uncomfortable.
To Astreo, the entire situation felt like an adult sitting down to play dollhouse with children.
Everything around him seemed trivial and exaggerated, and the reactions of the crowd only made it worse.
Even those overpowered protagonists in novels who deliberately pretended to be weak and hid their true strength would probably feel ashamed if they saw Astreo seriously participating in an assessment meant for complete beginners.
At the same time, the students had already begun whispering among themselves again, their attention quickly shifting back to Mu Ningxue.
This time, however, it wasn't just about her strength.
Many of them were clearly captivated by her appearance.
Her hair and skin were both as fair as snow, giving her an almost unreal presence.
Combined with her Ice Element, she naturally gave off the aura of an "Ice beauty."
From her looks to her demeanor, everything about her fit perfectly with the descriptions often found in novels.
She was calm, distant, and cold, both in personality and in temperament.
Even her expression barely changed, reinforcing the image further.
In every possible sense, Mu Ningxue was the textbook example of an ice-cold beauty that people liked to talk about, and the students couldn't stop staring or whispering because of it.
Finally, the examination officially began, and the tense atmosphere instantly became even heavier.
One by one, students were called forward, and nervous whispers spread through the crowd.
"I-I'm so scared… what if I fail?" a girl said in a shaky voice nearby.
Astreo turned his head slightly and quickly recognized her.
It was He Yu—the same girl who, according to what he knew of the future, had a crush on Zhang Xiaohou and would eventually die while protecting him during the Black Vatican's attack.
'Well, I can push her to join the Star Clan later,' Astreo thought calmly as he nodded to himself.
'For the greater good, that would probably be the best outcome for her.'
The teacher overseeing the assessment noticed He Yu's nervous state and offered her a few words of encouragement, urging her to stay calm and focus.
Taking a deep breath, He Yu finally stepped onto the podium.
Her movements were hesitant at first, but as she began the assessment, her concentration slowly stabilized.
When the final results were announced, the outcome shocked not only He Yu herself but many of the students watching as well.
She had received an A-grade evaluation.
She wasn't just barely passing—she was officially an A-level student.
The result completely changed the way people looked at her, and even she stood there in disbelief, clearly not expecting such a high score from herself.
"Maybe the exam isn't actually that difficult?" one student muttered confidently after seeing He Yu's result.
His comment earned a few nods from others who were starting to relax.
Unfortunately for him, reality was about to deliver a very harsh face-slap.
After He Yu, the results quickly turned grim.
One student after another stepped forward, only to receive a C or even a D.
Several of them outright failed the assessment, their faces turning pale as the implications sank in.
The earlier confidence vanished almost instantly, replaced by anxiety and regret.
It became painfully clear that He Yu's success was not the norm.
Only a handful of students managed to receive an A-grade, among them Zhang Xiaohou, whose result surprised some but pleased others.
However, there was a clear standout.
Mu Bai alone managed to obtain an S-grade, immediately drawing attention and admiration from both students and teachers alike.
"Next is Mo Fan—" the examiner began, then suddenly paused.
He frowned slightly as he looked down at the list again.
"Wait, next is Astreo," he corrected himself, realizing that he had almost skipped over Astreo's name.
Without thinking too deeply about it, he decided to call Astreo up next instead of Mo Fan.
At that moment, Mu Bai's eyebrows twitched subtly.
No one else noticed it, but inside, he was already irritated.
He had deliberately tampered with the Star Sensing Orb earlier, ensuring that Mo Fan would fail the assessment.
The change in order threatened to interfere with his plan.
Meanwhile, Astreo let out a quiet sigh when he heard his name being called.
It was almost impressive how thoroughly his presence had been overlooked up until now.
With a calm expression, he stepped forward, already aware that once again, things were about to get more complicated than they needed to be.
"Isn't that the so-called genius from the Bo City branch of the Star Clan?" Mu Zhuoyun asked casually, his gaze fixed on the student stepping forward.
As the father of the famed Ice beauty, his voice carried a hint of curiosity mixed with indifference.
"So what if he is?" Mu He replied arrogantly, his tone filled with disdain.
"Even if he comes from the Star Clan, he's still nowhere near the level of Mu Ningxue."
His words were loud enough to be heard clearly, as if he intentionally wanted others to agree with him.
Astreo's eyebrows twitched the moment their voices reached his ears.
He turned his head slightly in their direction, clearly annoyed.
"Oi," Astreo said bluntly, not bothering to hide his irritation.
"If you're going to be shameless and brag, at least do it after my test results are out. Or better yet, do it somewhere else where I don't have to see or hear you."
His gaze swept over them coldly as he spoke.
For a brief moment, absolute silence fell over the entire area.
No one expected a student to openly talk back to elders, especially not ones with Mu Zhuoyun and Mu He's status.
Several people instinctively held their breath.
"Astreo! Is that any way to speak to your elders?!" the principal barked angrily, shooting Astreo a sharp and threatening glare.
His tone made it clear that he expected immediate submission.
Astreo completely ignored him.
Without saying another word, he stepped forward and placed his hand firmly on the awakening stone. Instantly, the stone began to glow with a vivid pink light.
The color intensified at an alarming rate.
Boom.
It was like a flashbang detonating right in front of everyone.
The light exploded outward, becoming unbearably bright for several seconds.
At the same time, violent psychic waves surged out in all directions.
Students and teachers alike staggered backward, struggling to remain standing as the pressure assaulted their minds and senses.
Cracks spread rapidly across the testing stone before it finally burst apart completely, fragments scattering as the psychic shockwave rippled through the entire testing area.
The crowd was left stunned, disoriented, and speechless, as the aftermath of Astreo's test settled in.
Once everyone finally regained their senses, the entire testing ground fell into an unnatural silence.
One by one, people slowly turned their heads and looked toward Astreo, who was standing calmly beside the completely crumbled Star Sensing Stone.
The fragments of the stone lay scattered on the ground, making the scene even more unreal.
Faces were frozen in shock, disbelief, and fear.
Astreo, on the other hand, appeared completely unaffected.
"Announce the test results," he said calmly, his tone steady and indifferent, as if nothing extraordinary had just happened.
The judges standing nearby were visibly trembling.
Their hands shook as they stared at the broken stone, then at Astreo, and then back at their instruments.
Swallowing nervously, one of them finally spoke.
"S+!"
Another judge immediately echoed the result, his voice barely steady.
"S+!"
A third followed almost reflexively, as if afraid of saying anything else.
"S+!"
"T-That's the highest result possible!" a random student shouted in shock, unable to hold back anymore.
"It's even higher than S-rank!" His obvious commentary only amplified the stunned atmosphere around them.
Astreo showed no reaction to the uproar.
Instead, he continued casually, "I would also like to demonstrate my magic. However, since I am a Psychic Mage, I will require a target."
His gaze swept calmly across the teachers and judges.
"Preferably someone at the Intermediate Tier."
Before anyone could respond, Tang Yue stepped forward.
"There's no need for that," she said firmly, cutting off the tension before it escalated further.
"We already know that Astreo possesses Spiritual Attainment at Level One and has been able to cast magic for months now."
She paused briefly, then added, "He even knocked me unconscious before."
The moment those words were spoken, every teacher present stiffened.
Memories of the earlier incident rushed back all at once.
Their expressions slowly changed as they turned to look at Astreo again.
This time, however, their gazes were completely different.
They were no longer looking at a talented student or a genius.
They were staring at him as if he were a monster.
Astreo let out a light whistle, completely unfazed by the stunned looks directed at him.
"That's old news," he said casually.
"I can already cast Tier Two magic now."
His words hit everyone present like a clap of thunder.
The atmosphere instantly shifted as shock rippled through the crowd.
Murmurs erupted, disbelief written all over the faces of students, teachers, and even the judges.
Tier Two magic was something most students wouldn't even dream of touching under one year of their awakening, let alone mastering.
Astreo didn't stop there.
"I could probably take on your sheltered ass as well, Sir Mu Zhuoyun," Astreo added calmly, his gaze locking onto the man without the slightest hint of hesitation.
This time, the reaction was even more intense.
Gasps echoed throughout the testing grounds—not just because of what he said, but because of who he said it to.
Speaking like that to Mu Zhuoyun, a figure of authority and status, took more than confidence.
It took sheer audacity.
"You foreign bastard!" Mu Zhuoyun barked furiously, his face flushing with anger as he pointed straight at Astreo.
"You have no respect for your elders at all!"
Astreo simply tilted his head slightly, his expression calm and almost bored.
"I give respect to people who actually earn it," he replied evenly.
"And you are certainly not on that list."
The silence that followed was suffocating.
No one dared to speak as the weight of his words settled in.
It was painfully clear that Astreo wasn't bluffing, wasn't joking, and most certainly wasn't afraid.
Mu Zhuoyun was practically shaking with anger.
His chest heaved as he struggled to contain himself, and he opened his mouth to shout again.
"You—!"
Before he could continue, Mu Ningxue stepped forward.
"Father, let me handle this," she said calmly.
Her voice was cold, steady, and carried an authority that immediately cut through the tension.
The moment she spoke, Mu Zhuoyun paused.
Although his expression was still furious, he slowly restrained himself, trusting his daughter enough to step back.
Mu Ningxue then shifted her gaze toward Astreo.
Her eyes were icy and sharp as she stared directly at him, showing neither fear nor hesitation.
"You really think you can insult my father like that and walk away?" she said coldly.
"If you truly believe you're as strong as you claim, then prove it."
She paused briefly before continuing.
"Why don't you have a battle with me?"
Astreo fell silent for a moment, his expression unreadable.
The surrounding crowd instinctively held their breath, unsure of what he would say next.
Then, slowly, a grin spread across his face.
"Are you sure about that, princess?" Astreo replied casually, his tone relaxed but sharp.
"Don't go crying to your father when you lose." His smile widened slightly as he continued, "I won't go easy on you just because you're a woman."
He cracked his knuckles lightly, his confidence unmistakable.
"My fists are E-rated," he added bluntly.
"They're equal opportunity—for everyone."
"Hmph! I won't lose to a foreign bastard like you," Mu Ningxue said coldly.
The moment those words left her mouth, Astreo's temper flared sharply.
He had expected arrogance, hostility, and even blatant provocation—but racism was something he did not tolerate at all.
"Your words say everything about who you are," Astreo replied calmly, though his eyes had clearly turned colder.
"And they say absolutely nothing about your strength. Remember that."
His tone was flat, but the weight behind his words made the atmosphere noticeably heavier.
"Why don't we just kick this brat out?" Mu He suddenly suggested, his voice filled with malice.
"He's disrespectful, rude, and clearly doesn't know his place."
The suggestion caused a stir, but the principal hesitated instead of responding immediately.
His brows furrowed deeply as he weighed the consequences.
Kicking Astreo out would not just be a disciplinary decision—it would mean openly severing ties with the Star Clan.
No matter how much certain people tried to defame them, one undeniable fact remained: the Star Clan was the number one force.
Offending them openly was something even he could not afford to do lightly.
"Really?" a calm but dangerous voice suddenly echoed across the grounds.
"Kick him out?"
Every single person present froze.
"I would very much like to see who has the audacity to kick my child."
All teachers, students, and guests instinctively looked up toward the source of the voice.
Walking forward was an extremely beautiful woman with long red hair flowing behind her and blazing red eyes that commanded immediate attention.
She was dressed in a sharp businesswoman's suit, her presence alone exuding authority and pressure.
The moment Mu Zhuoyun saw her, his face turned pale.
The principal's expression stiffened, and even Mu He's confident demeanor crumbled instantly.
Several other teachers reacted similarly, their faces draining of color.
One teacher didn't even hesitate.
He immediately rushed forward from his position, bowing slightly as he hurried to greet her, fully aware of exactly who she was and what her presence here meant.
"M-Miss Lisa, welcome… welcome," the teacher stammered as he bowed deeply in greeting. His posture was respectful to the point of being almost excessive.
Nearby students stared in complete confusion, baffled by the sight of one of their own teachers showing such deference to a woman they had never seen before.
"Damn… she's beautiful," one boy muttered in a daze, his eyes fixed on Lisa.
He barely finished speaking before the girl standing beside him slapped him sharply on the cheek.
She snorted in annoyance and turned her head away, clearly unimpressed by his lack of self-control.
Lisa paid none of them any attention.
"So?" she said casually, her sharp red eyes landing on Mu Zhuoyun.
"I heard that you were suggesting that my son be expelled from this school."
Her tone was calm and almost indifferent, yet the pressure behind her words was unmistakable.
The moment she finished speaking, Mu Zhuoyun began sweating profusely.
His earlier arrogance was completely gone, replaced by panic.
"N-No, absolutely not!" he said immediately, waving his hands in denial.
"I was only trying to teach him that he should speak more respectfully to his elders. That's all. Nothing more."
His sudden submissive attitude stunned everyone watching.
Students stood frozen, their mouths slightly open, unable to believe what they were seeing.
Even Mu Bai was visibly shaken by his uncle's behavior.
Mu Ningxue, standing nearby, was just as shocked.
She stared at her father in disbelief, never having imagined that he would act so cautiously and respectfully toward someone like this woman.
"Yo, Lisa, you're a bit late to the party," Astreo said casually as he looked at her.
"My assessment is already over."
At the same time, he sent her a telepathic message.
'Why are you even here?'
Lisa's expression did not change on the surface, but her reply came instantly through the same mental channel.
'I originally came to cheer you on, my Lord,' she answered.
'However, when I arrived and realized there was a perfect opportunity for a face-slapping moment—and an even better chance to promote the Star Clan—I honestly couldn't stop myself.'
There was a brief pause in her response, followed by a hint of embarrassment that even telepathy couldn't completely hide.
Her inner businesswoman instincts had taken over, and combined with her personal fondness for dramatic face-slapping moments, the result was inevitable.
Quite simply, her desire to seize a golden opportunity and make a statement for the Star Clan had been far too strong to resist.
'Where were you, exactly? I didn't sense you at all,' Astreo thought with a slight frown.
His confusion was genuine.
At all times, he kept a psychic field active within a radius of roughly one hundred meters around himself.
This field granted him an omnidirectional awareness of everything within its range, making it nearly impossible for anyone to approach him unnoticed.
Of course, he could expand that psychic field to absurd distances if he wanted to.
However, under normal circumstances, he deliberately kept his abilities heavily suppressed.
After all, he had no fear of being randomly stabbed, assassinated, or torn apart by surprise attacks, so there was no need to stay on full alert constantly.
More importantly, a stronger psychic field wasn't without consequences.
Not only could it be detected by other high-level beings, but it would also begin to influence the minds and psyches of people around him.
If he made even a minor mistake while maintaining such pressure, it could easily damage—or outright destroy—the mental stability of weaker individuals nearby.
Because of that, he preferred to keep his psychic presence restrained unless absolutely necessary.
'I was using cameras,' Lisa replied calmly through their telepathic connection.
The moment he received her answer, realization immediately dawned on him.
Astreo's frown disappeared as he nodded slightly to himself.
'That makes sense,' he thought.
'Cameras are a smart way to bypass my senses, at least at the surface level.'
His psychic perception was tuned toward living minds, mana fluctuations, and hostile intent—not passive surveillance devices operating from a distance.
With that understanding, Astreo shifted his attention away from the telepathic exchange and turned his gaze back toward Mu Zhuoyun, his expression settling into one of calm interest as he prepared for whatever came next.
Meanwhile, Mu Zhuoyun was sweating heavily.
Lisa had not said a single word during her telepathic communication with Astreo, and her silence was far more terrifying to him than any open threat.
Each passing second felt longer than the last, and the pressure in the air made it difficult for him to breathe normally.
In the end, Mu Ningxue could no longer tolerate the oppressive atmosphere.
"My lady," she said as she stepped forward, her voice calm but cautious, "may I ask who you are?"
Her eyes were fixed on Lisa as she spoke.
She genuinely wanted to know why even her father, along with the principal and other high-ranking figures, looked as if they were standing before a natural disaster rather than a single person.
"Me?" Lisa replied slowly.
Her lips curled into a dangerous smile.
In the very next moment, she released her domain.
Instantly, the surrounding environment changed.
All elemental mana in the area vanished almost completely—except for Lightning.
Fire, Ice, Wind, Earth, and Shadow were suppressed to the point of near nonexistence.
The sudden imbalance caused a wave of panic.
Not only the students, but even the teachers felt their control over their magic slipping away, as if their connection to the elements had been forcibly severed.
Crackling arcs of lightning danced violently around Lisa's body as she began walking toward Mu Ningxue.
Each step she took carried overwhelming pressure, her presence alone making weaker individuals instinctively step back.
"I am one of the Monarchs of the Star Clan," Lisa said coldly.
"I am known by the title Destroyer." Her voice was calm, but every word carried crushing authority.
"I am a Super Tier Lightning Mage."
She stopped a short distance in front of Mu Ningxue, her blazing red eyes locking onto her completely.
"Even if members of the Mu Clan from the Imperial City were standing here today," Lisa continued, "they would show me the exact same courtesy your father is showing me right now."
At that moment, Mu Ningxue felt a chill run through her body—not from ice, but from fear.
Her control over the Ice Element was rapidly slipping away, forcibly suppressed by the overwhelming Thunder mana dominating the space.
No matter how hard she tried, her Ice mana refused to respond properly.
For the first time, Mu Ningxue truly understood the gap.
This was not a difference in talent.
This was absolute domination.
The principal immediately stepped forward, his face tense as he raised his voice.
"Miss Lisa!" he shouted urgently.
"Mu Ningxue is still a junior. Targeting someone of her age and status is beneath your position."
His words were firm, clearly attempting to de-escalate the situation before it spiraled completely out of control.
Lisa glanced at him briefly.
After a short pause, she finally withdrew her domain.
The overwhelming Lightning mana dissipated instantly, and the suppressed elemental energies slowly returned to normal.
Students and teachers alike let out quiet breaths of relief, some of them realizing only now how difficult it had been to breathe under that pressure.
"Indeed," Mu Zhuoyun said as he stepped forward, his tone suddenly earnest and composed.
"Conflicts between juniors should be resolved by the juniors themselves."
His earlier arrogance was nowhere to be found, replaced by a carefully measured attitude.
However, Tang Yue quickly intervened before the situation could escalate again.
"There is still a legal issue," she said firmly.
"According to the law, a student is not allowed to participate in an official duel unless they have reached the age of adulthood."
Her intention was clear—she wanted to prevent a dangerous battle between children that could easily go too far.
"Yes, that is true," Mu He added after a brief moment of thought.
His eyes narrowed slightly as he considered the situation.
"In that case… how about we delay the duel by two years?" He paused deliberately before continuing.
"We can hold it at the same time as my son Yu Ang's coming-of-age ceremony."
The proposal was carefully calculated.
It satisfied the legal restrictions, preserved face for both sides, and pushed the conflict into the future where outcomes could be better controlled.
After a short exchange of glances, everyone present silently agreed to the arrangement.
No one openly objected.
The tension eased slightly, but it was clear to all that this matter was far from over—it had simply been postponed.
Meanwhile, Astreo glanced at the students who were whispering among themselves, their faces filled with frustration, regret, and unwillingness to give up.
After observing them for a moment, he stepped forward and spoke loudly enough for everyone to hear.
"I know that many of you failed to pass this examination," Astreo said calmly.
"And I also know that many of you are not willing to give up on the path of magic just like this."
His gaze slowly swept across the crowd as he continued.
"Remember this—the doors of the Star Clan and Star Industries are always open to you."
The murmuring immediately died down as the students focused on him.
"In exchange for loyalty and hard work," Astreo went on, "I can guarantee that you will become a respectable Intermediate Mage in the future. That is not an empty promise. I can personally assure you of that."
His words instantly ignited interest among the students.
Many of those who had failed were not truly hopeless cases.
Some had failed simply because they had not worked hard enough.
Others lacked exceptional talent or had awakened elements that were considered weak by the school's rigid standards, such as Light Element.
Everyone knew the unspoken rules—teachers would eliminate even C-rank Light Element students without hesitation, allowing students with supposedly superior elements to take their spots, even if their results were no better.
All it took was the excuse of Star Sensing Stone showing a weak glow for Light, and the student would be discarded.
Because of this unfair system, many students who were unwilling to abandon their dreams began making a decision right then and there.
One by one, students who had failed the assessment quietly resolved to join the Star Clan instead.
They would rather place their future in Astreo's hands than accept being pushed out of the magical path entirely.
The principal and the other teachers could only stand there, stunned, watching the situation unfold.
They had no way to stop it.
Right in front of their eyes, Star Clan was openly recruiting failed students from their high school.
They weren't just losing students.
They were literally having mages taken from them—openly, confidently, and without any resistance they could realistically offer.
As the commotion finally settled and the atmosphere began to calm, the next student stepped forward—Mo Fan.
The moment his results were announced, the entire crowd was thrown into another wave of shock.
He had achieved an S-tier evaluation in the Fire Element, a result that immediately drew countless gazes.
Although his performance did not quite reach the overwhelming level displayed by Astreo or Mu Ningxue, it was still clear to everyone present that Mo Fan was an exceptional talent.
In fact, many silently acknowledged that his aptitude surpassed that of Mu Bai, a so-called genius who had once been highly praised.
The murmurs in the audience grew louder as people reconsidered their earlier judgments.
Mo Fan had no prominent background, no powerful family backing him, and no known access to rare resources.
Yet despite all of that, he had managed to reach such an impressive level through his own efforts.
This alone made his achievement stand out even more sharply when compared to those who had been nurtured with abundant resources since childhood.
Mu Zhouyun noticed this immediately.
As a seasoned figure with sharp judgment, he could tell at a glance that Mo Fan was a rare seedling with tremendous growth potential.
Without hesitation, his mind began calculating the benefits and risks.
To him, this was not merely a talented student—it was an opportunity.
Acting quickly, Mu Zhouyun stepped forward and openly attempted to recruit Mo Fan, offering resources and support in exchange for joining his clan.
After all, the Star Clan was currently one of the strongest contenders in Bo City.
If Mu Zhouyun wished to continue expanding his influence and securing his position, he needed powerful young mages who could grow alongside the clan.
While the support from the main Mu Family was significant, it was still limited and could not cover every aspect of future development.
Relying solely on that backing would eventually become a constraint.
Because of this, Mo Fan became Mu Zhouyun's primary target for recruitment.
A mage who had reached such heights without external assistance was far more valuable than one who relied on family resources.
In Mu Zhouyun's eyes, investing in Mo Fan now meant securing an even greater return in the future, making him a candidate that simply could not be ignored.
Alas, Mo Fan, who had been humiliated by Mu Zhouyun in the past and had never truly forgotten that experience, finally began to openly insult Mu Zhouyun as well.
His words were sharp and deliberate, clearly meant to provoke and challenge him rather than remain respectful or restrained.
As a direct consequence of this behavior, Mo Fan quickly found himself facing punishment from those in authority.
The most immediate repercussion was that his access to the Stardust Magic Tool was drastically reduced.
Instead of receiving the full amount of time that was supposedly allocated to him, his usage was cut down to merely one-fourth of what he should have been entitled to, severely limiting his opportunities for cultivation and practice.
However, this was not the end of the consequences he faced.
Matters escalated further when Mo Fan was forced into a formal agreement to participate in a duel.
His opponent would be Yu Ang, the adopted son of Mu Zhouyun, a young man of similar age and status.
The duel was scheduled to take place during Yu Ang's coming-of-age ceremony, an event that already carried significant symbolic importance.
To make matters even more complicated and attention-grabbing, the duel was arranged to occur on the exact same day as the highly anticipated duel between Mu Ningxue and Astreo, ensuring that the event would draw even greater attention and scrutiny.
With these developments, the annual assessment finally came to an end.
Yet rather than fading quietly into routine, the conclusion of the assessment only marked the beginning of widespread discussion.
News of the arranged duels spread rapidly, first throughout the school and then far beyond its grounds.
Students, teachers, and various influential figures could not help but discuss the implications, speculate on the outcomes, and express shock at the boldness of the arrangements.
The entire school was thrown into an uproar, and the echoes of these events continued to spread outward, stirring interest and controversy wherever the news reached.
....
Astreo noticed Mu Ningxue standing alone beneath a nearby tree, separated from the rest of the area as if she had deliberately chosen isolation.
She appeared calm on the surface, but her posture suggested vigilance rather than relaxation.
After observing her for a brief moment, Astreo decided to approach her directly, his footsteps steady and unhurried as he closed the distance between them.
The moment she sensed his presence, Mu Ningxue stiffened.
Her body reacted instinctively, and she immediately turned to face him, her guard rising at once.
Her eyes sharpened with alertness, filled with unmistakable wariness as she studied him carefully, as though assessing a potential threat.
"Why are you here?" she asked, her voice cold and firm.
Her eyes narrowed slightly, making it clear that she did not trust his intentions in the slightest and was prepared for whatever he might say or do next.
Astreo did not hesitate.
"Mu Ningxue, do you really think the Mu Clan is nurturing you out of goodwill?" he said bluntly.
"They are not supporting you because they care about your future. They are using you for their own purposes."
His words immediately drew a reaction from her.
Mu Ningxue frowned deeply, clearly displeased and unconvinced.
Her expression hardened as she responded without hesitation, "What kind of trick are you trying to play?"
Her tone was sharp, carrying both irritation and suspicion, as if she believed his words were nothing more than a poorly disguised attempt to manipulate her.
Instead of answering directly, Astreo spoke two simple words.
"Ice bow."
The instant those words left his mouth, Mu Ningxue's composure cracked.
Her body flinched before she could stop herself, and disbelief flashed across her face.
The change was subtle but unmistakable, revealing that he had struck a sensitive point she had not expected anyone else to know.
"How do you know about that?!" she demanded, her voice rising despite her attempt to remain controlled.
She glared at him intensely, her eyes filled with shock and suspicion, as if trying to determine whether he was bluffing or truly possessed knowledge he should not have had.
"That thing is not some powerful magic tool like everyone believes," Astreo said plainly.
"It does not grant strength or protection. Instead, it uses the magic cultivation of its user to nurture itself over time. Once it has absorbed enough, the Mu Clan simply takes its pieces back from the host."
As he spoke, his eyes remained fixed on Mu Ningxue's face, carefully observing every subtle change in her expression.
"Without any surprise," he continued, "every single host ends up losing their magic cultivation in the end."
The revelation hung in the air between them, heavy and unsettling.
However, rather than reacting with shock or concern, Mu Ningxue suddenly laughed.
Her laughter was sharp and mocking, completely devoid of humor.
"Is this your way of trying to turn me against my own clan?" she said, her voice filled with disdain.
"You cannot win, so now you resort to these kinds of mind tricks?"
Her gaze was cold as she looked at him, clearly convinced that his words were nothing more than a desperate attempt to interfere with her resolve.
Astreo did not raise his voice or show frustration.
"I am speaking the truth," he replied calmly.
"And deep down, you should already know that what I'm saying is real."
She responded with a sharp snort, her patience clearly exhausted.
"Keep your so-called truth to yourself," she said harshly.
"Do not ever come to me again, filthy white skin pig."
With that, she turned away from him without another glance, her steps firm and resolute as she walked off.
For a brief moment, Astreo remained where he was, silent and unmoving, watching Mu Ningxue's retreating figure until she disappeared from view.
He did not chase after her or attempt to say anything else.
He had already anticipated this outcome.
He knew that the chances of Mu Ningxue accepting his words were extremely low, especially given her loyalty to the Mu Clan.
Still, even if she had rejected him outright, his goal had not been entirely in vain.
At the very least, he had hoped that his words had planted a small seed of doubt within her mind—something that might surface later, when she was forced to confront the truth on her own.
What Astreo had not expected, however, was for her to resort to using a racial slur against him.
That part genuinely caught him off guard.
While did angering him, it also stuck as oddly amusing, mostly because of how absurd such an insult sounded in this particular world.
After all, this was a world where people quite literally looked as though they had stepped out of an anime.
Distinct racial characteristics, at least as they existed in his previous understanding, barely applied here at all.
In this world, the only visible difference that could loosely be used to distinguish someone's regional background was skin tone, and even that was unreliable at best.
Physical features were not broadly shared by entire races but were instead limited to individuals.
There were no consistent traits that clearly separated one group from another.
Even among Asians, skin tones varied widely.
Most people shared nearly the same complexion, with only slight differences—some being a bit darker or browner than others.
Even within Chinese populations, there were individuals with darker skin, brown skin, or lighter skin, making any attempt at racial labeling feel pointless and inaccurate.
Because of that, the idea of using a racial slur in such a setting felt ridiculous.
However it only made the insult bigger, since she actually meant it and not just because of his looks.
Astreo had to admit, at least to himself, that it was one of the more unintentionally funny moments he had experienced.
As he reflected on it, another thought crossed his mind, making the situation even more ironic.
If he had been some third-rate Chinese protagonist from a generic fanfiction, and if he had been the one speaking dramatic lines to her, then by now he probably would have already gained her interest or even her heart.
Stories like that always seemed to follow predictable patterns where confrontation magically turned into attraction.
He let out a quiet, amused breath at the thought.
'I guess those kinds of tropes don't happen to me,' he mused silently, shaking his head with a faint sense of self-awareness and dry humor.
He cast a brief glance in Mu Ningxue's direction before deliberately turning his gaze away, making it clear to himself that he would no longer waste any attention on her.
The decision was firm and final.
From this point onward, she would no longer occupy any meaningful space in his thoughts.
Whatever interest he had once held was now gone.
Initially, he had considered her a potential powerhouse—someone whose talent and future growth could have been extremely valuable.
Because of that, he had once hoped to bring her to his side, or at least ensure that she would not become an obstacle.
However, that possibility had been completely erased by her own actions.
By insulting him outright, she had personally destroyed any remaining goodwill between them.
The bridge that could have connected them had been burned beyond repair, leaving no chance for cooperation or alliance.
'Not to mention,' Astreo thought to himself with detached clarity, 'without Qin Yu'er's death, she will never reach that level of strength.'
He understood better than anyone how crucial that event was.
Without it, Mu Ningxue would never experience the transformation necessary to push her beyond her limits.
As a result, she would never become an Ice Calamity as she had in the original timeline.
Her growth would stagnate long before reaching that peak, and her future potential would remain fundamentally incomplete.
With those facts in mind, Astreo had already reached a clear conclusion regarding her role in his plans.
If, at any point in the future, Mu Ningxue chose to interfere or place herself in his path, he would kill her without hesitation.
There would be no room for mercy or reconsideration.
On the other hand, if she remained uninvolved and did not obstruct him, he would simply allow her to exist as she pleased.
In the end, her fate did not concern him all that much.
One way or another, time would handle the rest.
Sooner or later, the very Mu Clan she cherished and trusted so deeply would betray her.
When that inevitable moment arrived, whatever happened afterward would no longer be his problem.
The outcome was already set, and he had no intention of intervening further.
To be continued...
(A/N: I had online friends, one of them hurt me. I won't mention their name or anything.
I had done what I can, I never insulted and only replied with facts. But one of my own readers who never even talked with me before discord came out of nowhere, said he was studying psychology and started saying how I am just blaming them. While the proof is right in front of them in their eyes which they ignore as misunderstanding.
Another discord friend tried to defend me but they banned him from their discord, truly a neutral argument. Denying off their accusation and then reframing my words as bad. I was totally baffled when their words were taken as something I misunderstood while my facts as bad words.
Also isn't it ethically wrong for someone to use psychology to win an argument which you have no part in it? Isn't it frowned upon that someone online just treated me with arm-chair tactic.
Whatever, I have insomnia, depression and anxiety attacks and I have never said to take anyone responsibility for it or fix them.
But they labelled me totally as ill, bro I had gone to doctor yesterday he gave me positive energy. You were meanwhile talking to me as an object, not TO me.
I just ask for understanding, I know 'Your mental health does not matters' sounds very logical in for a meditator when that same meditator defends the accused with simply me having misunderstood.
Bro, when you are a friend to someone online or not, their mental health matters for you and so does their words. Even in online you never cross a line, the other party did that.
I know I shouldn't speak it here, and i won't tell any names, any genre. But my nervous system is stimulated, and I need to let it out, i don't wanna let it out in discord server again.
*Sigh*
I have blocked them, blocked their dms, left their server, I acted with dignity yet people reframe it. It's fine, I wish you all good luck in your lives.
Do your duty. Act with integrity.Don't cling to outcomes — the larger order will take care of that.
I did it for my self-respect and boundaries that people don't understand.
An honest advice, if anyone online argues with you just block them.
Never ever try to gain justice unless it involves to the point of cyberbullying.
People Online may take your kindness for granted, and your boundary as non-existent.
Do not believe that they will have any specific gender or age, people Online are capable of doing a lot of things.
And before you say did you just realize it only now?
I am actually very young, not a minor I just lost that card, but yeah young and inexperienced in life.
But every experience, every pain, every criticism good or bad teaches me something.
I have decided to live with dignity and self-respect, even if it hurts others ego.
Thank you
PS: That makes it three banned people from my server.XD)