Liu Xiaotian's face turned pale. How could it be possible for him to pay money to redeem the magic tool?
That pair of enchanted shoes was worth at least several million, and his monthly allowance wasn't even close to that. How could he possibly buy it back?
Ask his family for money?
If his family ever found out that he had gambled away a magic tool, they would break his legs!
"You've lost the bet. I'll figure out how to handle the magic tool," Bai Liang said coldly.
"Thank you, Brother Liang!" With Bai Liang's words, Liu Xiaotian finally looked a little relieved.
Though Bai Liang kept a stern expression, he still had some friendship with Liu Xiaotian's brother.
Besides, this whole mess had started because of him, and he didn't want to be dragged into more trouble.
Soon, Dean Xiao and the others finished their discussion and walked toward Song Jie and the rest to announce the results of the assessment.
Seeing them approach, everyone's expressions grew tense, a mix of nervousness and anticipation.
Dean Xiao stepped forward, sweeping his gaze over the candidates.
"The requirements for special recruitment are very high," he said, "but we have witnessed many outstanding students this time."
"We've decided to open two additional slots. I hope those who are selected will cherish this opportunity and not let us down."
As soon as Dean Xiao finished, an elderly professor stepped up and announced the list:
"The following four students are admitted to Mingzhu Academy: Song Jie, Bai Liang, Liu Xiaotian, and Mu Lei."
The moment those words left his mouth, disappointment filled the faces of those who weren't chosen.
Though they had come here to try their luck, each of them had held on to a bit of hope. Now, reality had crushed that hope, and they could only look toward other schools.
"The four of you can report directly when the semester begins…" the assessment teacher said, leading them aside to explain a few details.
"Song Jie, since you're a Light Mage, you'll report to the School of Light when classes start," the teacher instructed.
The dean of the School of Light, Professor Deng, was already eyeing Song Jie eagerly, as though he couldn't wait to claim him immediately.
Someone nearby teased, "Old Deng, weren't you saying earlier that you weren't optimistic about him? Why's your mouth grinning so wide now?"
But Old Deng ignored them completely. Let them laugh all they wanted — as long as Song Jie entered his Light Department, he wouldn't care.
At that moment, Song Jie suddenly asked, "Teacher, can I transfer to another deportment?"
Mingzhu Academy was divided into several specialized colleges — the School of Thunder, the School of Light, the School of Summoning, and so on — to make teaching more efficient.
"Transfer to another deportment?" The examiner was momentarily stunned. She hadn't expected Song Jie to say that.
However, she didn't have the authority to make that decision herself.
"You'll have to speak to the dean about it," she said. "I don't have the power to approve transfers."
Old Deng's smile immediately stiffened. Song Jie wanted to change deportment?!
The other professors burst out laughing. If Song Jie left, Old Deng would have nothing to brag about.
"Song Jie, why do you want to change deportment?" Old Deng asked, stepping forward eagerly. "If you join our School of Light, I promise you'll receive the best resources and training."
Song Jie not only possessed a mutated Light Element, but his cultivation speed was also extraordinary. Old Deng was more than willing to offer special treatment.
"Thank you," Song Jie replied calmly, "but I still wish to transfer to another deportment."
His Light Element was only average — what truly excited him was his newly awakened Summoning Element. That was where he wanted to grow.
The Summoning Element was still unfamiliar to him, and raising contracted beasts required massive resources. It was far more demanding than the Light Element.
Dean Xiao stepped forward with a kind smile. "Student Song Jie, which deportment would you like to transfer to?"
"The Summoning Deportment," Song Jie answered without hesitation.
The professors exchanged glances of surprise.
"The second element you awakened is the Summoning Element?" Dean Xiao asked.
Song Jie nodded.
The professors immediately began whispering among themselves in shock.
Not only did Song Jie have a mutated Light Element — his second awakened element was Summoning!
"You must have awakened it recently," Dean Xiao said thoughtfully. "Otherwise, it would've been included in your original records."
"Yes," Song Jie replied.
Dean Xiao nodded. "At Mingzhu Academy, we respect every student's choice. I'll arrange your transfer personally."
"Dean…!" Old Deng's face fell instantly. He didn't want to lose such a gifted student.
"Old Deng," Dean Xiao said gently, "this is Song Jie's decision. As teachers, we shouldn't interfere."
Old Deng sighed heavily and finally said nothing more.
"Hahaha, Old Deng, looks like your prized student slipped away!" one of the professors laughed.
Another chimed in, "I thought the School of Summoning might not even open this year, but thanks to Song Jie, it's been saved!"
"True enough," another professor added. "We didn't have a single student for Summoning this year — until now."
Hearing that, Song Jie froze.
Wait… did that mean he was the only student in the Summoning Department?
"This…"
He didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Somehow, he had become a one-man department!
"Student Song Jie, come with me," Dean Xiao said, motioning him to follow.
In his office, Dean Xiao questioned Song Jie about his mutated Light Element.
Song Jie explained how his primary magic had evolved, increasing its strength to the level of intermediate magic.
As for whether the mutation would continue to develop after reaching mid-tier, he could only say he wasn't sure.
Dean Xiao smiled and said, "Keep up your training. Heaven never lets down those who work hard."
"Yes, Dean Xiao," Song Jie replied.
He also asked a few questions about the Summoning Element, and in response, Dean Xiao personally gave him the contact information of the Director of the Summoning Department.
Song Jie was a little flattered, but he quickly composed himself. He thanked the dean, said goodbye, and returned home.
He didn't contact the director right away. Instead, he decided to first master control of the seven stars of the Summoning System.
During the summer break, most students relaxed or went on trips after the college entrance exams — but not Song Jie.
He devoted all his time to cultivation.
Perhaps it was because of the Holy Spring of the Sacred Earth, but the bronze bracelet on his wrist allowed him to train far longer than before.
Clearly, the bracelet had leveled up after absorbing the Holy Spring!
His extended cultivation sessions greatly increased his progress.
Over the following weeks, Song Jie focused mainly on the Summoning and Light Systems — though he devoted far more time to Summoning.
By now, he had successfully mastered forty-nine stars of the Intermediate Light Element.
Once he connected those stars into a complete Star Map, he would be able to cast Intermediate Light Magic!
At the end of July, Song Jie opened his eyes from meditation, a bright smile spreading across his face.
"Finally!" he exclaimed.
After a full month of grueling, monotonous practice, he could finally control the seven stars of the Summoning System — and link them into a Star Trail!
This meant he could now cast the fundamental Summoning spell: Dimensional Summoning!
He had waited for this moment for a long time, and at last, it had arrived.