The next morning, Mu Nianbing arrived at the fighting hall of Mingzhu Academy right on time.
Normally, this place would be packed with students training and dueling. But today, it was completely empty.
To prevent any gossip or unnecessary attention, Feng Li had specially requested Dean Xiao to close the area to the public.
As Mu Nianbing entered, he noticed several people already waiting outside the arena — Dean Xiao, Feng Li, Dean Fu, Ding Yumian, and a tall young man with dark skin and a steady aura.
The dark-skinned youth immediately stepped forward with a polite smile, extending his hand.
"Hello, my name is Ai Jiangtu."
"Mu Nianbing."
Mu Nianbing shook his hand in return. Just by his appearance and composure, he could already tell — this was indeed Ai Jiangtu.
Aside from his slightly darker complexion, Ai Jiangtu had sharp features and a strong presence that radiated confidence and discipline.
"I've heard about you for a long time," Ai Jiangtu said. "I've always wanted the chance to spar with you."
Mu Nianbing smiled faintly. "Well, today's that chance."
Ai Jiangtu blinked, surprised by how calm and sure Mu Nianbing appeared. Did he already think victory was guaranteed?
"If you're both ready," Feng Li interrupted, glancing between the two, "you may begin."
Mu Nianbing and Ai Jiangtu exchanged a nod before stepping into the arena.
"Start!"
The moment Feng Li gave the signal, silver light flickered in Ai Jiangtu's eyes.
An invisible spatial force shot forward, condensing into a massive unseen hand that lunged toward Mu Nianbing.
Sensing the disturbance instantly, Mu Nianbing raised his hand and conjured a thick Ice Wall before him.
The giant invisible hand slammed into the wall with a heavy crack, leaving only faint fractures behind.
After being strengthened by the Snow Empress's blessing, Mu Nianbing's Ice Element had grown tremendously.
Even a casually formed Ice Wall now rivaled the defense of high-tier spells like Water Sky Curtain.
"This level of control…" Feng Li's eyes narrowed. Even among senior high-level mages, few could wield such precision.
"He's grown stronger again," Ding Yumian murmured softly, her eyes following Mu Nianbing with quiet admiration.
No matter how hard she worked, he always seemed a step ahead.
——
Within just a few minutes, the two had exchanged dozens of blows.
Ai Jiangtu's main element was Space, and his mental strength was exceptionally refined — far superior to most.
But even so, Mu Nianbing's defenses were firm, and his rhythm unshakable.
Neither used their Summoning or Curse Systems; this was a pure test of strength and control.
"If that's the extent of your attacks," Mu Nianbing said evenly as several ice cones formed in a ring around him, "you might as well concede."
He released the cones in a flurry, forcing Ai Jiangtu to dodge.
Compared to Mu Nianbing's calm composure, Ai Jiangtu's stance was beginning to falter. A few shallow wounds already marked his arms.
Still, Ai Jiangtu showed no sign of giving up. He gritted his teeth and continued to teleport and counterattack.
Mu Nianbing sighed softly. "Then don't blame me."
A freezing aura erupted around him, flooding the entire hall.
Even those standing outside — Dean Xiao, Feng Li, and the others — could feel the frost biting at their skin.
"Jue Ling Qian Ren!"
Mu Nianbing's pupils gleamed icy blue.
Behind him, countless crystalline shards condensed into an enormous matrix of blades, forming a whirling storm of deathly frost.
Ai Jiangtu's heart jumped. "This… is he trying to kill me!?"
Even Feng Li was shocked. The raw force behind this spell wasn't inferior to high-tier second-level magic.
Ai Jiangtu teleported to the far edge of the arena, but it was futile. The ice blade storm consumed the entire battlefield, leaving no room to hide.
He activated his Magic Armor just in time, but even that struggled to withstand the impact.
The shimmering defense cracked in several places before he managed to blink outside the storm's reach.
When the storm finally subsided, silence filled the hall. Frost coated the ground like white crystal dust.
"I lost," Ai Jiangtu said finally, breathing heavily but smiling faintly. "And I accept it wholeheartedly."
There was no resentment in his tone — only admiration. Mu Nianbing's strength was overwhelming, far beyond what he'd anticipated.
Such a person deserved to lead the national team.
"Then it's settled," Feng Li said. "The captain of this year's National Government team is Mu Nianbing."
Though his expression remained calm, Feng Li's eyes were thoughtful.
Mu Nianbing's power was astonishing — perhaps too astonishing. He could only hope that history would not repeat itself.
With the result decided, Feng Li and Ai Jiangtu soon departed from Mingzhu Academy.
——
"Congratulations, Captain," Ding Yumian said softly, walking up to him with a smile.
Mu Nianbing looked at her, his tone gentle. "With your talent, if you could join the National Team, you'd become world-famous."
A trace of sadness flickered in her eyes.
If only she could stand beside him… but that was impossible.
After what had happened to the last national team victim — sealed forever on Tianshan by the Holy Court — Dean Fu would never let her near such danger again.
"I'm already satisfied with the peaceful life I have now," Ding Yumian said, forcing a small smile.
For someone whose existence itself brought risk to others, peace was already a rare blessing.
Mu Nianbing stepped closer, his gaze softening. "I might have a way to completely suppress your power. Would you like to try it?"
Her heart skipped a beat. Mu Nianbing's breath brushed against her cheek, his nearness making her face flush pink.
Dean Fu, who had been talking to Dean Xiao, turned around — and froze.
His eyes widened in disbelief.
What—?! I turn away for one second and this brat is already taking advantage of my student!?
It was all a misunderstanding. Mu Nianbing had only slipped — and accidentally caught her lips.
"Mu Nianbing!!" Dean Fu's roar shook the hall.
And just like that, Ding Yumian's first kiss… was stolen in the most unexpected way imaginable.
...
Author's Note:
Versatile Mage: Heir of the Frozen Throne — Part 1 is now fully completed and available on my Patreon!
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1.Dragon Ball: Oolong's Sex Adventure
2. Elements of Lust – ATLA & Korra Mixed Smut
3. Doraemon: Filtering with Nobi Tamako
4. The Naive Me Who Became Someone's Everyday Secret
5. High School DxD: Rias Gremory, the Phenex Bride
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