The morning sun cast a golden glow over the expansive courtyards of Sun and Moon Academy. Its polished stone floors gleamed, and the faintly glowing energy veins embedded throughout the grounds pulsed softly, a quiet rhythm that seemed to synchronize with the aura of the students training within.
Inside one of the main training halls, several girls were already practicing. Meng Hongchen was refining her martial spirit formations with precise movements, Xu Tianzhen focused intently on subtle adjustments to her aura flow, and Qiu'er moved gracefully, her strikes fluid yet controlled. A few others coordinated in pairs, executing basic drills, while the hum of energy filled the space in a subtle, harmonious cadence.
Lin Huang walked along the corridor connecting the hall to the outer pavilions, his eyes scanning the students and formations. Even from a distance, he noted slight inefficiencies in their energy flows and small misalignments in their arrays.
"This place has potential," he murmured. "A few small adjustments could improve efficiency dramatically."
As he turned a corner, Ma Xiaotao walked alongside him, her crimson-and-emerald aura flickering with restrained energy. On the way, they passed a few of the girls from the hall.
"Lin Huang, isn't that…" Xu Tianzhen's gaze flickered toward them, curiosity evident. "And Meng Hongchen too…"
"Seems like everyone is busy today," Ma Xiaotao murmured, her sharp eyes sweeping the courtyard.
The pair approached a more open training area, and Lin Huang's attention was drawn to two figures entering from the outer gate. One was immediately recognizable—Su Mei, her violet Soul Ring faintly glimmering beneath her robe. The other was unfamiliar, a striking young woman with sharp, alert eyes and a tightly coiled aura that flickered like restrained fire. Lin Huang paused, intrigued.
Su Mei's cheerful voice carried across the courtyard, cutting through the hum of training. "Lin Huang! I brought someone I want you to meet!"
The newcomer approached with precise steps, her aura alert and slightly defensive. Lin Huang studied her quietly: sharp, calculating eyes, measured movements, and an aura that hinted at both power and impatience.
Su Mei smiled brightly, stepping forward. "This is Ma Xiaotao. She's been struggling with her Fogo Maligno, and I thought you might be able to help her."
Ma Xiaotao's eyes swept over him, evaluating. "So… you're the one who's supposed to help me?" Her voice was blunt, impatient. "I don't have time for vague advice."
Lin Huang nodded calmly. "Step by step. First, I need to see your current state. Follow me."
Ma Xiaotao allowed it, and they moved to a small training area separated from the main hall. Residual Fogo Maligno shimmered faintly across the ground as she positioned herself. Lin Huang gestured for her to begin channeling her aura.
"Focus on your core first," he instructed. "Your power is strong, but the Fogo Maligno is forcing itself outward too quickly. I'll show you a simple, universal breathing technique that helps control bestialization."
He demonstrated a slow, deliberate inhalation and exhalation, visualizing energy circulating harmoniously around his core. "Inhale… circulate your energy… exhale deliberately. Let the fire respond naturally."
Ma Xiaotao tried, and gradually the wild flashes of crimson began to settle into a stable, responsive flow. Her lips curved slightly. "Hmph… this actually works," she admitted.
Lin Huang gave a faint smile. "This is just the beginning. Later, I'll teach you a method to cultivate your spiritual power alongside the Fogo Maligno—but step by step."
Su Mei clapped her hands, excitement radiating. "And while we're at it, you have to see my second Soul Ring!"
A soft violet glow pulsed from her ring as she held her hand out. "It's one thousand years old! It recovers energy based on my cultivation level, purifies residual side effects from pills or enhancements, and… it works on anyone who consumes the food I prepare!"
The girls in the hall paused mid-training, observing Su Mei as she offered a small plate of her specially prepared aura-infused dish. Those who ate it felt subtle but tangible benefits: minor fatigue eased, residual aura instability purified, and energy flow harmonized more efficiently.
Meng Hongchen's eyes widened. "A thousand-year Soul Ring… and violet!"
Qiu'er nodded subtly, tasting a small piece. "Not bad… the effect is immediate."
Xu Tianzhen observed quietly, her analytical mind taking in the mechanics of the ring's energy pulse as she consumed a portion. Even the casual benefit impressed her, a small smile touching her lips.
Ma Xiaotao's gaze flickered between Su Mei and the other girls, noting the ripple of effects. "Interesting… very interesting," she muttered, cautious but intrigued.
Lin Huang gestured to a residual aura pattern embedded in the ground. "Now that I see your aura, I'll help you make subtle adjustments. Let's refine control over the Fogo Maligno through tests, then we'll move on to more advanced techniques. Eventually, I'll teach you how to visualize your Soul Crystal and your E.M.—possible through experience, though not yet formalized."
Ma Xiaotao's lips pressed together. "And I can actually learn that?"
"I promise," Lin Huang said calmly. "But first, master control with the breathing technique. Then visualization. After that, safe cultivation alongside your Fogo Maligno."
Xiao Hongchen arrived, scanning the group with sharp eyes. His gaze lingered on Lin Huang, then shifted to Ma Xiaotao, standing close. A shadow of jealousy flickered.
"You're always surrounded by girls," Xiao Hongchen said, tone light but edged with subtle rivalry.
Lin Huang's smile remained calm. "And you're here to observe, I see."
Meng Hongchen smirked, hiding amusement at her brother's reaction, while Xu Tianzhen and Qiu'er exchanged quiet, curious glances.
The afternoon passed in a series of coordinated drills. Lin Huang guided Ma Xiaotao to harmonize her aura with the Fogo Maligno, correcting subtle imbalances. Su Mei demonstrated the violet Soul Ring's benefits, allowing others to experience the effect through her food.
By evening, the team—Lin Huang, Su Mei, Ma Xiaotao, Meng Hongchen, Xiao Hongchen, Xu Tianzhen, and Qiu'er—worked together, testing synchronization and aura harmonization. Rivalry simmered quietly between Lin Huang and Xiao Hongchen, tempered by respect and the need to improve together.
Lin Huang gathered the group. "From now on, we'll train as a team regularly. Each of you has unique strengths. Coordination, support, and understanding will help everyone improve faster."
Su Mei's violet Soul Ring pulsed gently. Meng Hongchen crossed her arms, suppressing a grin. Ma Xiaotao's caution softened into a determined spark. Xiao Hongchen exhaled softly, intrigued but wary. Xu Tianzhen and Qiu'er observed silently, assessing the potential of this newly formed group.
The foundation of the team was established. Bonds were forming, rivalries simmered, and the potential for growth stretched out before them like the sunlit halls of the academy.
Lin Huang's calm smile lingered. With trust, guidance, and persistence, there seemed to be no limit to what this group could achieve together.