Notting City stood tall and bustling, its gray stone walls bearing the marks of time. For most children, entering Notting Junior Soul Master Academy was the first true step into the world of Spirit Masters.
For Lin Chen, it was a stage.
At the academy gate, students gathered in small groups, some excited, some nervous. Tang San stood calmly beside Lin Chen, his expression composed, while a scruffy middle-aged man lounged lazily near the entrance—Yu Xiaogang.
Master's eyes lingered on Tang San… then shifted to Lin Chen.
And stayed there.
"Hm," Yu Xiaogang muttered. "Interesting."
Lin Chen felt it instantly.
Sharp eyes. As expected of him.
Before any introductions could happen, a loud scoff rang out.
"So these are the village trash this year?"
A tall boy stepped forward, fine clothes marking him as a noble. A white soul ring faintly shimmered beneath his feet—clearly intentional.
"Wang Sheng," Tang San whispered. "A noble. Sixth rank Soul Master."
Wang Sheng's gaze swept over Tang San dismissively, then paused on Lin Chen.
"…You," he said, frowning. "Why can't I feel your spirit power?"
Lin Chen smiled politely.
"Maybe you're too weak."
Silence.
Then laughter—mocking, cruel.
Wang Sheng's face darkened. "You're asking for humiliation."
He stepped forward, soul power flaring.
"Wang Sheng, don't—" a teacher started, too late.
"Martial Spirit—Steel Claw Bear!"
A massive bear claw materialized as Wang Sheng lunged forward, clearly intending to make an example out of Lin Chen.
Tang San's eyes sharpened.
Lin Chen didn't move.
At the last moment, he lifted one finger.
That was all.
An invisible pressure slammed down.
Boom.
Wang Sheng crashed to the ground as if struck by a mountain, his soul ring flickering violently. His bear claw shattered into particles of light.
The courtyard fell deathly silent.
Yu Xiaogang's eyes widened for the first time in years.
"That wasn't soul power…" he whispered. "That was authority."
Lin Chen stepped forward calmly, looking down at Wang Sheng.
"You attacked first," he said lightly. "Remember that."
He withdrew the pressure.
Wang Sheng lay on the ground, trembling, his face pale with terror.
"I… I concede…"
Only then did the teachers rush forward.
"This is a school!" one shouted, but his voice lacked conviction.
Yu Xiaogang raised a hand, stopping them.
"No rule was broken," Master said slowly. "A challenge was issued. It ended."
His gaze locked onto Lin Chen.
"Boy," he said, voice low, "what is your martial spirit?"
Lin Chen tilted his head slightly.
"…Which one?"
Yu Xiaogang froze.
Tang San inhaled sharply.
Master stared at Lin Chen for several long seconds—then laughed bitterly.
"So the heavens mock theory after all."
He turned away, robe fluttering.
"You two," he said without looking back. "Follow me. You're wasting your time here."
As they walked, Tang San glanced at Lin Chen.
"You held back," he said quietly.
Lin Chen shrugged.
"Of course."
If I don't… this academy wouldn't survive.
Far above Notting City, unseen by all—
A white dove shattered into black mist.
And in Spirit Hall's records, Lin Chen's name gained a new mark:
[Threat Level: Rising]