As Lu Kai offered Bai Lizi protection on the terrace, three seniors approached, their expressions radiating arrogance. "Boy, don't play the hero," one sneered, his voice dripping with condescension. "Even you can't save yourself from us. My father is the Elite Shadow Guild Master. You don't dare lift a finger against us. Just leave. We'll let you live and leave her alone."
Lu Kai's grip tightened on Bai Lizi's hand. His limited remaining powers felt inadequate, but his resolve was unyielding. He shouted, "Lu Mie!" hoping his plea would reach the notorious teacher.
Suddenly, an impossibly chilling aura surged, creating a massive, shimmering wall of ice that instantly enclosed them – Lu Kai, Bai Lizi, and the three seniors – within a crystalline cage. From the swirling frost, Lu Mie descended, her eyes like chips of glacial ice. "I warned you three brothers once," she stated, her voice a frigid whisper that promised no mercy. "Now I'll show you." With breathtaking speed and chilling efficiency, she unleashed a flurry of ice-based techniques, systematically beating the three seniors into submission.
Just as Lu Mie finished, the old man, the Academy Master, strode into the now-shattered enclosure. "Get lost, you three idiots!" he bellowed. "We don't need trash like you in my academy."
One of the defeated seniors, spitting blood, retorted defiantly, "My father will destroy this academy for sure!" Before anyone could react, he fumbled for a hidden weapon and threw it with all his might. It was a shadow knife, its power infused with the essence of his father, the Elite Shadow Guild Master.
The knife hurtled towards Bai Lizi. In a flash, Lu Kai reacted, shoving Bai Lizi aside and throwing himself in front of the projectile. The shadow knife buried itself halfway into Lu Kai's body. The power behind it was immense, amplified by the guild master's elite status. The dark energy surged through Lu Kai, overwhelming his weakened body, and he fainted.
A week later, Lu Kai awoke in the academy hospital, the familiar ache of severe injury a dull throb. Bai Lizi was asleep in a chair beside his bed, her presence a quiet comfort. The old man entered, his expression softening. "So, you've finally woken up."
Lu Kai, his voice hoarse, asked, "What was that knife?"
"Ah, that," the old man sighed. "That knife's shadowy power was fused by Liu Tai, the Shadow Awakener. His level is 93, an Elite Shadow Guild Master. But don't worry," he added, seeing Lu Kai's concern. "Bai Tian, the Guild Master of the Leon Guild, level 97, has already visited me. He said he will come to see you during the newcomer competition, so prepare well, Lu Kai."
The mention of such high levels and powerful figures was daunting, but the old man's words offered a sliver of reassurance. As soon as he was able, and while Bai Lizi still slept, Lu Kai quietly left the hospital room. He found himself on a secluded terrace, gazing out at the academy grounds, contemplating the dangerous path ahead.
(To be continued...)