With the start of a new semester, Tianlan High School added a new course—Practical Magic Casting.
For most students, this was a nerve-wracking subject. But for Mu Nianbing, it was almost routine.
His mastery over spellcasting was already close to perfection; even small fluctuations in control rarely appeared.
As the annual assessment approached, only two students in Class Seven could successfully cast magic—Mu Nianbing and Xu Zhaoting.
"The annual assessment's tomorrow," Xu Zhaoting said, his eyes full of fighting spirit. "Don't let me surpass you this time!"
Mu Nianbing gave a small shrug, his expression calm as still water.
"Perhaps."
After half a semester of cultivation, his Ice Element had already reached Elementary Level Three.
But for tomorrow's test, he had to remain restrained. Drawing too much attention could invite unwanted suspicion from both Mu He and Tang Yue.
Xu Zhaoting misread Nianbing's cool demeanor and muttered inwardly, This guy's probably a closet pervert…
After parting ways, Mu Nianbing returned to Mu Family Manor.
As he stepped through the gate, he froze.
Standing by the flowerbed was a stunning young woman whose silver hair shimmered under the light—soft as falling snow.
Her figure was tall and graceful, the long coat she wore outlining every curve. Her very presence exuded a chill that matched the frost-kissed air.
"Mu Ningxue..."
Nianbing's eyes softened, memories of childhood flashing through his mind—when he used to sneak her out to play beyond the manor walls. A faint smile appeared at the corner of his lips.
Although they shared the same family name, the two were only distant cousins, their bloodline connection long diluted.
"Cousin?" Mu Ningxue noticed him and turned slightly. Her usually cold, tranquil face revealed a rare flicker of warmth.
Seeing her again after so long, her presence reminded him of a snow lotus blooming alone on a frozen peak—pure, distant, and breathtaking.
"Ningxue, why didn't you tell me you were coming back?" Nianbing quickly walked toward her, instinctively wanting to pat her head—but paused midway, withdrawing his hand.
Mu Ningxue's eyes dimmed slightly at the gesture. After a brief silence, she asked softly, "How is your cultivation going, cousin?"
"It's going fine," Nianbing replied evenly. "I can already cast magic."
He wasn't lying, nor was he being entirely open.
The Mu Family was far from peaceful, its internal strife festering beneath a fragile surface.
Until he was strong enough to protect what he cared for, caution was his best ally.
As they stood face-to-face, Mu Ningxue felt an odd sense of closeness—an invisible thread pulling her toward him.
Each step she took made that feeling stronger.
When she was almost pressed against his chest, Nianbing was briefly stunned.
What's going on…? Could this be another effect of the Ice God's Blessing?
One of its traits was increasing favorability from Ice-attributed beings—but did that apply to Ice Mages as well?
After a long, silent moment, Mu Ningxue stepped back.
A faint blush colored her pale neck before she turned and quickly walked away, leaving Nianbing standing there, bewildered.
Shaking his head with a helpless smile, he returned to his room to cultivate.
For now, power came first—without strength, even his ideals were meaningless.
The next morning, the Tianlan High School playground was filled with first-year students lined up in formation.
Class Seven, where Mu Nianbing belonged, stood to the right side.
Instructor Zhang Jianguo addressed them sternly.
"I've said this before, but I'll repeat it: the Star Sense Stone will measure the level of magic energy in your Stardust.
Your results affect your ranking—the higher the rank, the longer you'll get to use the Star Dust Magic Tool!"
He looked across the nervous faces. "Steady your minds. Let's see what you've got."
But his attempt at motivation had little effect. Those who were anxious remained anxious; those who were calm remained calm.
Before the assessment began, the students had to endure a series of long speeches from school leaders. It was torture for those who just wanted it over with.
Mu Nianbing stood quietly in line, his thoughts elsewhere.
He wasn't worried about failing—he was worried about being noticed.
Tang Yue would likely focus on Class Eight, but Mu He, being from the Mu Family, might keep an eye on him.
When the speeches finally ended, Mu Ningxue appeared on the podium.
Her sudden arrival drew a wave of whispers from the students.
Expressionless as ever, she stood elegantly before the crowd. Her eyes, however, subtly swept over Class Seven—searching for someone.
After what felt like ages, the annual assessment finally began.
"Old Xu, aim for first place! You'll get more time with the Magic Tool," said Wang Sanpang, nudging Xu Zhaoting with a grin.
Xu Zhaoting smirked but glanced toward Nianbing.
"With him around? That's not very likely."
Wang Sanpang chuckled awkwardly. Everyone knew that in their class, only Nianbing and Xu Zhaoting could cast magic—and Nianbing had done it first.
"Next, Xu Zhaoting," called the examiner.
Xu Zhaoting rolled his shoulders, confidence brimming.
He strode forward and placed his hand on the Star Sense Stone.
A violet glow pulsed from within the crystal, growing stronger and stronger until it nearly overflowed.
"S! S! S! Final score—S rank!"
The students gasped in amazement.
"Whoa! Xu Zhaoting's incredible!"
"Lightning Element, and an S-rank talent? How are we supposed to compete with that?!"
Amid the uproar, Xu Zhaoting smiled, satisfied. Having Mu Nianbing as a rival had truly pushed him harder.
He moved to the next testing area for spellcasting. Standing before the humanoid target, he raised his right hand dramatically.
"Heed my command! Head of the Elements—Lightning! Seal of Lightning!"
A dazzling arc of thunder burst forth, striking the target with a sharp crack! that echoed across the field.
Watching from the crowd, Mu Nianbing couldn't help but twitch the corner of his mouth.
This guy's full of flair. Too bad I didn't record that chuunibyou pose...