The next morning, Mo Fan, who was still meditating, was woken up by the sound of gongs.

  He opened his eyes groggily to see children running around, women starting their chores, and old people already strolling about early in the morning.

  The empty, deserted scene of st night seemed to have never existed.

  When Mo Fan came out, several snot-nosed children who hadn't seen many outsiders before gathered around the thatched hut, staring at him as if he were a foreigner.

  “You're awake. Go to the vilge hall. The vilge chief said he wants to see you.” The night watchman, who hadn't slept all night, was surprisingly energetic early in the morning.

  He specifically took Mo Fan to eat breakfast before heading to the vilge hall.

  The vilge hall wasn't rge; it had a small courtyard with a rge bronze basin filled with cool, clear water, its bottom covered with many pebbles.

  If one looked closely, they would find red characters carved into the pebbles, resembling people's names.

  “In our vilge, when people leave, whether young or old, their names are written down and submerged in this rge bronze basin.

  This prevents them from joining forces with those things outside,” the night watchman casually expined.

  Inside the vilge hall, several old men sat on wooden chairs, all looking very leisurely, showing no signs of panic or unease from residing in the Land of the Undead.

  Perhaps in Ancient Capital, only those 'pure-blooded' individuals like them could reside so peacefully outside the Safe Zone.

  At the head seat sat a middle-aged man with very prominent crow's feet.

  A slight smile further revealed his weathered appearance, which even well-maintained skin couldn't conceal.

  “I am the vilge chief here; you can call me Fang Gu.”

  Upon hearing the other party's name, Mo Fan paused slightly.

  Speaking of which, if it weren't for another Wei Ju Vilge person colluding with the Bck Vatican, they could have lived peaceful lives, couldn't they?

  Even though Mo Fan took some of the spring water, in reality, it was what Ancient King had left for Little Loach.

  Even if he took it all, he would only be taking back what originally belonged to Little Loach.

  But Mo Fan knew very well that the people here needed this water to stabilize their inner selves.

  Even knowing that the holy water here would eventually be depleted, he didn't take it all.

  In case the well water wasn't potent enough to attract the Holy See's attention, they would still need it to live peacefully in the future.

  “Thank you for your hospitality st night,” Mo Fan said.

  “Young man, you're not very old.

  How did you end up here alone at night?” Fang Gu asked.

  “Looking for a departed retive,” Mo Fan said casually.

  “Walking in this undead territory is still very dangerous.

  Without the gray garlic, safety is even less guaranteed,” Fang Gu said.

  “I came in a bit of a hurry.

  Luckily, your vilge was close by, otherwise, I might have met a terrible end,” Mo Fan said.

  Fang Gu didn't inquire further; frankly, he just considered Mo Fan a passerby.

  The Land of the Undead was extremely dangerous, and people often sought lodging in this vilge.

  Because it was not attacked by undead, staying here was the wisest choice.

  Knowing that Mo Fan was going to continue his journey, Fang Gu gave him two more gray garlics when sending him off from the vilge, which provided him with even greater security.

  Well, as long as it doesn't rain.

  And the gray garlic, which was more expensive than gold in Ancient Capital, was given away for free here.

  Damn middlemen.

  Mo Fan didn't feel embarrassed.

  After all, he hadn't taken all of the energy belonging to Little Loach, which meant that he still needed a certain amount of energy to advance.

  Taking two gray garlics from them now was perfectly reasonable.

  Of course, Mo Fan also wanted to give them money.

  However, for such a 'paradise' that was detached from the world, money actually had little use.

  They were completely self-sufficient.

  Even if they needed something, the vilge chief would arrange for two representatives to buy it.

  It was precisely because they had seen the situation in big cities that some people wanted to leave the vilge.

  Of course, there were also those who adhered to their original intentions.

  But if the situation here was exposed, it would definitely not be peaceful.

  Half a month ter.

  In the st Wei Ju Vilge, Mo Fan obtained the final portion of energy from the well water.

  After gaining sufficient energy, Little Loach completed another advancement that very night.

  After advancing, according to Mo Fan's estimation, Little Loach should have directly reached the top tier among Star Cloud Soul-Nourishing Vessels, and it might even be Star River-tier.

  That night, Mo Fan's Fire Element gained a new expansion, and his Lightning Element also directly broke through to the second level.

  And that feeling of the star cloud growing stronger every moment truly felt refreshing!

  On his way back to the Ancient Capital, he didn't encounter any trouble.

  After returning to the Ancient Capital, Mo Fan didn't linger but instead headed to THE Pearl Institute Academy a pce which would py a great part in his growth and be a insurmountable help in reaching the highest realms of the world. It was a shame that in a couple years the Pearl Institute would become a war zone during the invasion of sea monsters.

  He still intended to enter through the special recruitment for the Summoning Element; putting aside everything else, when it came to snatching resources, the Summoning Element was definitely the most suitable for him.

  For others, the magic college entrance examination was the most important event in their lives, but for Mo Fan, it was just a formality.

  Mo Fan didn't take the regur examination but chose the interview.

  The interview location was inside Pearl Academy.

  Mo Fan had already directly demonstrated his Summoning Element abilities.

  Pearl Magic Institute – Azure Campus,

  Open Stadium.

  The Azure Campus’s open stadium was nothing short of grand — a colossal arena capable of hosting over a thousand spectators with ease. At its center, five examiners sat upright behind long oblong tables, dressed in their official robes, their expressions solemn under the rising sun. It was 8 a.m., the final day of entrance examinations for one of China’s most elite magic institutions.

  The Pearl Magic Institute’s entrance process was notorious across the country. Students fresh out of Magic High School had to clear two formidable hurdles. First was the Theoretical Written Exam — a brutal test crafted by the professors themselves. Applicants had two options: they could travel to the Institute and take the written exam on-site, or opt for the online version, which included a face-to-face virtual evaluation where they’d be questioned directly by an examiner. To pass, one had to answer at least 24 out of 25 questions correctly — a feat that even college-level students often failed.

  Despite tens of thousands of students applying each year, only a thousand were selected.

  The second round, known as the Interview and Practical Assessment, was reserved for those who managed to pass the written exam — a minority. Today marked the very st day of examinations, and only a single seat remained avaible.

  Mo Fan had already taken the online theoretical exam and aced it — scoring perfectly. His extraordinary performance, combined with a personal recommendation letter from his te principal of Tian Lan Magic High School, earned him special consideration. Now, all that remained was to face the final interview and practical test.

  But he wasn’t alone.

  ...

  The competition for the st spot was fierce… and rich.

  A sleek bck Mercedes-Benz rolled to a stop outside the stadium. From it emerged a chubby youth, his presence immediately commanding attention — if not by his status, then certainly by his arrogance. The young man’s gaze swept the stadium grounds with a hint of disdain.

  “Tch… how bothersome. They needed an extra week just to make a decision?” he muttered in irritation.

  Luo Song had already given his written test a week ago and had passed by answering 24 questions correctly he couldn’t answer the st one. But instead of moving forward with his application they made him wait as there was one more student who had also passed but this one answered everything correctly!

  And this student was also a Summon Element major. Dimensional, Bck, and White Magic were always the go to Magic for every University that’s why they had always been given preference for it.

  A uniformed chauffeur stepped out from the passenger side, his face lined with a gentle, practiced smile. “Young Master Song, this is the Pearl Magic Institute of Shanghai — competition here is no joke. Your opponent is reportedly a student with the Summoning Element. Those types are exceptionally rare.”

  “Hah! Summoning Element? You really think that’s impressive?” Luo Song curled his lips in contempt.

  “It’s certainly nothing compared to your brilliance,” the butler known as Old Li replied, clearly used to stroking his young master’s ego.

  Luo Song flicked his coat dramatically. “Let’s just see what kind of fool I’m up against. Someone dares to challenge me for a seat? I’ll crush them.”

  Old Li hurried after him as they made their way toward the practice grounds. “Xiao Song, even if things don’t go your way here, you can always enter Imperial Institute. Our family’s foundation is stronger there.”

  “I don’t care about that. I want to prove I’m better than all those arrogant bastards who ughed at me. I’ll show them that I don’t need to rely on my father’s name!” Luo Song’s words rang with defiant pride.

  “You’ve always been outstanding,” Old Li offered soothingly. “You were given the best resources for a reason—”

  “I don’t need the fttery,” Luo Song cut in, eyes gleaming. “This is my decision. I’m going to stomp all over the pride of those self-important fools! Starting with the one who thinks being a Summoner makes him special!”

  The two entered the open stadium, its vastness echoing with silence.

  As they approached the center, Luo Song immediately spotted the five seated examiners. But what truly caught his eye was the young man already standing before them — the one he was here to defeat.

  The youth had a calm, composed presence. Dressed in a simple formal button-down shirt, tie, and pants, he gave off a refined air. His clean and confident look contrasted sharply with Luo Song’s extravagance.

  Fashion might often speak of wealth — but Luo Song believed otherwise.

  With a scoff, he sized the young man up and muttered under his breath, “Pin clothes, good haircut, no jewellery or equipment... Probably from some poor family,” A smirk creeping onto his face. “What a joke. This guy’s competing with me?”

  The five examiners sat in a row of 5, the center figure, a composed older man with dignified bearing and white hair, held a serene yet unreadable expression.

  Luo Song didn’t knew his identity — but to a returnee like Mo Fan, he knew all to well who was the one who sat in the middle. It was Dean Xiao.

  The two candidates stood side by side on the emerald grass, with a slight distance between them. Mo Fan remained silent, his posture rexed but respectful. Luo Song stood with arms crossed, an ever-present smugness pying across his lips.

  Professor Li Man, the Coordinator of Student Evaluation & Recruitment, gnced at her timepiece and then addressed them both.

  “Your interview will begin now.” she said, folding her hands. “You will each have two minutes. Tell us about yourself. We’ll begin with... Candidate Number 0236 — Mo Fan.”

  Mo Fan nodded and stepped forward.

  “My name is Mo Fan. I’m 18 years old and a graduate of Bo City’s Tian Lan Magic High. My primary element is Summon Element. I’ve had hands-on experience dealing with real-life monster incidents during the Bo City Camity and contributed to evacuation efforts alongside Hunters. My interest in magic lies not only in its destructive power but in its structure — its retion to the natural elements, its evolution, and how it can be used to protect rather than just attack. I seek admission into Pearl Institute because I believe it will give me the environment to deepen that understanding and strengthen my magical abilities through discipline and high-caliber guidance. I don’t come from wealth or status — only grit and discipline. I aim to protect those I care about, and to change this world, starting with myself.”

  He finished exactly at the two-minute mark, his voice steady, unhurried, and confident.

  At the mention of Bo City, all the examiners sitting there immediately exchanged gnces. Even Luo Song was a bit surprised hearing it, he stared at Mo Fan from behind.

  After all, A year may have passed but the brutal camity of Bo City was still fresh in everyone’s mind. Tens of thousands of people lost their lives and homes.

  The perpetrators “Bck Vatican” were still on the lose and no where to be found. They gnced at Mo Fan and his eyes were stern. These eyes shouldn’t belong to an 18 years old kid.

  They nodded to him.

  “Candidate Number 0241 — Luo Song,” Professor Li said next.

  Luo Song gave a zy stretch of his neck and then stepped forward with exaggerated fir.

  “I’m Luo Song. Everyone here probably knows my name already, but for formality’s sake: I’m a top graduate of the Southern Magic Academy. Earth Element primary. I come from a long line of prestigious mages from Luo Family’s direct line. My family helped fund the Magical Research Institute in the Capital. I’ve trained with professional-grade monster hunting squads, and I’m confident that I can outperform most in my generation. What I want from Pearl Institute isn’t just growth — it’s to prove that raw talent and hard work matter more than names or empty praise. And I pn to be number one here.”

  He bowed theatrically, earning an arched eyebrow from Professor Zhang.

  “Very well,” Professor Qiu Yuncheng said, looking to his notes. “Let’s test that confidence. Both of you, answer this: What is the difference between a Summoned Beast’s soul link and a natural bond formed with a beast companion through Beast Taming techniques?”

  Mo Fan spoke first. “A Summoned Beast’s soul link is initiated through a dimensional summoning contract. It creates a one-way or two-way mental bond depending on the mage’s skill. The beast exists in a different dimensional pne and is called forth temporarily via dimensional summoning. In contrast, Beast Tamers bond with creatures over time in this world through Psychic Element. It’s not summoning contract, but emotional and instinctual bond, often involving many psychic enhancing equipment and items or formations to strengthen loyalty.”

  The Professors slightly widened their eyes at Mo Fan’s insightful answer, then looked to Luo Song.

  Luo Song snorted. “Taming is just a way of bribing animals. Summoning creates actual magic creatures from another dimension. The beast obeys because of the contract’s rules. That’s real control, not pying fetch until a beast likes you.”

  Professor Qiu’s face showed no reaction, but he scribbled something down on the sheet before him.

  Professor Wen Yue leaned forward slightly. “Tell me this — if you had to cross a mountainous region known for rogue Warrior-Css monsters, what kind of elemental combination would be ideal to ensure survival?”

  Mo Fan responded with certainty. “Earth and Wind. Earth for defensive barriers and terrain manipution. Wind for movement, scouting, and environmental awareness. Optional addition — Fire Element to clear vegetation and deter night predators. But it all depends on the level of Mage’s Cultivation and many other factors to be honest. I mean, even for Lightning element which is weak against Pnts and Forest, if it is used by Super Mages, Warrior-Css creatures are nothing much of a threat. At the end of the day, It’s all about how good you are at controlling your Magic.”

  Dean Xiao and other Professors smiled faintly. “And you?”

  Luo Song shrugged. “Ice. I’d freeze the trail and everything near it. Nothing would get close if the entire mountain was a gcier.”

  The examiners were a bit stunned at his response just like with Mo Fan’s but for an entirely different reason.

  Professor Li Man was going to speak but suddenly Dean Xiao asked a question.

  “What is the primary philosophical difference between magic as a weapon, and magic as a responsibility?”

  The question stunned Luo Song and Mo Fan a bit.

  Luo Song hesitated. “Magic… as a weapon, is about control. You use it to dominate your enemies and protect what’s yours. As a responsibility… I suppose it’s about using it to protect society?”

  Mo Fan let out a small smile. “A weapon can be pointed anywhere. Responsibility gives it direction. Magic isn’t just power — it’s the awareness that lives are affected by every choice a Mage makes when they wield it.”

  Silence fell for a moment upon hearing Mo Fan’s confident answer.

  The professors exchanged subtle gnces and nodded with satisfaction.

  Professor Li Man leaned forward again.

  “Expin the role of magic formations in defensive enchantments. What formation would you recommend for a mid-sized residential block prone to monster raids?”

  Upon hearing this question Mo Fan immediately remembered the Marine threat situation in Japan. Where Sea-monsters constantly invaded the safe zone.

  Luo Song responded, “A Triple-Layered Earth Formation combined with a Repelling Light Barrier should suffice. It’s a standard for defense zones.”

  Mo Fan added, “No... You also need to ensure energy sustainability. I’d use a Hexagonal Earth Grid beneath the foundation, then integrate a Mana-Absorption Node to recycle ambient energy, strengthening the barrier over time.”

  Professor Li Man nodded approvingly. This boy was good.

  Professor Zhang Jianguo’s eyes narrowed as he delivered his question, his voice calm but imposing:

  “Suppose you’re in a region with high atmospheric mana density, where natural elemental resonance causes spontaneous ignition of Fire Element particles. If a mage casts a Tier-2 Intermediate Lightning spell in such an environment, describe not only the physical outcome, but the elemental chain reaction that could occur. What would be the strategic implications of such a spell, and how would you control or contain it?”

  A few eyebrows among the examiners rose. It wasn’t a question that could be found in textbooks. The silence that followed was tense.

  Mo Fan stepped forward with steady confidence. “In such a region, Fire Element particles are already in an excited state due to resonance among each other. A Tier-2 Lightning spell would likely increase the temperature and catalyze further ignition due to its high thermal discharge and voltage.”

  He gestured lightly, as if illustrating the chain of elements in the air.

  “The lightning could serve as a trigger, leading to a chain reaction of Fire particle ignition. This can create a localized firestorm or an elemental backsh that could affect allies and enemies indiscriminately in a battle. Strategically, this could be weaponized for area denial, but it demands high elemental control and saturation. A Domain or Absolute Dominance over the element is necessary to achieve it."

  He paused just long enough to let the logic nd.

  “To contain it however, I’d anchor a Water and Ice Element array beforehand, or use an Earth-elemental shield with heat-resistance runes to insute the spread. If time doesn’t allow that, dispelling the resonance using Chaos Element or mana-depleting barriers could reset the field conditions temporarily.”

  There was a brief flicker of interest in Professor Zhang’s eyes, while Dean Xiao subtly nodded to himself.

  Then all eyes turned to Luo Song.

  The youth’s arrogance from before had dimmed slightly. He stepped forward, clearing his throat.

  “W-Well… in that, uh, case… the… the fire might get worse if you use lightning, right?”

  He gnced at the professors, clearly fishing for approval.

  “So… you shouldn’t use it… maybe?”

  A bead of sweat rolled down his temple. “I-I guess just don’t use lightning spells in that area. That’s what I’d do…”

  A moment of silence followed. Professor Zhang scribbled something on his evaluation sheet, expression unreadable.

  Dean Xiao didn’t speak, but the faint curve of his lip could almost be mistaken for amusement.

  “Final question,” said the elderly man at the center, his voice steady and calm. “What is the most important lesson a mage must learn?”

  Luo Song straightened his back, smirked, and decred proudly, “To become strong enough that no one dares to challenge you!”

  A bold answer. One born from confidence — or perhaps entitlement.

  Then it was Mo Fan’s turn.

  He looked up at the man seated in the center. For a moment, his eyes locked with the old man’s. His voice was quiet but unwavering.

  “To never forget why you started walking this path.”

  The words fell gently, but the silence that followed was thunderous.

  Time seemed to pause.

  Dean Xiao’s eyes widened—ever so slightly. The calm mask he always wore nearly cracked. He felt it… a tremor in his soul, a memory stirring like embers reigniting.

  Those words.

  Those exact same words... His master had once said him—when he had just started walking his journey of Magic. Back then, he had been brash but determined, carrying a fire that refused to be extinguished. Even now, hearing them again, it was like a forgotten melody pying in his heart.

  But...

  Dean Xiao had also said these words to Mo Fan, in a life that no longer existed. He just used them right now.

  A chill passed down Dean Xiao’s spine. And for the first time in decades, he could hear his own heartbeat echoing faintly in his ears.

  Thump... Thump...

  Was it excitement?

  Was it fate?

  His lips parted, but no words came. Instead, he slowly leaned back in his chair, fingers pressing lightly against the closed file before him.

  No one around the table noticed the flicker in his eyes — but within, the great Dean Xiao found himself asking:

  Who exactly is this young man?!

  After the interview ended, the five examiners leaned in and began whispering among themselves, their expressions serious as they reviewed their notes. Their eyes occasionally drifted between the two candidates standing before them.

  Mo Fan exhaled quietly, standing with a composed, confident stance, arms loosely folded. His calm demeanor made it seem like he’d already seen the outcome.

  In stark contrast, fatty Luo Song looked like a melting wax statue. The overweight youth was drenched in sweat, fidgeting uncomfortably, puffing his shirt to cool off his body. His face was flushed—not from the heat, but from anxiety.

  Unlike Mo Fan, who had answered every question with calm crity and precision, Luo Song had stumbled over the two toughest ones — particurly those asked by the old man in the centre and the sharp-eyed Professor Zhang Jianguo.

  He wasn’t blind. He could tell Mo Fan’s understanding of elemental theory far surpassed his own — especially that brilliant insight on the Fire & Lightning Element.

  Luo Song bit the inside of his cheek in frustration, his gre practically boring a hole through Mo Fan. He clenched his fists tightly. _If I somehow make it to the Practical Round, I swear I’ll crush that cocky bastard!_

  ...

  “Ahem!”

  After five minutes, Professor Wen Yue cleared her throat and addressed both candidates, her voice crisp and formal.

  “After careful consideration and discussion, we’ve decided that the outcome of this examination will be determined by the Practical Round,” she announced, gncing between the two.

  Mo Fan gave a small sigh. _This is dragging longer than I expected..._

  _Yes!_ Meanwhile, Luo Song clenched his fists in excitement, turning toward Mo Fan with a wicked grin. He stared at him like a predator eyeing its prey.