The morning sun spilled golden light over the academy's courtyard, casting long shadows across the worn cobblestones. Mei's breath puffed in rhythm as she jogged along the perimeter of the training field, sweat trickling down her temple. She had done this every day for the past week, waking before dawn to train her stamina. Despite her small frame and young age, she pushed her body to its limits.
After each session, she'd collapse onto the grass, panting and stretching, feeling the pleasant ache in her legs. "One day closer to perfection," she'd whisper to herself.
When not training her body, she trained her voice. Her voice was her weapon, her soul skill, and her future. Every moment was precious, and she refused to waste it.
During lunch breaks or quiet evenings, she would sit by the academy lake, the peaceful lapping of water providing a backdrop as she practiced vocal control, pitch stability, and resonance. Her soul spirit—the Starlight Stage—often materialized beside her, gently glowing, harmonizing with her notes.
Her studies, too, were progressing well. Spirit theory, combat strategy, and even some of her free time, she would read about the world she lives in now. Mei was determined to prove herself, not just as a soul master, but as an idol whose influence could uplift and inspire.
But it was the evenings that truly set her apart.
Every night for seven days straight, Mei took to the bustling streets of the commercial district to perform. Children danced to her melodies, couples stopped mid-walk, and merchants paused their haggling. Her voice, warm and honeyed, drew people in like a beacon.
The number of her fans surged. Some left coins, others gave small trinkets or handwritten notes. A few students from the academy even whispered excitedly about her in the halls.
After another successful street performance, Mei returned to her dorm and opened her interface, projecting the status screen in front of her.
"Mei's Idol Status"
Current Status:
Age: 7
Spirit: Starlight Stage
Soul Power: 17
Fans: 298
Idol God Trial: 0/9 <
Mei smiled brightly, her eyes lingering on the fan count.
"I'm growing," she whispered. "A little more every day."
'You're growing too much, and I don't mean figuratively,' Ai chimed in, materializing as a chibi-like floating assistant with twin buns and pouty cheeks.
"Let me be happy for once," Mei giggled, brushing her damp bangs aside.
The next morning, as she walked through the academy's main corridor humming a cheerful tune, a sharp voice interrupted her.
"Excuse me, child. Are you the one who received the scholarship from Spirit Hall?"
She paused and turned, facing a man in purple robes with a neatly trimmed buzzcut. His expression was serious, scholarly even, but his eyes glinted with calculation.
"Yes, I am," Mei said cautiously. "And you are?"
"I'm Yu Xiaogang. A master of spirit theory." He straightened his back, pride clear in his voice. "I wish to offer you something—become my disciple, and I'll teach you everything I know. You'll receive far better treatment than what the school provides."
Mei blinked. "I'm sorry, but I already have a master."
Yu Xiaogang's brow furrowed. "Don't be hasty. Think about your future. You're out there singing every night, degrading yourself to scrape by. That's not befitting a genius soul master."
Mei was taken aback by his words. Ai, her AI companion, expressed her disapproval internally, 'Degrading? You elitist, old-fashioned bookworm. He wouldn't recognize passion if it danced in front of him with neon lights.'
Taking a deep breath, Mei recalled her training in public relations. She offered a polite bow and said, "I appreciate your concern, Master Yu. But performing is part of my training. My current master assigned it to strengthen my connection with my spirit and fans."
Yu Xiaogang's eyes narrowed, clearly displeased, but he nodded. "I see. Well, the offer stands. If you ever reconsider…"
With that, he turned and disappeared into the crowd of students.
Ai huffed beside her. 'He talks like your concerts are street begging. Ugh, imagine him managing a real idol. He'd probably assign you math homework as stage prep.'
"Shhh," Mei giggled, trying to hold back laughter. "Don't tempt fate. He might come back."
Continuing her walk towards the school's entrance, Mei pondered over the song she would perform that evening. Her thoughts were interrupted by a sweet voice.
"Hello, sister, do you know where the registration hall is?"
Looking up, Mei saw a cute girl with a scorpion braid, wearing bunny ears and a pink outfit.
"It's in that direction," Mei pointed, "the second building you'll see."
"Thank you! I'm Xiao Wu," the girl introduced herself, extending her hand.
Mei shook it warmly. "I'm Mei. If you need any help later on, feel free to ask."
"Really? You're so nice! If anyone bullies you, come to me anytime. Bye!"Xiao Wu mimed punching the air before bounding off like an excited rabbit.
Mei couldn't help but laugh. "She's adorable," she murmured.
Mei hadn't ventured far from the school gate when she heard a commotion.
" We don't accept bumpkins from villages into the school." The guard said arrogantly
" We have paper from the spirit hall that confirms that this child is a soul master." The elderly man hands the guard the paper.
" A Blue silver grass with a full innate soul power, this must be a fake." The guard said off-handedly and threw it away.
Unable to stand by, Mei
Mei strode forward, picking up the letter and dusting it off.
"This is genuine," she said firmly. "The Spirit Hall's seals are intact, and the paper is authentic."
She turned to the guard. "Innate full spirit power is rare, yes, but not impossible. It could be a spirit mutation or an unawakened secondary spirit. Isn't that covered in the academy's textbooks?"
The guard flushed, realizing she was quoting actual soul theory. With a grumble, he stepped aside. "Fine. Let the brat in. But we'll be watching him."
The old man bowed deeply. "Thank you, young lady."
The boy nodded. "Thank you, senior. I'll study hard."
Mei smiled. "No need to call me senior. I'm Mei."
The boy hesitated before speaking again. "Could you show me where to register?"
"Of course," she said, leading him through the academy's sunlit courtyards.
"I'm Tang San," the boy said after a long pause.
"Nice to meet you, Tang San."
She gestured toward a cluster of maple trees. "The registration hall is just past those buildings. You'll need to show your paper again, but they're nicer there, I promise."
"Why did you defend me? Most people laugh when they hear Blue Silver Grass."
Mei recalls her study sessions. "Soul theory books say innate full spirit power only happens in two cases: if your martial soul mutated beneficially or if you have a second, hidden spirit." Tang San tensed up, which was unnoticed except for a pair of starry eyes that couldn't be seen
Mei continued. "But since your certificate only lists Blue Silver Grass, it's probably a mutation. Maybe it's not just grass. Maybe it's divine grass or a high-grade plant?"
'Or maybe he's a reincarnated grandpa from another world!' Ai chirped, materializing as a flickering hologram only Mei could see. 'You know, like those trashy web novels? Coughs, not that I read them!'
Mei stifled a laugh, covering her mouth. "Or, um… other possibilities *like reincarnation*. But mutations are more common!"
Tang San's step faltered almost imperceptibly. "Reincarnation…?" he echoed, catching the tail end of her mumble.
"Just a silly theory!" Mei waved her hands, cheeks pink. "Some stories say powerful souls get reborn. But that's probably not real, right?"
Tang San's dark eyes flickered with something unreadable. "...Probably not."
They soon reached the registration hall, its oak doors carved with spirit beasts. Tang San bowed deeply.
"Anyway, the registration desk is just up ahead. Good luck!"
"Thank you, Mei. I won't forget this kindness."
She waved and turned to leave.
As she walked away, Ai reappeared, floating lazily above her shoulder. 'Ohoho~? Mr. Mysterious totally reacted when you mentioned reincarnation!'
Mei asked, bewildered. "You think so too?"
'Yep. Either he's shy… or he used to be a forty-year-old forging master who leapt into a child's body with secret art manuals hidden in his socks.'
Mei glanced back at the hall, but didn't think too much of the encounter. But something told her this wouldn't be the last time they met.