After several attempts, Tianyu finally let out a tired sigh. Although the result remained the same—fire and ice exploding once more—he managed to endure two seconds longer than before. "That's enough for today," he muttered, wiping the sweat from his forehead.
With sluggish steps, Tianyu walked home.
That day, an unexpected guest arrived at the modest home of Tianyu's family—a young girl dressed in red, which contrasted sharply with her porcelain-pale skin. Her clear blue eyes shimmered like the summer sea, and every movement she made radiated an undeniable aura of authority.
She was Xu Jiujiu, the youngest princess of the Xing Luo Empire.
In the living room, Xu Jiujiu was engaged in a serious discussion with Long Ruyin. The stern expressions on their faces made it clear that their topic was no trivial matter.
Suddenly…Creak…
The door opened, followed by hurried footsteps. Their conversation ceased as both girls turned toward the source of the sound.
Standing at the doorway was a young boy with golden hair that shone like morning sunlight and mesmerizing ruby-red eyes.
His body was taller than most boys his age, and his youthful yet perfectly proportioned features made him resemble a living painting.
The atmosphere in the room suddenly grew tense. Long Ruyin, who was usually calm, furrowed her brows and quickly stood up, blocking Xu Jiujiu's view of Tianyu.
"Tianyu! Put your clothes on!" she snapped, her voice slightly louder than usual.
Tianyu flinched, only just realizing that he was wearing only training pants, his upper body bare. His slightly sweaty skin glistened under the sunlight streaming through the window.
"O-Oh! Sorry!" he stammered, quickly grabbing a shirt hanging nearby and putting it on in a rush.
Long Ruyin lowered her head slightly, her cheeks tinged red. "I apologize, Your Highness. It was inappropriate to show such a sight to the Princess."
Xu Jiujiu chuckled, her laugh soft like the rustle of spring leaves. "There's no need to apologize, Miss Ruyin," she said as she elegantly sipped her tea. "It's not entirely Tianyu's fault. I'm the one who came unannounced."
Tianyu finally buttoned up his shirt properly and sat beside his mother. "Mom, who is she? Why are you being so respectful to her?" he whispered to Long Ruyin.
Long Ruyin smiled gently and brushed his golden hair. "This is Princess Xu Jiujiu, the youngest daughter of the Xing Luo Empire," she answered with reverence in her tone.
Tianyu nodded slowly, his ruby eyes shining with pure curiosity as he looked at the royal guest. "But why did Her Highness come to our house?" he asked innocently.
Xu Jiujiu set her teacup down with a refined gesture, full of noble grace. "I came specifically to see you, Tianyu," she said, her voice friendly but layered with deeper meaning.
"For… me?"
"That's right," the princess replied, her tone soft yet full of certainty. "A week ago, I visited City Hall on official business for the empire." Her blue eyes sparkled as she continued, "As I was leaving, I happened to overhear that it was Martial Soul Awakening Day for children turning six."
Xu Jiujiu leaned slightly forward, her expression growing more serious. "As a princess of the empire, it's my duty to search for promising talents who could benefit Xing Luo. However…" A small smile formed on her lips. "I never expected to discover such a rare gem."
Tianyu tilted his head, puzzled. "A… rare gem?"
"I witnessed it all," Xu Jiujiu said, her eyes gleaming with admiration. "When you awakened your Martial Soul, and when you poured your soul power into the test crystal…" She paused for a moment. "The way it couldn't handle your energy and shattered."
The room fell silent. Long Tianyu still looked innocent, while Long Ruyin, who understood what Xu Jiujiu wanted, gazed at her son with a complicated expression.
The atmosphere in the room grew increasingly tense. Tianyu could feel the sudden pressure radiating from his mother. Her hand, tightly gripping his arm, began to tremble slightly.
"Your Highness," Long Ruyin finally spoke in a low but firm voice, "Tianyu is still very young. He's not ready to—"
"—to develop his extraordinary talent?" Xu Jiujiu interrupted with a diplomatic smile, her slender fingers playing with the rim of her teacup. "This is precisely the right time, Miss Ruyin. At the age of six, it's the perfect moment for him to begin training."
Tianyu saw his mother press her lips together tightly. There was something in her expression that made him uneasy — a deep worry he had never seen before.
"Mom... what's wrong?" he asked innocently.
Long Ruyin took a deep breath before pulling Tianyu close. "Nothing is wrong, darling. I'm just... worried."
Xu Jiujiu, who had been observing the interaction, suddenly changed her demeanor. Her usually cheerful face became serious. "Miss Ruyin," she said in a voice only the three of them could hear, "I understand your concern. But believe me, as a princess of the empire, I will guarantee his safety."
Long Ruyin's eyes sparkled upon hearing that. But even though she knew the imperial princess would protect Tianyu, she still hesitated to let him go.
Tianyu looked back and forth between his tense mother and the calm yet authoritative princess. "Can I... can I go to the academy?" he asked in a small, hopeful voice.
Long Ruyin sighed deeply, her gentle hand caressing Tianyu's cheek. "My dear, it's not a matter of whether you can or can't go..." Her voice trembled slightly. "I'm just afraid you'll face dangers you don't yet understand."
Xu Jiujiu slowly stood, her red gown swishing softly across the wooden floor. With graceful steps, she approached Tianyu and knelt until she was eye level with the boy. Her clear blue eyes radiated sincerity.
"Tianyu," she said softly, "at the Junior Spirit Master Academy, you'll meet many children your age. You'll learn to control your power, and become stronger." Her delicate hand gently reached for his small one. "And I promise to protect you."
Tianyu wanted to nod. But then he remembered the expression and tone of his mother just moments ago. He turned to look at her worried face.
Tianyu gazed at his mother with sincerity. Despite his strong desire to learn and grow stronger, he couldn't bear to see her so anxious. Slowly, he released Xu Jiujiu's hand and grasped his mother's cold hand instead.
"Mom…" he said softly, his voice small but clear in the quiet room. "I'll do whatever you think is best. If you don't want me to go, I'll stay here."
Long Ruyin was stunned by her child's words. The tears she had held back finally streamed down her cheeks. She pulled Tianyu into a tight embrace, her body trembling slightly.
"My child..." she whispered hoarsely, "You're too kind for your mother."
Xu Jiujiu, who had witnessed the heartfelt moment, quietly sighed. Her blue eyes showed understanding — and a hint of admiration. "Miss Ruyin," she said more gently than before, "the decision is yours. But know this — opportunities like this don't come twice."
Long Ruyin wiped her tears and looked at her daughter still nestled in her arms. "Tianyu, do you really want to go?"
Tianyu nodded slowly. "I want to learn and become strong, Mom. But..." he clutched his mother's clothes tightly, "I don't want to make you sad."
A bittersweet smile appeared on Long Ruyin's face. With trembling hands, she looked up and met Xu Jiujiu's gaze. "If... if Tianyu does go, will Your Highness allow me to visit him whenever I wish?"
Xu Jiujiu nodded immediately. "Of course. I'll arrange a special visitation permit for you." From within her gown, she pulled out a small crystal pendant. "This is a spirit communication tool. You can speak with Tianyu every night through this."
Long Ruyin accepted the pendant carefully, as though receiving the most precious treasure. She stared at it for a long moment, then finally let out a long breath.
"Very well," she said softly. "Tianyu... may go."
Tianyu hugged his mother even tighter. "I promise I'll study hard and come back soon, Mom."
Xu Jiujiu smiled at the touching scene. "We'll come pick him up tomorrow morning. Everything is prepared at the academy." She gave an elegant bow. "Thank you for your trust, Miss Ruyin."
As the princess turned to leave, Tianyu suddenly called out, "Princess!"
Xu Jiujiu turned back, her long hair gleaming in the golden afternoon light.
"Thank you," Tianyu said, his voice innocent but sincere. "I promise I won't disappoint you."
Xu Jiujiu's smile widened. "I know you won't, Tianyu." Then, with graceful steps, she departed — leaving Tianyu and his mother in a warm embrace, in a home that would soon feel a little emptier.
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