Morning sunlight bathed Star City in a golden hue as the Lan family prepared for one of the most important days of their lives. Lan Zhen and Gu Na'er dressed in their best outfits, their nerves buzzing with anticipation. Lan Hua helped Zhen fix his collar while Lan Xin braided Na'er's silver hair with a soft purple ribbon. With everything set, the four stepped out of their new home, hearts pounding with nervous excitement, and began walking toward the Holy Beast Bond Master Academy.
The streets were already filled with children and their parents, all heading in the same direction. It was like a grand parade of hopefuls—each child wearing robes embroidered with beast symbols, and each family holding high hopes. The excited chatter of children and encouraging words from parents filled the air. Some wore expressions of joy, others of worry. Zhen and Na'er noticed how many children had powerful presences—beast bond masters, just like them. Magical pets perched on shoulders, spirit birds hovered nearby, and some children even had faint auras glowing softly.
They passed stalls where vendors sold spirit snacks, talismans for good luck, and miniature beast figurines. Some parents paused to buy calming charms for their nervous children, while others knelt to offer last-minute blessings. The street was alive with hope and tension.
After a while, they reached the grand gates of the academy. Towering doors covered in elaborate carvings of mythical beasts loomed ahead, casting long shadows across the open courtyard. Above the gate was the academy's symbol—an eternal flame coiled by a dragon in flight. The sight filled their hearts with awe.
Lan Hua glanced at the crowd and muttered with a touch of awe, "So many have come for the trials. I'm sure every one of them is a beast bond master."
Just then, a familiar voice called out. Shi Feng had arrived, smiling as he jogged toward Zhen and Na'er. "You two look ready to win this!" he said cheerfully. The three friends stood together, forming a small circle of confidence amid the sea of competitors.
Soon, elegant carriages adorned with prestigious emblems rolled into view. The noble families had arrived.
The Zhao family came first, known across the Holy Continent for their rare Fire Lion King bloodline. Their leading child was Zhao Xiong, a talented but arrogant and selfish bond master. His robes blazed with fire patterns, and three younger boys trailed behind him—his loyal followers, all from the Zhao family. They sneered at others and looked down on the common-born children.
Then came the Lei family, descending with calm grace. Lei Wei, the heir of the Thunder Dragon King bloodline, stepped out alone. He wore a simple blue robe marked with thunder motifs. He nodded politely to those nearby, his presence calm and approachable. Despite his noble birth, he radiated no arrogance.
Next came the Bing family. Known for their connection to the Ice Bear King bloodline, they were prestigious in the northern regions. Bing Xue'er, a soft-spoken girl with gentle eyes and snowy white robes, descended from their carriage with quiet grace. The chill in the air seemed to respond to her presence.
Three more noble families arrived shortly after, each bringing their own prodigy with unique beast bonds and expressions of silent confidence. The courtyard was now buzzing with competition and tension.
Zhao Xiong scanned the crowd with disdain. "I'll be the best bond master here," he boasted loudly. "No trash like this can rival me."
His followers quickly echoed, "Yes, young master! You are the best!"
Xiong's gaze stopped on Na'er. His smirk widened. "This girl's pretty cute. Purple eyes and silver hair… hmm, I'll make her mine."
All the children gathered near the academy gate as their parents stood behind the outer barrier. The moment felt heavy with expectation.
Zhao Xiong strolled up to Zhen and Na'er, eyes narrowed. "Come with me, girl," he said smoothly.
Na'er flinched, shrinking back and clutching Zhen's hand tightly. "I don't want to. I'll only stay with Zhen," she said, voice small but firm.
Xiong's face darkened. "You don't know what's good for you." He reached out to grab her, but Zhen stepped between them and caught his hand.
"She said no. Why are you forcing her?"
Zhao Xiong's fire aura ignited in anger, flickering visibly. "Do you even know who I am? I'm the son of the Zhao family's Grand Elder!"
He pushed forward with all his strength, his aura surging—but Zhen didn't budge. Not even a step.
Gasps echoed around them. The crowd watched with wide eyes.
Zhao Xiong's expression twisted with shock. "What the...?"
Just then, Lei Wei stepped in and caught Xiong's arm. "Has the Zhao family fallen this low?" he said sharply. "Tarnishing your name like this? Is that really your pride?"
The crowd quieted. All eyes were on them now.
Xiong glanced around and realized his reputation was crumbling in front of everyone. "Hmph. I'll let it go—for now," he growled, before turning and stomping off with his followers.
Zhen let out a slow breath. "Thanks for helping."
Lei Wei smiled. "Even if I hadn't, he still would've failed."
Zhen blinked. "Why?"
"He was using his bond power," Lei Wei explained. "And yet he couldn't move you an inch. That says a lot."
Na'er tilted her head. "Is it because of your bond, Zhen?"
Lei Wei looked curious. "What is your bond?"
"Dragon," Zhen said simply.
Lei Wei raised an eyebrow. "Only dragon? That's the same as mine—Thunder Dragon."
Zhen introduced everyone. "I'm Lan Zhen, her name's Gu Na'er—her bond is Phoenix. That's Shi Feng. His bond is Terror Bear. We're from a small village."
"Nice to meet you all, I am Lei Wei," said Lei Wei. "Let's get along. We're all in this together."
Just then, the enormous doors of the academy creaked open. A wave of intense pressure rolled out like a storm, silencing everyone instantly. Even the parents in the distance gasped and stepped back instinctively.
Lan Hua's eyes widened. "This aura… It's definitely Rank 70 or above. A Holy Lord."
From within the academy, a tall figure emerged. Clad in dark armor etched with glowing runes, he moved with an imposing presence. His hair was long and silver, his eyes glowing faintly with a powerful crimson hue. Every step he took made the ground feel heavier.
"My name is Tai Zhi," the man announced, his voice deep and booming across the courtyard. "My bond is Devil Titan. I am a Rank 74 Holy Lord, Devil Titan Master. And I will be your examiner."
The crowd of children froze. Some trembled. Others stared in awe. Even the proud nobles quieted down.
Tai Zhi's gaze swept across the gathered children, pausing briefly on Zhen, then Na'er, then Lei Wei. His eyes narrowed slightly, but he said nothing.
"You stand at the gate of destiny," Tai Zhi continued. "This trial will test your strength, your will, and your bond. Fail, and you go home. Succeed, and you may earn your place among legends."
Zhen, Na'er, Shi Feng, and the others stood at attention. Their hearts were beating fast. This was it—the beginning of the real challenge.
The trials for the Holy Beast Bond Master Academy had officially begun.
Their destinies were about to be tested.