The halls of Shang Academy bustled with activity as the day of the academic test neared. Students practiced in the courtyard, revised texts in the library, and whispered rumors in corners.
Among them, one name was on everyone's lips—Zhen Zenin.
Some respected him. Others feared him.
But most... envied him.
Zenin walked the central path, his steps slow but sure. Every gaze avoided him, yet followed him. His presence was too heavy for the weak-hearted.
---
In the lecture hall, Elder Ming called his name.
"Zhen Zenin, your theory work is ranked among the top five this term," the old instructor announced.
Gasps filled the room.
A few students stared in disbelief. One slammed his fist beneath the table.
> "How is he doing this?"
Zenin didn't smile. He gave a polite nod and walked away.
---
Later that day, while returning to his dormitory, he noticed a faint shimmer near the doorframe. A barely visible rune etched into the wood.
> A curse seal... it would've triggered if I stepped through blindly.
He dismantled it with a flick of spiritual energy, eyes narrowing. This wasn't a prank. This was an assassination attempt disguised beneath spells only experts would recognize.
---
That night, in a quiet clearing outside the academy walls, Zenin met with Instructor Yao.
"You've been quiet, boy," Yao said.
"I've been listening," Zenin replied.
"Someone's trying to kill you."
"I know."
"Will you act?"
"Not yet."
> "The most dangerous beast is the one that knows when not to bare its fangs."
---
Zenin returned to his chamber. He placed a small pouch of black powder under his pillow—a soul-marking dust from the Thirteen Hells.
If his attacker came in the night, he wouldn't leave without leaving his trace behind.
And when that happened, Zhen Zenin would make sure the trail led home.
---