Tang Yue seemed to see right through Song Jie's thoughts. She smiled faintly and said,
"I was wondering how you managed to kill that monster. So, your Light Element is a little… special."
She had just observed Song Jie's magic — and it was definitely not something a normal Light Element could do.
The only explanation was that his Light Element had undergone mutation — a phenomenon that did exist, though it was extremely rare. Perhaps one in a million mages would ever have it.
During his second and third years at Tianlan Magic High, Song Jie had hidden his abilities so well that even Tang Yue hadn't noticed anything unusual.
She had even asked Zhan Kong about him, but the man refused to reveal anything.
Yet Zhan Kong clearly regarded Song Jie as a rare treasure, repeatedly trying to recruit him into the Military. That alone was suspicious.
Tang Yue couldn't help but think — Song Jie must be hiding something extraordinary, otherwise Zhan Kong wouldn't value him so highly.
Song Jie, seeing there was no point in hiding anymore, nodded calmly.
"The Light Element is mostly supportive in the early stages," Tang Yue said, glancing at the corpse of the Black Beast Demon. "But yours has somehow become offensive. That's unbelievable."
The Black Beast Demon was naturally weak against Light Magic, and Song Jie's Glorious Light Arrow had dealt it a devastating blow.
That spell was actually an evolved version of the basic Light Magic Glorious Flash — a modified first-level spell whose power rivaled that of a third-level attack spell!
"You've reached the third level now, haven't you?" Tang Yue asked.
Song Jie nodded. He didn't see a need to hide it anymore — after all, it would only help him when applying to a university.
"No wonder Zhan Kong is so desperate to recruit you," Tang Yue murmured.
"Song Jie, if you don't want to join the Military, you could always consider the Inquisition instead."
Song Jie scratched his head, unsure how to respond. He didn't really want to join any organization.
"Teacher Tang Yue… you're with the Inquisition, right?" he asked.
Tang Yue nodded. She wasn't hiding it — after what had happened earlier, it was obvious.
"Then who were those people we fought just now?" Song Jie asked.
"They were members of the Black Vatican," Tang Yue said seriously. "As for the others involved… I'm not in a position to say."
Just as she finished speaking, several figures appeared in the distance, heading their way.
Tang Yue turned to Song Jie and smiled.
"Thanks to your help this time. When you're free, I'll treat you to a meal."
Song Jie nodded, then left to return home.
The Inquisition Headquarters
Zhan Kong sat in the conference room alongside members of the Magic Association.
When Tang Yue entered, Zhan Kong immediately asked,
"Did you catch everyone?"
"They've been captured and are being interrogated," Tang Yue replied, sitting down and taking a sip of water. "I'm not sure how much we'll get out of them."
Then she added, "Zhan Kong, I discovered Song Jie's secret."
Zhan Kong frowned, his expression immediately becoming guarded.
"I've had my eye on that boy for a long time. Don't you dare compete with me for him."
Tang Yue chuckled softly. "But Song Jie didn't agree to join you, did he?"
Zhan Kong drank his water, clearly irritated — because what she said was true.
"Song Jie's already cultivated his Light Element to the third level," Tang Yue continued, turning to Yang Zuohe, a senior member of the Magic Association. "That's pretty exceptional for someone in Bo City."
"What are you getting at, Tang Yue?" Yang Zuohe asked.
"I'm saying that Bo City should invest in him — give him some cultivation resources," she said with a smile.
"Cultivation resources?" Yang Zuohe frowned, sensing there was more behind her words.
Tang Yue smiled faintly. "Isn't there a Holy Spring in Bo City? I think we should give him a spot."
If she wanted to win Song Jie over, helping him gain benefits was the first step.
Zhan Kong narrowed his eyes — he could already see through Tang Yue's little plan.
"I agree," he said.
"Give him a place?!" Yang Zuohe exclaimed. "That's not possible. The quota for the Holy Spring is earned through merit!"
"True," Zhan Kong said calmly, "but shouldn't it go to Bo City's most outstanding students?"
Yang Zuohe nodded hesitantly.
"Then answer me this," Zhan Kong continued, "Song Jie killed a high-level Slave-class Demon. Do you not think he qualifies as an exceptional student?"
"What?!" Yang Zuohe's eyes widened. "He killed a high-level Slave-class demon?!"
"He helped me slay a Black Beast Demon," Tang Yue added.
Zhan Kong smirked — so that's why she was so interested in Song Jie.
Yang Zuohe was completely stunned. Was this kid even human?
"If that's true," Yang Zuohe said slowly, "then yes… he definitely deserves a special quota."
"Glad we agree," Zhan Kong said with a satisfied smile.
Tang Yue also smiled. Both of them then took out their phones and sent messages to Song Jie.
At that moment, Song Jie had just come out of the shower. Seeing messages from both Tang Yue and Zhan Kong, he hesitated for only a second…
Then chose Tang Yue. After all — black stockings were just too tempting.
A moment later, Tang Yue's phone chimed first.
Zhan Kong slammed his fist on the table with a loud bang!
"I gave him a defensive magic tool, and he still chooses beauty over loyalty?!"
A Few Days Later
Time flew quickly. As the Magic College Entrance Exam drew near, students of Tianlan Magic High were all busy preparing.
In the dormitory, Zhang Xiaohou asked excitedly,
"Brother Fan, are you really going to challenge Mu Yuan in a few days?"
Mo Fan nodded.
He had already made an agreement with Mu Zhuoyun — after turning eighteen, he would duel Mu Zhuoyun's son, Mu Yuan.
(After all, magicians under eighteen weren't allowed to duel.)
"Brother Fan, are you sure you can beat him?" Zhang Xiaohou asked nervously.
Mo Fan grinned. "Just wait and see how I crush him."
"Brother Fan's the best!" Zhang Xiaohou said, giving him a thumbs-up.
Mo Fan chuckled, then glanced at Song Jie. He had always been curious about something that happened on the day of their awakening.
"Song Jie," he said quietly, "did you… notice anything that day?"
Song Jie smiled knowingly. "You mean — the fact that you awakened two elements?"
Mo Fan's jaw dropped.
"Holy crap! You knew?! For three years you never said anything?!"
He had been planning to show off his dual-element awakening someday, but apparently Song Jie had known from the very beginning!
Mo Fan could only sigh in disbelief. So much for my big reveal…