The reason Song Jie brought up Mo Fan's secret was simple — Mo Fan would soon be dueling Mu Yuan, which would inevitably expose his natural dual-element awakening.
Since that secret was bound to come out anyway, there was no reason to hide it from him now.
Still, as Song Jie glanced at Mo Fan's conflicted expression, he had no idea what was going through the guy's head.
Just then, Zhang Xiaohou returned from outside and noticed Mo Fan's serious face.
"Brother Fan, what's wrong with you?" he asked curiously.
Mo Fan quickly shook his head. "Nothing."
He then turned to Song Jie.
"Song Jie, I hope you don't tell anyone about this yet."
"Don't worry," Song Jie replied calmly. "Since I've kept your secret for three years already, I'll keep it for as long as it takes."
Mo Fan smiled gratefully. "Thanks."
Zhang Xiaohou, however, looked between the two of them, utterly lost.
He had no idea what just happened.
"Little Monkey, let's go out for dinner," Mo Fan said, changing the subject.
"Okay!" Zhang Xiaohou waved goodbye to Song Jie and followed Mo Fan out of the dormitory.
After they left, Song Jie didn't go back to practicing. Instead, he picked up his phone.
He opened his chat app — both Tang Yue and Zhan Kong had been messaging him frequently these days.
Song Jie skimmed their messages, typed a quick reply, and put his phone down again.
Both were trying to recruit him — one to the Military, the other to the Inquisition — but he had refused them every time.
Deep down, Song Jie wanted to remain a free mage. That was the life he wanted.
A Few Days Later
The Mu Family Manor was bustling with people. Today was Mu Yuan's coming-of-age ceremony, and it was also the day of his long-awaited duel with Mo Fan.
Song Jie had received an invitation to attend, and surprisingly, Mu Ningxue was sent to pick him up.
Although the two had once fought side by side, that had been quite some time ago.
"Miss, we've arrived," the driver said, glancing at Mu Ningxue in the backseat.
"Let's go," she replied softly.
Mu Ningxue opened the door and stepped out of the car, followed by Song Jie.
The moment they appeared, dozens of eyes turned toward them.
When the crowd saw Mu Ningxue — her elegant, icy demeanor and flawless beauty — they couldn't help but whisper in admiration.
She was the pride of Bo City, unmatched in both talent and appearance.
But soon, the crowd's attention shifted to the young man beside her.
"Who's that guy? Why did he get out of the car with Mu Ningxue?" someone asked curiously.
"You don't know? That's Song Jie, the genius from Tianlan Magic High!"
"Really? What element is he?"
"Light."
"Tsk, Light Magic? What's the use of that?" someone scoffed.
To many, Light Magic was supportive — weak compared to the destructive elements. Unless a Light Mage had some incredible power, it rarely impressed anyone.
The truth was, Mu Zhuoyun had only shown interest in Song Jie before because a Light Mage was useful for protection — not combat.
Song Jie followed Mu Ningxue into the banquet hall, where the chatter instantly quieted.
Dozens of eyes turned toward them.
"Whoa! Song Jie came with Mu Ningxue?!" someone gasped.
"Brother Jie is amazing!"
"Did he already join the Mu Family? I'm so jealous!"
The room buzzed with gossip.
Across the hall, Mo Fan stood in a corner with Zhang Xiaohou.
"Brother Fan, Mu Ningxue looks incredible today!" Zhang Xiaohou said, eyes wide.
Mu Ningxue was wearing a snow-white, off-shoulder gown that shimmered under the chandeliers.
Her pale skin seemed to glow, the curve of her neck adorned with a sapphire-blue necklace that only accentuated her cold beauty.
Even the faint hint of her figure beneath the fabric stirred whispers among the boys.
Mo Fan, however, wasn't looking at her — his eyes were on Song Jie.
He couldn't shake the uneasy thought that Song Jie might tell Mu Zhuoyun about his dual-element awakening.
If that happened, Mo Fan's biggest secret would be exposed — and Mu Zhuoyun was not a man who played fair.
Once that card was revealed, it could be used against him in countless ways.
Mo Fan's expression darkened as he watched Song Jie from afar.
"Ah, Xiao Jie, you're here!" Mu Zhuoyun suddenly called out, waving as though greeting an old friend. "Come, let me introduce you to a few esteemed guests."
Song Jie smiled politely, exchanged a few words, then quietly excused himself and sat down to eat.
He had no interest in Mu Zhuoyun's social games.
A moment later, Zhan Kong spotted him sitting alone and hurried over.
"I've given you plenty of time to think it over," he said with a grin. "So? What's your decision?"
"Chief Instructor," Song Jie said firmly, "I still don't want to join the Military."
Zhan Kong sighed. "Don't be so quick to refuse. Think it over again. You'd have the best resources, the best training—"
Before he could finish, another voice joined in.
"Song Jie, why not join the Inquisition instead?" Tang Yue said, appearing suddenly behind him.
Song Jie nearly jumped — he hadn't even noticed her approach.
"Teacher Tang Yue!" he greeted quickly.
Tang Yue smiled and sat beside him. As she did, her soft curves ass brushed lightly against his side.
Song Jie froze for a second and inhaled sharply.
"Don't worry," Tang Yue said gently, pretending not to notice. "When you graduate, come find me. I'll make sure you're recommended personally."
Song Jie smiled awkwardly. "Thank you, Teacher Tang Yue. For now, I just want to focus on studying and getting stronger."
Tang Yue nodded approvingly. "That's a good answer."
Zhan Kong's face darkened slightly — he could see Tang Yue slowly winning Song Jie over.
Unwilling to lose, he joined their conversation again, trying to appeal to Song Jie's sense of duty and emotion.
The competition between the two continued quietly as the ceremony went on.
Soon, Mu Zhuoyun walked onto the stage, his presence commanding silence.
"Welcome, everyone, to the Mu Family Manor!" he announced. "Today we celebrate my godson, Mu Yuan, as he comes of age!"
The hall erupted in polite applause.
"Two years ago," Mu Zhuoyun continued, "I made a small wager with a certain student of Tianlan Magic High School…"
His gaze shifted toward Mo Fan, his expression smug.
"Boy, I'm giving you a chance now. Admit your mistake, and I'll let bygones be bygones."
Mo Fan stood up slowly, his eyes cold.
"Stop talking nonsense. If you want to fight, then let's fight."
Mu Zhuoyun's smile vanished. He gave Mu Yuan a look — one that needed no words.
Mu Yuan sneered and nodded. "You're eager to die, huh? Then come with me."
With that, the two walked toward the dueling ground.
The duel was about to begin.
"Let's go take a look," Zhan Kong said, patting Song Jie's shoulder.
Song Jie nodded. He already knew how this would end, but since he was here, he might as well watch.
They found seats among the crowd, which was buzzing with excitement.
Zhan Kong leaned toward him. "You and Mo Fan are classmates, right? Who do you think will win — him or that arrogant kid?"
Song Jie grinned. "Is there a reward for guessing right?"
Zhan Kong chuckled. "What kind of reward do you want?"
"I'm not a greedy man," Song Jie said loudly. "But since I'm close to breaking through to the Intermediate level… asking for a Spiritual Seed isn't too much, is it?"