Night After the Gold-Rank Battle
Moonlight fell across the quiet courtyard.
Astra sat on the spirit platform, legs crossed, controlling the chaotic spiritual energy inside him. His Heaven Veins pulsed like glowing rivers.
The system's novice protection enhancements still surged.
DING
[Stabilizing Host's Meridian Load…]
[Novice Protection Active: Rest Window Enabled]
[Spiritual Overflow Compressed → +9% Growth]
Even in silence, the system felt like a cold, indifferent force—
not guiding him, simply enforcing laws.
As Astra exhaled—
A soft voice drifted through his mind.
"…you… again… loud…"
Astra smiled slightly.
"Good evening."
"…hmph… mortal, do you think this queen desires conversation? I am only awake because your recklessness shakes my seal."
Her voice carried irritation…
yet warmth beneath it.
Astra closed his eyes.
"You helped me again."
Silence.
Then a sharp, tsundere whisper:
"…instinct… not affection. I merely dislike losing my host before awakening."
Astra bit back a laugh.
Yes.
She was definitely awakened—at least emotionally.
Chu Feng Arrives — A Quiet Bond Forming
Chu Feng approached from the side, hesitant.
"A-Astra… are you awake? Can I train with you?"
Astra nodded.
"Join me."
Chu Feng sat beside him, mimicking Astra's posture.
The Spirit Queen's voice bristled.
"…the lightning brat again… he clings like a lost puppy…"
Astra swallowed a laugh.
"He wants to grow stronger."
"…then tell him to stop sitting so close."
Astra opened one eye.
Chu Feng was barely a foot away, looking at him with admiration and trust.
Astra shifted slightly.
He didn't want Chu Feng to overhear the Queen.
Chu Feng noticed.
"D-Did I do something wrong?"
Astra shook his head gently.
"No. Sit however you like."
Chu Feng relaxed, smiling faintly.
The Spirit Queen clicked her tongue.
"…idiot mortal… spoiling him already…"
Bai Ruyin Watches — A Jealous Turbulence
Bai Ruyin stood behind a pillar, watching the two boys meditate side by side.
Her heartbeat wasn't steady.
Astra's calm presence…
Chu Feng's gentle admiration…
The atmosphere felt close—too close.
She clenched her fists lightly.
Why does it bother me?
Why does he look so peaceful with that boy?
She stepped out.
"Astra."
Her voice was firm but carried an edge.
Both boys opened their eyes.
"Elder Bai?" Astra asked.
Chu Feng bowed politely.
Bai Ruyin's gaze softened for only a heartbeat—
then hardened again.
"Astra. We need to talk. Alone."
Chu Feng blinked, confused.
Astra stood up quietly.
"Wait here," he told Chu Feng.
The Spirit Queen whispered smugly:
"…good. Remove the thunder child. This queen dislikes crowded spaces…"
Astra internally sighed.
Elder Bai's Questions — And Jealousy
Bai Ruyin led Astra beneath the old plum tree where moonlight shimmered off petals.
She turned sharply.
"Why… why do you put yourself in harm's way? Twice now, assassins tried to kill you."
Astra looked at her calmly.
"That's not something I can control."
"That's exactly the problem," she snapped.
"You're growing too fast. Attracting enemies too fast. Even Chu Feng is being pulled into danger because of you."
Astra froze.
There it was—
the jealousy.
She immediately looked away, flustered.
"I-I didn't mean— I just—"
Astra stepped closer.
"You're worried about me?"
She stiffened.
"I'm your instructor. I have responsibilities."
The Spirit Queen hissed in Astra's mind:
"…this woman's aura… irritating… she stares at you too much…"
Astra had to keep a straight face.
"I appreciate your concern," he said softly.
Bai Ruyin's breath caught.
Her face warmed, though she tried to hide it behind her hair.
"I am not… concerned. Just… cautious."
Of course.
Astra smiled.
Inner Hall — Elders Begin Their Investigation
In the Elder Hall, elders gathered around shattered assassin masks.
One elder whispered:
"These were Gold Rank… hired through a banned path."
"Who would spend such a fortune… to kill a child?"
Elder Jian responded quietly:
"Someone who fears what he will become."
Silence spread.
Another elder spoke:
"If Astra Long grows unchecked… the sect may no longer contain him."
Jian glared.
"Then we must not stifle him.
We must prepare ourselves for him."
Back in the Courtyard — Astra Trains Chu Feng
After Bai Ruyin left reluctantly, Astra returned to Chu Feng.
Chu Feng's eyes sparkled.
"Did Elder Bai scold you? She looked angry."
Astra smirked.
"She always looks like that."
Chu Feng laughed softly.
Astra sat beside him again.
"Chu Feng."
"Yes?"
"Let's train together."
Chu Feng froze.
"M-Me? With you?"
Astra nodded.
"You have potential. And your lightning affinity resonates with my bloodline. It's natural for us to grow together."
Chu Feng felt heat behind his eyes.
No one had said this to him before.
Not a single person.
Astra extended his hand.
"Friends?"
Chu Feng's voice shook.
"…Yes. Friends."
The Spirit Queen whispered:
disgusting… sentimental… but… acceptable… this lightning brat is harmless…"
Astra nearly choked.