Three months flowed by like a gentle stream, their waters smoothing the sharp edges of the extraordinary events that had preceded them.
Life for Xiao Wu, Tang San, and Mei settled into a new, comfortable rhythm within the familiar bounds of Nuoding Academy.
Their days became a predictable, yet fulfilling, cycle of studying spirit theory, cultivating their power, and attending to their personal duties—Tang San at the blacksmith, Xiao Wu with her occasional tour guiding, and Mei with her idol training and performances in the city square.
They filled their free time with shared meals, light-hearted sparring, and quiet conversations under the old trees on the academy grounds.
Their efforts bore fruit. Through diligent cultivation, both Xiao Wu and Tang San broke through to the fifteenth rank, their spirit power growing steadily and solidly.
Mei's progress, as ever, was a step ahead, her soul power having advanced to the twenty-second rank, a testament to her unique bond and relentless drive.
One sunny afternoon, seated on a bench in a quiet corner of the garden, Mei took a moment to check her progress.
Current Status:
Age: 8
Spirit: Starlight Stage (Range 40 meter)
Soul Power: 22
Fans: 2,067
Idol God Trial: 0/9 <
A small, satisfied smile touched her lips. Two thousand fans. The number still amazed her. Her performances were clearly reaching more people.
Her eyes lingered on the new, cryptic line about an "Idol God Trial," but for now, she dismissed it, storing the curiosity for later.
Closing the screen, she made her way to the bustling academy cafeteria. The large hall was filled with the lively chatter of students and the comforting aroma of a simple but hearty lunch.
She spotted Tang San and Xiao Wu at their usual table, joined by several of their dorm mates, including Wang Sheng. The atmosphere was warm and boisterous.
"Senior Mei! Over here!" Xiao Wu called out, waving enthusiastically.
Mei approached with a warm smile. "Hello, everyone."
A chorus of cheerful greetings welcomed her. She settled into a seat beside Tang San, accepting a bowl of rice and some stir-fried vegetables.
"So," Mei began, looking around the table as they ate, "the break is coming up soon. Does anyone have any plans?"
The question sparked a flurry of responses. Most of their dorm mates, coming from farming families or local trades, talked about returning home to help their parents with the harvest or their family businesses.
It was a common, humble reality for many of the students.
When the attention turned to him, Tang San, who had been eating quietly, set down his chopsticks.
"I will be returning to my village to visit my father," he said, his voice calm but carrying a subtle undertone of concern.
"It has been a while since I've seen him. I... miss him, and I want to make sure he is doing well."
The table then looked expectantly at Xiao Wu. She blinked, a piece of vegetable poised halfway to her mouth.
"Huh? Me? I... hadn't really thought about it," she admitted, her nose scrunching up in thought. Then, an idea seemed to strike her.
She turned to Tang San, her pink eyes wide and hopeful. "Brother San, can I come with you?"
Tang San looked at her, his expression as unreadable as ever, but there was no hesitation in his reply. "I don't mind. If you want to come, you are welcome."
A wave of muffled snickers and knowing looks passed between the other boys at the table. Wang Sheng elbowed the boy next to him, whispering something about "bringing a girl home to meet the father."
The implications were clear and entirely lost on the two subjects of the gossip.
Mei, observing the entire exchange, could only bring a hand to her mouth to cover a soft, understanding giggle.
The two of them were so focused on their friendship and cultivation that the romantic subtext flying around them seemed to pass by completely unnoticed.
In her mind, Ai's voice cooed with delight.
Oh, this is just precious! The clueless duo! He agrees without a second thought, and she asks without a hint of shyness. The purity of it all! It's more charming than any staged romance!
Xiao Wu, blissfully unaware of the teasing, beamed at Tang San's agreement. "Great! It'll be great! I can't wait to see where you grew up!"
The conversation around the lunch table continued to buzz with the energy of impending holidays.
After the mild teasing about Tang San bringing Xiao Wu home had settled, Xiao Wu, ever inclusive, turned her bright gaze to Mei.
"What about you, Senior Mei?" she asked around a mouthful of rice. "You should come with us to Brother San's village! It'll be fun! We can all go together!"
All eyes shifted to Mei. She offered a warm, but slightly apologetic smile.
"Thank you for the invitation, Xiao Wu. It sounds lovely," she said sincerely. "But I'm afraid I have to decline. I have a couple of things already lined up for the break here in the city."
She gestured vaguely, "Some... vocal training intensives and a few scheduled performances I can't miss. You two go and have a wonderful time."
Xiao Wu looked a little disappointed, but she accepted the answer with a nod. "Okay! We'll tell you all about it when we get back!"
The rest of the day unfolded with the comforting predictability that had come to define their new normal. Afternoon classes on spirit beast ecology passed without incident, followed by a session of independent cultivation in the training yard.
As evening drew in, they shared a simple dinner before retiring to their respective dorms, the promise of the upcoming break lending a light, anticipatory air to the usual evening routine.
Later, as Mei prepared for bed, brushing out her long pink hair in the quiet of her room, the air beside her shimmered.
Hoshino Ai materialized, perched cross-legged on the edge of the desk, her expression a mix of curiosity and mild accusation.
Okay, spill it Ai said, her psychic voice a direct echo in Mei's mind.
You and I both know your schedule is as clear as a summer sky. What are 'vocal training intensives'? What 'unmissable performances'? You didn't tell me about any of this!
Mei paused her brushing, meeting the goddess's gaze in the reflection of her small mirror. A soft sigh escaped her. She had known this was coming.
"Alright, you caught me," she admitted quietly, her voice barely a whisper in the silent room. "I don't have any plans. Not really."
Then why the excuse? Ai floated closer, tilting her head.
Don't you want to see where our serious little Tang San comes from? It could be enlightening!
A gentle, knowing smile touched Mei's lips. "It's precisely because I want them to have a good time that I made the excuse," she explained.
"Did you see them today? Xiao Wu asks without a second thought, and Tang San agrees just as easily. They're... in their own world when it comes to each other. I don't want to be a third wheel on their... well, on their date."
Comprehension dawned on Ai's face, followed by a wide, delighted grin.
Oh! Oh, I see! You're playing the role of the considerate best friend! How wonderfully perceptive of you! And you're absolutely right.
Those two need some alone time to... well, to continue being completely oblivious in peace. A very classy move, my disciple.
Mei set her hairbrush down, feeling a sense of relief that Ai understood. "So, yes. I'll be staying here."
Excellent! Ai clapped her hands together, her form flickering with excitement.
Then, since you have no plans and have so thoughtfully cleared your schedule... why not do something I've been suggesting?
Mei turned to face her fully, curiosity piqued. "What is it?"
Ai's eyes sparkled with a secret, her smile turning mysterious. She leaned in, her form beginning to fade as if the energy to maintain it was being diverted into a grand announcement.
Why, it's simple...
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