Chi looked at him, eyes sparkling with excitement. "It's your turn this time," he said, nudging Yu.
Yu swallowed, staring at the swirling fire and earth Qi around him. "This… this is different," he muttered.
Chi raised an eyebrow. "Different how?"
Yu straightened his back and took a deep breath. "I need to do this myself," he said firmly. "No help this time, Chi."
Chi smiled. "I get it. I'll just watch. You've got this."
Yu closed his eyes, letting the fire and earth Qi flow naturally through his body. He visualized the elements merging — the earth anchoring the flames, fire giving life to the rocky spikes around him. Slowly, the ground trembled. Small stones lifted, circling in a controlled vortex, while flames flickered atop the rocky formations.
Yu's hands thrust forward instinctively. The molten eruption obeyed him perfectly — twisting and curling in midair, fiery and solid at the same time.
Chi's eyes widened. "Yu… you're doing it all on your own!"
Yu wobbled slightly but stabilized himself. "I… I did it… by myself," he whispered.
Yu's cheeks were still warm with pride. He hadn't just performed his Molten Terra Burst — he'd owned it. For the first time, power didn't feel like something he borrowed; it felt like his.
The Trial Array hummed beneath their feet, sending faint ribbons of light across the courtyard. The principal watched them with that same unreadable expression, young face belying an age-old calm.
"Now," the principal said, voice like a bell, "show me how you fight when stakes are real."
Something snapped in Yu — whether it was nerves, pride, or the residue of months of proving himself, Chi couldn't tell. Before anyone could warn him, Yu's eyes narrowed. The earth under his boots answered in a low rumble; fire curled along his palms like a living thing.
"Yu—" Chi started, but the word died on his lips.
Yu stepped forward. His hands thrust out in a motion practiced a hundred times, but this time with intent. The Molten Terra Burst tore from him in a roaring column: molten spikes and flame spiraled toward the principal, heat wavering the air.
Time seemed to thin. Family froze; a hawk cried overhead. For a heartbeat, the courtyard belonged to the eruption of power.
The principal moved like water, every step measured. He didn't flinch. A faint glyph flashed beneath his feet — an old formation, simple but precise — and the incoming molten column met a thin, shimmering wall of condensed wind and spirit-sheen. The attack split, sliding harmlessly along the barrier and dissolving into tiny embers that drifted to the ground like errant fireflies.
Yu staggered, breath ragged, as the adrenaline left him. His face went pale. "I— I'm sorry," he whispered.
The principal's eyes softened, and a faint smile appeared. "What are you sorry about? I told you to attack me. And you did wonderfully. Most people cannot even open their spiritual roots, let alone fuse two elements and perform a controlled attack at just ten years old. You are a genius on top of a genius. Hold your head high, Yu."
Yu blinked, disbelief and pride warring across his face. He lifted his chin slowly, letting the warmth of the praise settle in.Now it was Chi's turn. He stepped forward, taking a deep breath as his fingers tingled with water and wind Qi. Unlike Yu, who hesitated despite his success, Chi's Confidence radiated from every movement.
He thought to himself, I was way worse than Yu when I was ten. A vivid memory flashed through his mind — young Chi, trembling, barely daring to take a step, feeling as if every movement was a crime. How far he had come since then…
He shook off the memory and focused on the present. Water and wind Qi swirled around him like loyal companions
He focused, letting the water flow through his veins like liquid steel, and the wind swirl around him, lifting his hair and clothes as if the air itself obeyed his command. His steps were precise, each one leaving faint ripples in the air and soft splashes on the floor where invisible water currents met the ground.
The principal watched silently, his sharp eyes tracking every flicker of energy. "Interesting… Chi's control is already exceptional," he murmured under his breath.
Chi drew a slow arc with his palms, merging the currents of water and wind into a spiraling vortex. It twisted and shone, glimmering like liquid glass caught in a gale. Then, with a sudden thrust, he launched the attack straight at the principal — fully controlled, fully precise, every ounce of power measured.
The vortex hit with a soft roar, dissipating into sparkling mist just inches from the principal. Not a single drop splashed onto him; not a single gust knocked him off balance.
The room was silent for a heartbeat — then the principal clapped slowly, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Excellent! Jin Chi, your fusion is fluid, sharp, and incredibly controlled for your age. I can see why you two are considered prodigies. Stand tall — you've earned it."
Chi exhaled, a grin breaking across his face as he glanced at Yu. The two shared a quick nod — no words were needed. They had pushed each other, grown together, and proven themselves in the most thrilling way possible.
The principal turned to their parents, a warm smile on his face.
"Congratulations. Your students will be admitted into 10th-C, just as we discussed."
Haoran and Lianhua exchanged proud glances, while Chi and Yu's faces lit up with excitement.
As the family celebrated, Chi flopped onto the couch dramatically. "Finally! No more boring exams… at least for a week!"
Yu, not to be outdone, grabbed a cushion and pretended to bow deeply to Chi. "Your Majesty, your loyal subject is honored to fight by your side in 10th-C!"
Chi burst out laughing, nearly falling off the couch. "You… are hopeless!"
Even Haoran,lianhua and Lianhua couldn't help but chuckle. The room was filled with laughter, cheers, and playful banter. It wasn't just an admission; it was a recognition of hard work, talent, and the extraordinary potential of the two boys.
For Chi and Yu, this was the start of a new chapter — one full of challenges, adventures, and the promise of growth beyond what they had ever imagined.
Time passed, Jin chi was now 10 and soon it was the first day at their new school. The towering gates loomed above them, engraved with faintly glowing symbols. Chi and Yu stepped through cautiously, feeling a mixture of curiosity and nervousness.
Students walking past them glanced over with faint surprise. Some had spiritual beasts by their sides, while others whispered among themselves. But Chi and Yu noticed something strange — instead of being admired, they were being stared at oddly.
As they approached Class 10-D, the stares became more obvious. Murmurs spread quickly: "Are those… kids?" "Why do they look so young?" "Are they lost?"
Chi frowned. "Yu… do we… look that small?"
Yu shrugged, his face calm. "Apparently. Guess we don't exactly scream '10th grade.'
Next chapter: SPIRITUAL BEASTS