The morning Mu Yuan left for Frostwood City was cold and quiet.
Lin Yaozhi packed dried fruit into his bag. Su Wanqing adjusted his clothes again and again. Mu Qingshan reminded him to respect teachers and speak carefully.
Mu Qinglin placed a hand on his shoulder. "Study well. Do not rush cultivation. Come home when you reach Level Ten."
Mu Yuan nodded.
He understood.
---
Frostwood City was busy as always.
Merchants argued in Frostwood Market. Spirit Hall buyers inspected herbs. The Mu Herbal Shop stood proudly near the main street, its wooden sign polished bright.
Many people greeted Mu Qinglin warmly.
Mu Yuan followed quietly, learning how respect worked in the world.
But today they did not stop at the shop.
They walked toward the academy.
---
Frostwood Junior Martial Soul Academy stood on a small hill near the Spirit Hall branch.
Students gathered nervously at the gate. Some cried. Some bragged loudly. Some held their parents' hands tightly.
Mu Yuan stayed calm.
He had prepared for this.
---
Dean Lu Shengxuan welcomed them warmly.
"Brother Mu," he said with a smile, "your herbs saved my wife last winter. Your son will be safe here."
Mu Qinglin thanked him politely.
The dean looked at Mu Yuan. "If anyone troubles you, come to me. Study hard and respect your teachers."
Mu Yuan bowed. "Yes, Dean."
After registration, Mu Qinglin left.
For the first time, Mu Yuan stood alone among strangers.
But he was not afraid.
---
Classes began simply.
Teachers explained meditation basics, spirit beast knowledge, and martial soul control. Most lessons were things Mu Yuan had already learned from his grandmother.
Still, he listened carefully.
Because knowledge should never be wasted.
During breaks, he visited the small academy library and read quietly.
Maps of spirit forests. Basic herb guides. Stories of famous Soul Masters.
Mu Yuan loved them all.
---
At night in the dormitory, Mu Yuan meditated.
Soul power flowed smoothly.
Inside his mind, his small inner world waited quietly. The glowing tree stood still. The spirit pond reflected faint light.
Everything was stable.
Mu Yuan smiled.
He was growing safely.
---
Weeks passed.
Teachers liked Mu Yuan because he was polite and hardworking. Classmates respected him because he did not boast.
He helped others quietly and avoided fights.
Just as his grandfather had taught him.
---
Three months passed before winter arrived.
Mu Yuan's cultivation reached the peak of Level Nine.
He knew Level Ten was close.
Soon, he would return home and prepare for his first soul ring.
That night, lying beneath the dormitory blanket, Mu Yuan whispered quietly,
"My path is only beginning."
Inside his hidden world, the small tree glowed softly in answer.