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Four years had passed since Lei Wuchen and his father returned from the Crimson Dusk Forest, bringing with them the body of an enemy and a storm of suspicion that shook the very foundations of the Lei Mansion. Much had changed since then.
Following a personal investigation led by Duke Lei Tianlong, the direct perpetrators of the assassination attempt were exposed. Although Lei Minghao's involvement couldn't be directly proven, the clues led to one of his closest subordinates — a mid-ranking noble who had negotiated and hired the assassins. He was publicly punished, his possessions confiscated, and his name erased from the family registry. As for Minghao, his reputation suffered a heavy blow, especially among the neutral nobles who had once supported him. The message was clear: the Tianlong bloodline would not be touched without consequences.
During this period, Wuchen grew.
Now twelve years old, his presence was impossible to ignore. He had clear, firm skin — a mark of his noble blood. His straight black hair reached his shoulders, usually tied in a simple knot during classes or training. His dark, deep eyes held the intensity of someone who had faced death and lived. He stood taller than most boys his age — nearly 1.70 meters — with a firm posture and precise movements, like a martial artist shaped by discipline and experience.
But it wasn't just his appearance that drew attention. Wuchen was now a three-ring Spirit Elder. He had obtained his third spirit ring at just over ten years old, and now, at twelve, was close to another breakthrough, already at level 39 — solidifying his reputation as an extraordinary prodigy. His Iron Tyrant Armor had grown stronger, more lethal, and his abilities had matured alongside him.
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The morning was warm and bright when the bell rang at the Soul Master Elementary School. It was graduation day.
Wuchen walked down the corridor toward the ceremonial hall. Many students watched him in silence — some with respect, others with admiration. Among the younger ones, he was already a legend. Among the older, an unreachable rival.
In the main hall, silk banners hung from the columns, and a stage had been prepared for the announcement of the top graduates. Instructors and teachers sat in rows, with the school director at the center.
Among those present were Wuchen's father, Lei Qingshan, and Duke Lei Tianlong. The duke, as always, wore solemn deep-blue robes with golden embroidery, bearing the family crest: a gauntlet gripping a lightning bolt. His presence alone was enough to silence the entire hall.
At the end of the ceremony, when the names of the top graduates were announced, there was no surprise when Lei Wuchen's name was called last — with the highest honors.
"Lei Wuchen, third-ring Spirit Master, student of excellence, front-line combatant, and example of conduct among the noble youth."
The director called him to the stage, handing him a silver medallion bearing the school's emblem. Upon returning to his seat, Wuchen received discreet congratulations from some peers. But his mind was elsewhere. Focused forward.
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After the ceremony, Wuchen was taken to a private courtyard in the school's eastern wing. There, the duke and his father awaited him.
"You've grown so much these past years, Wuchen," said the duke, looking him over. "You've become a young man worthy of the Lei name."
Wuchen gave a slight bow.
"The honor is mine to bear that name, sir."
Qingshan nodded, arms crossed. He looked more robust than years before, but his eyes still carried the vigilant gleam of a seasoned warrior.
"And now, what's the next step?" he asked.
The duke clasped his hands behind his back.
"With your graduation, Wuchen, you're ready for the next phase. I've already arranged your official recommendation to the Heaven Dou Imperial Soul Master Academy."
Wuchen raised his gaze, surprised. Even though he had expected it, hearing the name of that institution made his heart race.
The Heaven Dou Academy was legendary. The empire's greatest prodigies passed through its gates. It was where true masters were forged — and where competition was merciless.
"It will be a new beginning. But no less dangerous. Your enemies within the mansion have been silenced for now, but that doesn't mean others won't arise. And outside… the world is even more cruel."
Qingshan stepped forward and placed a hand on his son's shoulder.
"You won't be alone. But the path will be yours. And yours alone."
Wuchen nodded.
"I won't run from it."
For the first time that day, the duke smiled.
"Then let the heavens bear witness. A new chapter begins. May Lei Wuchen grow into a spear no one can bend."
In the distance, the city bells rang again.
Spring had arrived.
And with it, new challenges awaited.
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In the following weeks, Wuchen would depart for the imperial capital. The carriage would carry his name, his bloodline, and his destiny.
And the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy — where the sons of great families and the most talented soul masters of the empire gathered — would be the next battlefield. A different one, of course, for even though it was a noble academy, it had far less outside interference than the elementary schools of noble territories. Power ruled above all there — though a strong backing was never to be underestimated.
The spiritual world never stopped turning.
And he was ready to make it revolve around him.
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