VERSATILE MAGE: RISE OF A LEGEND

"I'm a Fire element user," a girl whose face carried a heroic spirit took the initiative and stood up; she was Zhoumin, who had stirred small disturbances during the opening ceremony.

"Me too," Jiang Li spoke up, his voice full of pride.

"I am! I am one too, Mrs. Tangyue! I am also a Fire element user!! My name is Huang Feifeng," the other male student who had awakened the Fire element shouted excitedly, jumping to his feet.

Look at Huang Feifeng's excited expression. Who didn't know that if the Practical Magic teacher had the same element as you, it'd be like having a small stove, with the master passing useful things on to their disciples?

"Hm, are there more?" Mrs. Tangyue's gaze swept across the room.

"There's only three Fire element users in a single class?" she mused aloud, raising an eyebrow.

"That's too little," some students murmured in agreement, feeling surprised.

"Your homeroom teacher has already spoken to me about the importance of the Annual Examination," Mrs. Tangyue continued. "First, if you don't meet the requirements, then you'll be

asked to leave the school. Second, they'll divide you into different classes based on your grades. If you're placed in the Elite class, then you'll obtain certain benefits that will give you an advantage on the Magic University's exams. Thus, this school semester, everyone should have no reason not to put in their utmost effort."

"Mrs. Tangyue, will you be teaching the Elite class?" Jiang Li asked, clearly interested.

"Yeah, if everything goes according to the plans, I will be assigned as the Practical Magic teacher for the Elite class after I've finished teaching you," Tangyue slightly nodded.

"Teacher, I, Huang Feifeng will definitely do my best!" Huang Feifeng declared with determination.

"Mrs. Tangyue, I want to follow you in the future as well," a few students echoed, their passion rising.

Tangyue maintained a gentle smile as she observed the excitement filling the room. Her first class today had been quite successful; the students' enthusiasm for their studies had clearly been ignited.

"Oh right, when any of you are able to control seven stars, then you can come and find me in private. I will take some time off my schedule to teach you some more," Tangyue added.

Clamor filled the room, a sudden buzz of excitement erupting.

A wolf howl suddenly resounded from the class as students shouted in excitement.

Seven stars— it became the striving objective for everyone present.

"I'm not too far from seven stars, Mrs. Tangyue, wait for me…"

"Are you for real? How many can you control?"

"Two."

"Get lost!"

"I can do three, that's better than you dregs!" Huang Feifeng said proudly, his face filled with smugness.

"Three stars, and you still have the face to stand here and act arrogant? I'm almost at four; don't you know that it gets harder as you progress?" Xu Qinglin scoffed.

"That's funny, real funny. You group of wastes, Mu Bai is already in control of five stars.In the next semester, he could spend three days fishing and two days browsing the internet, and he'd still be able to reach seven stars. The first one to work with Mrs. Tangyue will definitely be Mu Bai," Zhao Kunsan said with ridicule, jumping in to praise his master.

Zhao Kunsan was Mu Bai's henchman. Mu Bai personally didn't bully anyone because of his background, so instead, he primarily used Zhao Kunsan to do it.

"Shit, Mu Bai is that amazing?"

"Five stars… how did he cultivate like that? That's incredible!"

"I heard the most amazing student in the school, the 7th class's Lightning student, has only been able to control five stars as well."

Feeling the attention on him, Mu Bai felt his ego soar, though he maintained a calm, mature expression, careful not to look like he enjoyed the attention too much.

This guy, Zhao Kunsan, though a little stupid and unreliable, had excellent timing when it came to stroking Mu Bai's ego.

The class ended, and yet there was no sign of Light returning to Miss Tangyue's class. His absence continued to be felt.

Hot air flowed over the mountains, engulfing the south and exchanging the embrace of spring for the humidity of summer.

And then came the rain. It wasn't a gentle drizzle but a torrent, as if the skies had decided to cleanse the earth in one fell swoop, leaving nothing but shattered leaves and battered flowers in its wake.

By morning, the sun had returned, burning bright in a cloudless sky. But everyone knew that the calm was temporary—especially the students of Tian Lan Magic High.

Bo City, a place known for its erratic weather, had shifted once more. The warmth of spring had been swiftly replaced by the heavy embrace of summer.

Today marked the Annual Examination, the day when dreams could be realized or crushed. For many, it was a nightmare. Today was the day students could be expelled, a humiliating fate that meant returning home in shame.

However, Magic was not a child's game. Every Magic High School had a strict system: those not suited for Magic would be expelled early to avoid wasting time in the vast, treacherous sea of Magic.

To the students who had cultivated diligently, today was the day to show their results. For those who could already control their magic, the annual examination was their chance to shine.

Inside the luxurious Mu Manor, Mu Bai prepared himself for the day ahead. He wore a crisp white shirt with delicate plum embroidery, paired with neatly ironed trousers. His appearance was elegant yet understated, reflecting the careful balance he maintained between humility and pride.

His handsome features and refined bearing had not gone unnoticed. Mu Bai had set his

sights higher—on someone as proud and untouchable as Mu Ningxue. Of course, if Mrs. Tangyue were to express interest, he wouldn't refuse her either.

As Mu Bai prepared to leave, his uncle, Mu He, escorted him to the sleek black limousine that would take him to school. "Mu Bai, you have to show off today," Mu He said, his voice low but firm. "Remember, our Mu Family will distribute cultivation resources to the young disciples based on their contributions and cultivation grades. Your performance today could secure a valuable reward for our branch family."

"It just so happens that Mu Ningxue has started her summer break early. I've arranged for her to give a lecture and observe the annual examination. If you perform well, the Family Head might reward you with extra resources."Mu He continued.

Mu Bai's eyes lit up at the mention of cultivation resources. "Uncle, I'll do my best. I won't let our branch family down."

"Good," Mu He said, patting his nephew on the shoulder. "Remember, the key to surpassing your peers is the Stardust Magic Tool. If you perform well today, the Family Head might let you use one. That's your path to becoming truly exceptional."

Mu Bai's heart raced. A Stardust Magic Tool—an item that could elevate him to new heights. Today, he would prove himself worthy. Today, he would shine.

"I'll make sure I earn that chance," Mu Bai said, determination filling his voice.

Today would be his day to prove himself, both to the school and to the Mu Family.

Mu Bai's frustration boiled over. Now it all made sense—why these disciples of the Family were relentlessly pushing themselves to cultivate day and night. It wasn't just for the sake of discipline or competition; they were after something far more valuable—the Stardust Magic Tools.

Every magician faced a hard truth: the hours available for cultivation were painfully limited. For students like Mu Bai and his peers, 5 hours of intense meditation was their absolute limit. After that, they were forced to switch gears, spending the remaining hours buried in theory and magical knowledge.

But the Stardust Magic Tool? That was different. It wasn't just an ordinary item—it was the one thing every magic cultivator yearned for above all else. The mere mention of it stirred envy in the hearts of many.

Without the tool, magicians could meditate for only five hours before their minds became too fatigued to continue. The other nineteen hours were a drain—time spent doing anything but cultivating. Students would study, sleep, or simply try to pass the hours. The fatigue from meditation was relentless, leaving them mentally exhausted for the remainder of the day.

For those who wanted to break through their limits, those nineteen hours felt like an eternity—precious time wasted. They were caught in a cycle of hard work, only to be bogged down by the need for rest. The mind, after all, could only endure so much strain. Push too hard, and it would collapse under the weight of constant focus.

That's where the Stardust Magic Tool came in. It was nothing short of divine. A powerful artifact capable of cutting down the fatigue time that plagued every cultivator and, even better, boosting their Stardust cultivation by a staggering 20%.

With the tool in hand, the fatigue period was slashed, allowing more time for cultivation. The effects were cumulative. More hours in meditation, combined with the 20% boost in Stardust nourishment, meant that over time, the gap between those with the tool and those without it widened considerably.

The difference wasn't always obvious after a single day, but after a month or two? It became undeniable. The students who possessed a Stardust Magic Tool would advance at a pace that left their peers in the dust. Three months with the tool, and they would be in a completely different league.

No wonder these Family disciples were so desperate. They weren't just chasing power—they were chasing the future that the Stardust Magic Tool promised. A future where they wouldn't just keep up with their rivals but would surpass them entirely.

"Uncle, you mentioned the Elite Class students would have the opportunity to use the Stardust Magic Tool; is this true?" Mu Bai asked with a slight excitement.(This is a must)

"That's right; since this is a Magic school, naturally, there are also some few cultivation resources. However, the resources are very limited. There are so many students; thus, giving each student the chance to use it is not possible. Therefore, it's necessary to have the annual examination and the Elite class. This way the students of the Elite class will have an opportunity to use the Stardust Magic Tool for a period. It won't be a problem for you to enter the Elite class with your grades." Mu He sincerely said to Mu Bai.

Light arrived at the training grounds later than usual, the weight of the upcoming examination pressing down on him. Normally, the area was alive with the sounds of students practicing their magic, but today, the atmosphere was thick with nervous energy. The annual examination was no small matter—it was the culmination of everything they had worked toward.

In the center of the grounds, the imposing Star Appraisal Stone hovered above its pedestal. Its black surface gleamed ominously, drawing everyone's eyes. This was the tool that would determine their future, measuring their magical cultivation and revealing their potential for the world to see.

Xue Musheng, their homeroom teacher, stood tall before them, his voice booming with authority. "Remember, the brightness of the stardust reflects your magic. Today, you'll show us how far you've come. Release the lights of your stardust!"

For most students, this was a moment of anxiety and fear. Some fidgeted nervously, while others exchanged worried glances. One girl near Light had tears in her eyes, already fearing failure.

"I might be expelled," she whispered to no one in particular, her voice trembling.

Xue Musheng, ever the optimist, gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't lose heart. You've worked hard, and it will show."

Light, however, stood apart from the emotions of his classmates. He didn't need reassurance. He wasn't worried, and he didn't care about the spectacle this day had become. To him, it was just another step in his journey—nothing more, nothing less.

The crowd stirred when the examiners arrived, their stern expressions and dark uniforms making them appear like judges sent to decide the fate of the students. They commanded silence, their mere presence enough to send a shiver through the assembly. But Light remained indifferent. He had no fear of them. He knew his capabilities, and he didn't need validation from anyone.

As the principal droned on with the traditional speech, Light tuned him out. His mind was already focused on the task ahead. This exam wasn't a trial for him—it was an opportunity to demonstrate what he already knew he could do.

Just as the speech ended, there was a sudden shift in the atmosphere. Whispers spread through the crowd, and Light glanced up to see the reason for the commotion.

Mu He, an official of Bo City, took the stage, his voice carrying easily over the crowd. "Today, we are honored to have a special guest. The most distinguished young mage of Bo City, Mu Ningxue, is with us."

The mention of her name sent a ripple of awe through the students. Light could hear the excited whispers.

"Mu Ningxue... She mastered the Ice Element in record time!"

"She's a prodigy. It's like she was born for magic."

As Mu Ningxue took the stage, her silver hair glinting in the sunlight, a hush fell over the crowd. She was beautiful, ethereal even, with an aura of power that made her seem untouchable.

Light was the last to arrive at the vast training grounds. Unlike the usual hustle and chatter, today, a different energy filled the air. The grounds, which were typically filled with students practicing their magic during Practical classes, were transformed. It was clear this was no ordinary day. The examiners' table, set in a half-arc formation, loomed ominously in the center of the grounds, accompanied by something far more captivating—the Star Appraisal Stone, floating midair in a near-perfect balance.

Suspended atop a stone pillar, the Star Awakening Stone commanded everyone's attention. Its surface shimmered with an otherworldly glow, and even those who had seen it before couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. To the untrained eye, it might have resembled a simple black cobblestone, no bigger than a watermelon. But to those who knew better, it was a magical artifact of profound significance. This was the apparatus that would determine the fate of the students standing on these grounds today.

The Star Appraisal Stone wasn't just another piece of magical equipment. It was the heart of the annual examination. The students would place their hands upon it, and in return, the stone would release a radiant glow. The intensity and hue of the stardust emanating from the stone would reveal their magical growth over the past year. It was the most direct, if not the most nerve-wracking, way to measure their cultivation progress.

The anticipation was palpable. Some students whispered among themselves, stealing nervous glances at the stone as though it were a judge that could determine their future with a single flicker of light. Others stood confidently, eager to display their hard-earned progress. But Light? Light remained calm, his demeanor cold, distant, and entirely unphased by the pressure swirling around him.

"Remember what I've told you before," their homeroom teacher, Xue Musheng, bellowed, his voice filled with passion. "The radiance intensity from the stardust represents the power of the magic capabilities within the stardust. Students of the eighth class, the time for you to showcase the efforts of this year has come! Release the lights of your stardust!"

His words echoed across the training grounds, a call to arms for the young magicians. But even as Xue Musheng's enthusiasm lifted some spirits, one student seemed to crumble under the weight of it all. A girl, seemingly fragile and weak, stepped forward, her face pale and streaked with tears.

"Mr. Xue, I'm sorry; I may be expelled from the school," she whimpered, her voice trembling with fear and doubt. Her nervous, tear-streaked face immediately caught the sympathy of those around her.

"How could that be? You've always done your best. Don't be so pessimistic," Xue Musheng consoled her, his tone softening for a moment. Yet, despite his comforting words, the girl remained shaken.

As the murmurs continued to ripple through the student body, three figures entered the training grounds. The examiners had arrived.

The atmosphere shifted instantly. The examiners were disciplinary teachers, known to enforce the school's strict rules with an iron fist. Their very presence sent shivers down the spines of many students. For those who had fallen short in their studies, their arrival felt like the tolling of a bell signaling doom.

"Alright, silence!" Xue Musheng shouted over the murmurs. "The annual examination will be observed by a few school supervisors this time; we hope you will display the essence of a Mage today!"

The entire training grounds fell into a heavy silence. The examiners' gazes swept across the sea of students, who were arranged in blocks according to their classes. 1,000 students, all in the uniform of Tian Lan Magic High, stood waiting for their turn. Their collective aura was powerful, but each student knew that only their individual performance would count today.

Before the assessment could begin, the school principal took to the podium. His words washed over the students, barely noticed by most who were too caught up in their own nerves. This was tradition; every year, the principal would give a speech. But this year was different.

The school supervisors had their turn next, speaking briefly, but the atmosphere in the air shifted when Mu He, the school's top administrator, approached the podium. As soon as his name was announced, Light's expression shifted slightly, though he hid it well.

Mu He was a man Light knew too well. His seemingly kind and inspirational words belied the rotten character hidden beneath. To the others, Mu He was a figure of admiration, a respected authority. But to Light, he was nothing more than a manipulator with no integrity.

"Today is an extremely special day. That is because we have invited the most distinguished female Magician of Bo City. When she was just 15 years old, the Empire Magic Institute made an exception and recruited her into their ranks. I'm sure many of you have already heard of her legacy… That's right; she is Mu Ningxue! Please, let us all warmly welcome her, the Magic Genius who has already been promoted to university!"Mu He announced, his voice booming with false charisma.

The moment Mu Ningxue's name left Mu He's lips, the entire grounds erupted in excited murmurs.

"Heavens, it's Mu Ningxue! I heard when she awakened the Ice Element, the power from it directly caused the grounds to freeze into ice blocks."

"Those are just rumors; I have the most accurate info. I heard she only needed 8 months to learn the primary skill of Ice Element, Ice Scatter."

"8 months? I've been in school for a year and have only been able to control 5 five stars! How can the differences between people be so huge?!"

"Forget that—have you seen her? She's not just talented; she's a beauty! She's the pride of Bo City!"

The whispers and excitement spread like wildfire, growing louder as they echoed through the training grounds. Light watched, his eyes narrowing at the name that carried so much weight with it. Mu Ningxue. The pride of Bo City? To him, she was just another piece of the Mu family—one more symbol of the corruption and power imbalance he so despised.

As the students around him buzzed with excitement, Light couldn't help but give a cold smile. They spoke of her beauty, her talent, her genius, but Light knew better. Behind the shining image lay a family that manipulated, deceived, and controlled.

Soon, a figure appeared at the front of the platform. The sight of her made the entire school fall into a hushed awe. Mu Ningxue.

Light's sharp eyes tracked her every movement. She had grown, no doubt about it. Her once-cheerful and approachable demeanor had been replaced with something far colder, far more distant. Her silver hair flowed like an icy waterfall, and her graceful posture made it seem as though she was untouchable, a fairy of ice in human form. Even her aura gave off an inherent sense of nobility and superiority.

This was Mu Ningxue?

Her very presence seemed to radiate an unapproachable pride, one that sent chills down the spines of the students who watched her. Perhaps it was her growth, perhaps it was the widening gap in status between them and her. Or perhaps it was simply the cold reality of the power she held over others.

Whatever the reason, Light didn't flinch. He remained stone-faced, unbothered by the whispers and awe of his peers. The Mu family had always been like this—revered, admired, even worshipped by the masses. But Light had long since made his decision to stand apart from that. He wouldn't bend to their influence or their legacy.

Mu Ningxue's speech was brief, almost mechanical. Her words barely registered in Light's mind. He had no interest in what she had to say. To him, she was just another reminder of everything he sought to overcome.

The atmosphere thickened as Mu Ningxue left the stage, and the Star Appraisal Exam resumed. Light stood amidst the crowd, his hand clenched in quiet determination. Let the others bow to the brilliance of the Mu family. Let them revel in their so-called genius. He would carve his own path, and he would do it without needing the validation of a system designed to favor the privileged.