Lin Ming stood among the crowd outside the city gates when a critical question struck him: *How do I contact that Songstress?*

Eyes closed in thought at Wind City’s entrance, Lin Ming suddenly snapped them open as if struck by lightning.

He scanned the surrounding streets, slipped into a secluded alleyway, and pulled out the jade slip containing the Songstress’s mission details. Tapping it, a light screen flickered to life.

His fingers swiped across the screen. "Whoa! How did I miss this?" he exclaimed, relief washing over him. "The mission looked simple, so I didn’t read carefully. But here’s the contact info—got it!"

The screen settled on a photo of a sharp-eyed elder. Lin Ming studied the details:

**Name:** Rosen

**Info:** Guardian who has protected Yuhan He since childhood. Possesses formidable strength, though age has slightly diminished his A Rank power. A vital figure to Yuhan He.

**Contact upon arrival:** 233xxxxxxx

Lin Ming raised an eyebrow. "This old man’s A Rank? Not bad."

"But at his age…" He shook his head at the screen. "Breaking through to S Rank? Unlikely."

"Time to call." Lin Ming keyed in the number on his communicator.

*Beep.* A voice like tempered steel answered: "Who is this?"

"Uh—student from Azure Spirit Academy. I’ve arrived at Wind City. Where are you?"

A pause. "Proof of your identity?"

Lin Ming sighed. "Why so cautious? This number’s on the mission slip. Just check the south gate if you doubt me."

"Understood. Wait there."

Lin Ming pocketed the communicator and jade slip, heading back to the gate.

---

Rosen ended the call, his expression grim. He strode to Yuhan He’s room. "Miss, Azure Spirit Academy has arrived. I’ll verify."

"Are you certain, Grandpa Luo?" Yuhan He’s voice floated through the door.

"Likely. Only the mission holder would have this number. If it’s a trap…" His tone turned icy. "I’ll eliminate them. Stay inside."

"Be careful," she whispered.

"Your safety is my duty."

Rosen melted into the crowd near the city gates, eyes scanning for Azure Spirit Academy’s insignia—a white crescent moon. Then he spotted a boy idly kicking pebbles in a corner.

White shirt beneath a black coat trimmed in white. A white crescent moon emblem on the left chest. And a distinctive white ahoge sticking up.

*Azure Spirit Academy.*

Just as Rosen confirmed it, the boy—Lin Ming—turned and walked straight toward him.

---

After hanging up, Lin Ming had wandered out, kicking stones while observing the bustling crowd. *Strange. If people have been disappearing for days, why no panic?*

A lingering gaze prickled his neck. He glanced back casually—*Rosen*. Smiling, Lin Ming approached.

"You’re from Azure Spirit Academy?" Rosen’s voice was guarded.

*So wary,* Lin Ming thought, handing over his student card.

Rosen scrutinized the card, then Lin Ming’s face.

**Azure Spirit Academy. Combat Department. Senior Year 2, Special Class. Lin Ming.**

Satisfied, he returned the card. "Follow me, Lin Ming."

Lin Ming grinned. "Grandpa, you’re paranoid."

"Wind City’s uneasy lately," Rosen muttered, leading the way. "Like the calm before a storm."

*Sharp instincts for an old bird,* Lin Ming mused inwardly.

"Why not escort the Songstress yourself?" Lin Ming pressed.

Rosen’s steps faltered almost imperceptibly. *This city feels wrong. Leaving now might invite ambush. Safer to wait for the Academy.* But he said nothing, studying Lin Ming instead. The boy’s physique radiated power, yet his spirit energy felt faint—either a master concealing strength or a weakling.

"Staring’s expensive, Grandpa," Lin Ming teased.

Rosen’s gaze sharpened. "How strong are you at the Academy?"

Lin Ming puffed his chest. "I’m legendary there!"

"Famous doesn’t mean strong."

Lin Ming winked. "Pay me enough, and I’ll slay a Divine Being. That’s how good I am."

*He’s actually done it,* Lin Ming added silently.

Rosen’s disbelief was palpable. *A student killing a Divine Being? Ridiculous.*

They reached a hotel room. Rosen knocked. "Miss, Azure Spirit Academy has arrived."

"Enter." A voice like wind chimes answered.

Lin Ming’s curiosity spiked. The mission slip’s image of the Songstress had been blurry, but undeniably beautiful.

The door opened.

A silver-haired girl stood by the window. A breeze swept through, lifting strands of her hair like liquid moonlight.

Lin Ming froze.

That silver cascade tore through his memories—a white silhouette flickered before his eyes, smiling at him.

His lips moved before his mind caught up.

"White Zhi!"