Bai Ting glared at the little brat Qiao Shan. She hated him, but she had to bring him along. "Let's go!"

"Mm," Qiao Shan murmured weakly. Though he agreed, his eyes never once flickered to Bai Ting. His full attention clung to Bai Ling like a venomous snake locked onto its prey, utterly motionless.

That "pure" stare made Bai Ling blush faintly. She stepped back, hiding behind Bai Ting. Knowing her sister's gentle nature, Bai Ting knew she had to step up as the protective older sister.

"Follow me," Bai Ting said, grabbing Bai Ling's hand and striding out. Qiao Shan watched enviously as the beauty was led away. He burned with jealousy—wishing it were him holding her hand, not that annoying third wheel.

Yes, he already saw Bai Ling as his future. Anyone blocking his bonding with her was an enemy—a third wheel. Naturally, he glared at them.

But then he thought: he still needed this third wheel to introduce him. She was Bai Ling's sister. If he ruined this relationship, she might forbid Bai Ling from seeing him. So he had to endure her presence to get close to Bai Ling.

Outside, Bai Ting kept holding Bai Ling's hand, guiding her like a guest while introducing her home. Meanwhile, Qiao Shan chattered nonstop to Bai Ling.

Caught between them, Bai Ling felt overwhelmed. On one side, her sister—if she ignored her, she might be dragged to the "dark room" for some "special care" again. On the other, the guest—being cold would be rude. She forced herself to face it, though she desperately wanted to run.

Finally, Bai Ting couldn't stand the little third wheel anymore. She snapped, "Shut up! Can't you see my sister is troubled? And no one will think you're mute if you stay quiet."

At home, Bai Ting had played the obedient girl. But outside, her true colors showed. Anyone daring to approach Bai Ling got no mercy.

"What? If you hadn't been yapping nonstop, would Bai Ling look like this? I'm a guest. Is this how you treat guests? Should I go complain to the elders?" Qiao Shan shot back, shameless.

Hearing him threaten to tattle, Bai Ting fumed but held her tongue. If he really complained, her hard-earned image with her parents would shatter.

Bai Ting snorted coldly. "Let's go, Ling. Ignore him." She threw a full-blown tantrum.

"That's not right," Bai Ling said gently, unlike her sister's temper. "We should all go together." The first part was to Bai Ting; the second, directly to Qiao Shan.

Qiao Shan perked up instantly and hurried after them.

Bai Ting scowled in disgust. Though she hated him, since Bai Ling had spoken, she let him follow. But she added sourly, "You can follow, but keep your mouth shut. Otherwise, don't bother."

Qiao Shan ignored her completely.

Meanwhile, the adults, having sent the kids away, discussed serious matters.

"Brother Bai Mo," Qiao Yun said gravely from the sofa, a cold glint in his eyes. "Recently, Evil Temple members hidden across nations have started new moves. Monster Beasts in the Beast Forest keep going berserk. We've investigated, but with little effect."

Bai Mo's face darkened; he stayed silent, clearly troubled. Seeing this, Qiao Yun continued, "So the higher-ups relaxed Magic Academy admissions. Kids with magical potential but unable to afford tuition can study free. This helps them protect themselves and brings fresh blood to the nation. Whether they join the army later is their choice—we won't interfere. We respect their decisions." Qiao Yun watched Bai Mo's expression closely.

Since retiring, Bai Mo rarely handled such affairs; they were managed by his second-in-command, Qiao Yun. But now, he wanted the old leader's opinion.

"Hmm, that's a good plan. How do you intend to proceed?" Bai Mo kept staring at his teacup, his gaze fixed since hearing about the Evil Temple.

"We'll seek out promising kids in each nation and ensure their safe enrollment. If they refuse, that's another matter."

"Hmm, not a bad method." Bai Mo agreed; a nation couldn't last without fresh blood.

"But you didn't come just for this, did you?" Bai Mo knew Qiao Yun's visit wasn't random. He was retired; the current leaders should handle things. Qiao Yun must have something specific—after all, as head of the Magic War Commanders, he wasn't just a figurehead.

Seeing his thoughts laid bare, Qiao Yun chuckled awkwardly. No denial. He got straight to the point: "I've noticed your eldest daughter, Bai Ting, has strong magical talent. She's of age for the academy. So..."

He left it unsaid, trusting Bai Mo to understand.

As expected, Bai Mo's face grew even darker. He knew the gravity but couldn't refuse outright. "I'll think about it," he said heavily. Qiao Yun knew this couldn't be forced; any parent would hesitate, aware of the dangers.

Ten minutes passed in silence. Bai Mo sighed softly. Though retired, he could still serve his country when needed.

He'd risen from a commoner to great heights; he couldn't be indifferent. In those minutes, his mind warred fiercely.

Sending his beloved daughter to a place where she might die—he hated the idea. He'd retired to this remote place for a peaceful family life, away from war. But now, with the nation in peril, his patriotic heart stirred.

These thoughts clashed within him. Finally, he consoled himself: "It's just a school, not yet life-or-death."

Seeing Bai Mo sigh, Qiao Yun knew he had a chance. He didn't care about the internal struggle.

"You agree?" Qiao Yun blurted out, reverting to the respectful address from their squad days.

Watching his eagerness, Bai Mo sighed. "What choice do I have? It's for the nation. Every hand helps."