Though healing the wounded was a priest’s duty, Arcanist Warriors of the Mage class—being mage derivatives—naturally knew at least a few healing spells.

“Other teachers, hurry! More injured students need help over there—move!” Mo Feng urged while healing a student beside him.

Huangfeng Academy’s infirmary was packed. With space exhausted, some injured students were moved outdoors. The corridor outside was completely blocked by seated students.

“Teacher Mo, we’ve gathered every available teacher, but we’re still short on hands,” said a priest teacher tending to a student.

“Prioritize the critically injured! Also, call any students who know healing spells to assist—we have no choice!”

Watching gravely wounded students hovering between life and death, the priest teacher’s anxiety spiked. Hearing hoarse cries of pain, he finished a quick treatment on one student and rushed to the next.

“Hold on! I’m coming!”

Passing a corner of the infirmary, he spotted a little girl crouching there—snow-white hair, unnaturally pale skin, yet not a single visible wound. He didn’t linger, burying himself back in duty.

“Teacher, please save me… I’m in so much pain!” Another student beside him wailed, clutching his bleeding, bruised head.

“Just a moment—you’re next, I promise!” The priest glanced between the student and the one he was treating. Both had head wounds, but this one was unconscious, far worse off.

What do I do? Stay calm! Calm down!

“Teacher, it hurts!”

Calm!

Forcing composure while pained cries echoed in his ears, unprecedented pressure mounted. The urge to give up crept in.

Sighing in frustration, his gaze fell on the trembling girl in the corner.

“Child, are you hurt? If you can… could you help us? We desperately need hands.”

Tongxi, curled tightly in the corner, shuddered harder at being addressed. But hearing a plea for help—not a threat—she simply glanced up.

“Teacher, please save me~" The sweaty, pained cry caught Tongxi’s attention. She turned her eyes toward the student.

---

“Oh, you’re welcome! Such a cute little girl with such a sweet voice. I once gave food to a beggar girl who looked just like you… sadly, she didn’t like it. Ah~"

“Someone who looks like me?” Zila asked, a flicker of unease rising.

“Yes—the little girl with snow-white hair seen on the streets recently. Maybe from another town?”

“That poor child… sleeping on icy streets, bullied by thugs just days ago,” the counter girl said regretfully. “Thankfully, a young man rescued her. After that, she vanished.”

Wait… this sounds familiar.

Zila’s mind raced: snow-white hair, dislike of cream cakes, rescued days ago…

That’s—! An image of Tongxi vomiting after eating cake flashed before her.

Oh no! How could I forget Tongxi?! She’s still there!

Zila froze.

“Probably someone kind took her in. Amazing such goodness still exists,” the counter girl mused admiringly, oblivious to Zila’s panic.

When she looked back, Zila had already leaped off the chair and bolted for the door.

“Thank you, sister! I’ll come back—I’ll bring money next time!”

…

Racing back toward Huangfeng Academy, Zila panted between sobs, “Tongxi, I’m coming! Don’t be scared… I’m sorry!”

The thought of Tongxi—a Blood Clan member with deep trauma, utterly dependent on her—left alone in the collapsed trial hall unleashed a storm of dread. What if her trauma flared? What if humans discovered her Blood Clan identity?

Breathless, faint white vapor drifting from her lips, Zila reached the academy gates—only to be blocked by a middle-aged guard.

“Halt, child. I saw you rush out earlier. This isn’t a place for kids.”

“Today was trial day, yes, but an accident happened. Trials are canceled. For safety, please leave. I’ll inform Teacher Xia.”

“But—!" Tears welled in Zila’s eyes. “Uncle Guard, please! My sister’s inside—Teacher Xia Mo!”

“Xia Mo? The new teacher? And you are…?” He sized up the rag-wrapped girl—only her delicate face and faint purple hair visible beneath her hat. She looked like a street urchin.

“Guard uncle… please let me in~" Zila clasped her hands over her chest, voice trembling.

The guard remained unmoved. “I’m sorry. I’ll tell Teacher Xia you came.”

Beneath the pleading, impatience simmered. Her tiny fists trembled. *Damn it, so stubborn! Don’t push me!*

“Little Princess, shall we act now? I’m ready to erase everything!” 【Jue Mo】 declared in her mind.

“Shut up! I’m not violent! If you keep this up, Jue Mo, I’ll ignore you!” Zila snapped inwardly.

“Then what’s your plan?” 【Jue Mo】 sighed.

“Watch me!”

Zila leaned close, gazing up with wide, shimmering heterochromatic eyes—purple and gold—glistening with feigned distress. Still clutching her chest, she wailed, “Waaah! Let me in! I’m worried about my sister! You’re a bad uncle, bullying me!”

The plea struck the guard’s heart like a phantom arrow.

“Hmph. Using charm? Fine… but must it be so pitiful? A little dignity?” 【Jue Mo】 grumbled.

…

Having regained her transformation ability, Ling Yu sprinted toward the infirmary. Drawing on her old student memories, she pushed through the crowded corridor—then froze at the doorway. Mo Feng stood there.

Mo Feng glanced at her. “Student, are you injured too?”

“No—I’m looking for someone, Mo Feng!”

“Lucky you’re unharmed. Unlike Teacher Xia Mo.”

“I know she’s hurt… wait!” Ling Yu’s voice tightened. “Besides Xia Mo—have you seen a little girl with white hair, about this tall?” She gestured urgently.

Mo Feng pointed inside without looking. “Her?”

Ling Yu followed his finger.

There, Tongxi was healing a critically injured student—and the recovery under her hands was astonishingly swift.

Ling Yu stayed silent at the edge, watching quietly as Tongxi focused, her small hands glowing with gentle light.