Main Chapter: Clear Skies here, Storms elsewhere.

"Seriously? Why's Xuan Yu sitting in Xuan Yi's seat."

"I'm not sure, but if he's sitting there then it's probably Xuan Yi."

"Seriously? Then why is he pretending to be Xuan Yu."

"Isn't he just upset about something."

"Shouldn't you be meditating or something Jian."

"Nah, I'm poofed."

Xuan Yi who was normally hyper-aware. Was completely silent now, deep in meditation. He was trying to connect to the Qi he could now sense. And though he was still angry, looking for the minute change Qi brought as it moved. Was enough of a distraction for him.

Then he felt it, something uniquely different. The first touch was like being electrocuted. A powerful shock that wasn't painful but stunning. And all of a sudden, he could do more than just vaguely sense it, it was around him, feel it against his skin, smell it and hear it.

Of course, these sensations were barely noticeable compared to standing in front of a Qi pool. And even if one focused on it these sensations could barely be picked up. But now, hints of it were flooding him and now he was aware of it brushing against him.

Mou Lin smiled, it had only been a few minutes since he talked with Xuan Yu.

"Though it is sometimes said that some people possess a Qi Sense. It is not meant that they can use their five senses on Qi. Rather it is being able to tell vaguely that Qi is around you. Notice when it is being used and have a vague grasp on its movement. This is formally considered a half-Qi Sense and can be innate or developed by any mortal.

To be considered to poses a full Qi Sense one would need to be able to use their five senses to interact with it. And it all starts with touch. To most of you'll probably liken the sensation to being pricked. Well, in this case, there is no ensuing pain. Rather instead, how about we call it, enlightenment.

From the moment you touch it. The world will never be the same for you. And you will see how ever-present Qi truly is. Though after this "enlightenment" you will need some time to adjust. All the new sensations you will be feeling may turn out to be a bit overwhelming.

But you do not have to worry that much. At the Evaluation Ceremony, a safe link to Qi was established for you. So the disorientation will not be that debilitating."

"Teach, what do you mean by a safe link."

"Well, Qi is not easy to handle. It is pretty chaotic and volatile. And careless interactions with it can turn bad pretty quickly. So, though I am sure you have heard it before. Experimenting with Qi is a no, go."

"Excuse me, Sir."

Xuan Yi, finally able to re-center himself, called timidly while raising his hand.

"Xuan Yi, feel free to speak as you please."

"Sir, I think I developed… the full Qi Sense."

The classroom began to stir at that.

"Seriously? That's so unfair. I haven't even been able to sense it yet."

"That's because your dumb, Jian."

"Last I checked, Sis, wasn't able to either."

"Hmph, I almost did this morning."

"Now, now, Xuan Yi close your eyes and hold out your finger. Focus on it, and as the Qi brushes across it. Try to hold it as you would a pen."

Closing his eyes, Xuan Yu did as he was told. And in a few seconds around his finger, there were sparks of green light.

"Whoa."

"Good job, Xuan Yi."

"Thank you, Dai Tian."

"Indeed, well done, Xuan Yi. You will be rewarded at the start of next week."

As Xuan Yi blushed under the attention the school spell chimed across the entire Academy.

"Lunch already, for the afternoon classes, as I mentioned before your free to leave. Or you can stay here under my supervision. Tan Cui, you should stay. I'll help you with the last step."

The sleeping Tan Cui didn't stir, even when Mou Lin addressed her. Just laid her head on the pillow she had brought to class and doze.

"You should at least answer."

Dai Tian chided and sometimes after a soft "Mm," came out. Dai Tian sighed and gathered his things, like the other students.

Mou Lin took out the scroll to write a simple, 'You were right.'

As Xuan Yi gathered his things Ming Xie approached him. Though they were in the same class it was only the fourth day, so they had never interacted before.

Ming Xie was tanned with white hair, a sign she was a Northerner. Her waist length hair was long and gave off a spiky vibe. Her green eyes held a cunning light and on her face was a light smile. She had cut her inner robes, so from the front one could see her thighs, legs and upper chest. And as she wore her outer robe like a cloak, her arms were also fully bare. On her left arm was a pair of golden bangles, around her neck was a golden locket and each ear had 6 gold piercings.

"Not bad, Xuan Li. You're pretty enough, so how about we have lunch?"

Xuan Yi hesitated he wasn't sure how to respond.

"Don't go if you don't want to be eaten."

Fan Hua who was packing up beside him spoke without facing the pair.

"Oh, is he yours?"

"No, but it only makes sense I keep the youngest from someone like you."

"So, you're the youngest Xuan Li."

Ming Xie licked her lips and changed her stance. The gaze that Xuan Yu was suddenly fixed with was one he didn't get but sent shivers through him.

"Xuan Yi. You should hurry and go home. Before you get dirtied by certain people."

"Dirtied, huh?"

"What else can I consider you? When it's only the 4th day but you're already known for 'eating' 9 people."

Ming Xie let out a light shrug and then for the first time her attention turned to Fan Hua. Her expression turning territorial from predatorial.

"Can't even say the word, can you brat?"

Looking, between the two Fan Hua indeed looked childish in comparison. Her long blonde hair was overly neat and tidy. Held up to her shoulders with a pink butterfly bauble. Being the second youngest after Xuan Yi by just a few months. She was still youthfully androgynous and didn't have a hint of anything but a childish charm. Rather than words like beautiful, she would be described as cute.

On one side was a girl, akin to a house cat. On the other was a girl, akin to a wildcat. Caught between the two was Xuan Yi.

While they were having their standoff a bit above them was a lighter conversation.

"Hey, Xiang, do you want to have lunch together."

"Sorry Jian."

"No, worries. I figure if you have parents, you can't really do anything about them."

"Hey, Sis wanna have lunch in the classroom."

While Hou Xiang tried to hold back her smile. Seung Do who sat at the back finished packing his stuff and left.

As he was about to leave. The communication scroll, in his robes, glowed. Taking it out and reading the message he left the classroom with a smile.

***

In the Academy's Great Hall. Fan Hua was lecturing Xuan Yi as they had lunch. In the Cherry Blossom Grove, Mou Lin was tutoring Seung Do. Somewhere else in the grove Dai Tian was having lunch while ensuring a sleepy Tan Cui didn't stain her robes as she ate. In a dark corner of the Academy Ming Xie was "eating." While Lou Jian, Hou Dun and Hou Xiang where enjoying a meal in their classroom away from others.

Xuan Yu who was at home in his Vermillion Court was resting under the Sun. With Li Zi loyally waiting at his side.

For these youths, the next two days would be calm. However, in District 13 of the Qing Ruo Slums. Monstrous dogs were tearing apart flesh and chewing bones. All while to the sound of screams.