Chapter 37: The Duel Commences

The second semester of the third year of high school passed by in the blink of an eye, and in just four months, it was time for graduation at Tian Lan Magic High School in Bo City.

With graduation imminent, the atmosphere was heavy with the melancholy and sorrow of youth. Most of the magic students lacked the qualifications to apply to the top magic academies.

Their next step would be to enter society—to become city demon hunters, join patrol teams, and so on. It would take decades of hard work, and only by their thirties might they achieve the status of intermediate-level mages.

Their lack of talent was one thing, but the real problem was their lack of background and resources. The "prides of the heavens" at the magic academies were almost all in their early twenties when they became intermediate-level mages, and many were equipped with Spirit Seeds.

Take Lu Mei and Lu Jun, for instance. A casually rented Nebula Magic Tool or a random Spirit Seed cost tens of millions. With the nourishment provided by a Nebula Magic Tool and a decent talent, breaking through in six months was entirely possible.

Without any of these resources, it was normal to take until middle age to reach the intermediate level.

In the classroom, many students were taking photos, writing in yearbooks, and leaving messages for each other. Those with keen instincts for socializing had already started networking.

Lu Jun, Mo Fan, and Zhang Xiaohou were among a group of friends chatting about the future.

Lu Jun wore a trench coat, his features maturing with sharp eyebrows and bright eyes. The influence of his water element's gentleness and his metal element's sharpness gave him a calm and refined demeanor with a touch of steel. He listened to their conversation in silence.

At that moment, Zhang Xiaohou expressed his concern. "Fan Ge, your duel with Yu Ang from the Mu family is just a few days away. Are you sure about this? I heard he's been using a Stardust Magic Tool day and night and has reached the third level of the basic rank."

"Why don't you just run away since it's almost graduation?"

"Run? There's no way I'm running. I'll make Mu Zhuoyun kneel and apologize!" Mo Fan cursed loudly before confidently proclaiming, "Relax. That Yu Ang? I can take him down with one hand."

At this stage, Mo Fan had reached the third level of both his fire and lightning elements at the basic rank. With his experience hunting demons, his mindset as a strong contender was beginning to take shape.

Elsewhere in the room, Zhao Kunsan strutted about in a gaudy suit, wearing a smug grin as he mingled with his classmates. After licking Mu Bai's boots for three years, he had finally been accepted into the Mu family as an insider.

Now, while others fretted over their uncertain futures, Zhao Kunsan's strategic connections seemed to be paying off. He'd even become a minor leader in one of the Mu family's businesses.

Many classmates looked on with envy, wishing they could have done the same.

Suddenly, Zhao Kunsan's gaze landed on Mo Fan and the others. He deliberately raised his voice, saying, "Oh, I nearly forgot! We've got quite the show before graduation. Someone here thinks they can challenge the Mu family's talented heir!"

The room burst into laughter. The contrast was stark—Zhao Kunsan, who spent years ingratiating himself with Mu Bai, had only just been accepted into the Mu family. Meanwhile, Mo Fan could have had Mu Zhuoyun's favor outright but chose the hardest path instead.

Whether out of jealousy or disdain, no one believed in Mo Fan.

As always, Mo Fan remained unfazed.

Not long after, a teacher called Mo Fan out of the classroom. Lu Jun observed thought fully, guessing it was Principal Zhu preparing to discuss opening the "Holy Spring" with him.

Originally, the Holy Spring of the Earth was a welfare resource meant for the geniuses of Tian Lan Magic High School. Over time, it had gradually become the exclusive domain of the Mu family's heirs.

Although the principal didn't think highly of Mo Fan's chances, he still encouraged him.

This highlighted the Black Vatican's terrifying capabilities. They always prepared multiple contingencies. Had everything gone according to their plans, Yu Ang—secretly a member of the Black Vatican—would have easily obtained the Holy Spring.

But unfortunately for them, Mo Fan stood in their way.

After school, as most students left, Lu Jun walked out and saw Mo Fan being pulled aside by a middle-aged man with a simple and honest demeanor. Unsurprisingly, it was Mo Jiaxing, Mo Fan's father.

Lu Jun guessed he was trying to plead with the Mu family, even though deep down, he probably doubted his son's chances. Nevertheless, he provided unwavering support behind the scenes—a traditional yet touching fatherly love.

Lu Jun sighed inwardly. With high school coming to an end, he picked up his communicator and said, "Get ready. The plan begins."

A Few Days Later

At the Mu Family Manor, the night was ablaze with lights. A procession of luxury cars arrived from all directions, and distinguished guests gathered in droves.

Mu Zhuoyun took this duel very seriously, inviting all major forces in Bo City: General Zhan Kong of the military, Deng Kai from the Demon Hunting Alliance, Yang Zuohe from the Magic Association, and Principal Zhu from Tian Lan Magic High School.

However, notable young experts like Lu Mei and Lin Yuxin, who guarded the Holy Spring, declined the invitation. Being more focused on magic itself than on politics, their absence went unnoticed.

As in the original timeline, Mo Fan arrived with his usual fearless demeanor, confidently attending the event as if he were just here for the free food and drinks.

General Zhan Kong, observing from the sidelines, couldn't help but shake his head in exasperation.

Meanwhile, deep within the Mu estate, Mu Ningxue was arguing with her father. For two years, she'd been preoccupied with the matter involving Mo Fan. As soon as the summer break began, she returned to negotiate with her father, hoping to cancel the duel.

Her efforts were in vain.

Mu Zhuoyun sneered, saying, "That little punk dared to insult me in public. Isn't he proud and noble? Tonight, I'll teach him that in the real world, you need backing and power to survive.

"Of course, with Zhan Kong and Principal Zhu protecting him, I'll only give him a lesson—not take his life."

With that, Mu Zhuoyun turned and left to greet his guests.

Left alone, Mu Ningxue stood silently, letting out a soft sigh. She had already spoken to Mo Fan, but she knew the man too well. His pride wouldn't allow him to back down.

Soon, the highly anticipated duel between Mo Fan and Yu Ang began.

Mo Fan took the initiative, using his skillful mastery of basic-level fire spells to dismantle Yu Ang's ice spells one by one. Slowly but surely, he gained the upper hand, forcing Yu Ang to reveal his defensive equipment: his Boots of Swiftness and Shield.

For someone from a common background to achieve this level of mastery was nothing short of extraordinary.

But this was the despair brought by the big families. With their vast wealth, even repeated failures could be offset by their abundant resources.

When Yu Ang activated his Armor Magic Tool and easily shrugged off Mo Fan's Fire Burst: Rupture, everyone pronounced Mo Fan's defeat.

While many admired Mo Fan's talents, they pitied him even more. No matter how hard he tried, fairness was an illusion in this world. With three Magic Tools at his disposal, Yu Ang essentially had three extra skills.

In the end, Mo Fan, in a fit of rage, unleashed his hidden lightning element, delivering a decisive blow and defeating Yu Ang.

A dual-element mage at birth—this revelation shocked the major figures of Bo City, propelling Mo Fan into the spotlight.

While Yu Ang lay defeated and forgotten, representatives of the city's various forces rushed to recruit Mo Fan. General Zhan Kong and Yang Zuohe from the Magic Association offered particularly generous terms, the latter being the highest bidder.

Although Western magic society was notoriously ruthless, Bo City still had a few people of integrity.

They quickly moved to conceal Mo Fan's dual-element nature, ensuring his safety during his early growth stages.

Yang Zuohe whisked Mo Fan away to the Silver Trade Building for seclusion and the baptism of the Holy Spring, aiming to help him break through to the intermediate rank as soon as possible.

Back at the Mu Family Manor, the gathered dignitaries continued to network and negotiate, exchanging interests behind closed doors.

Upon arriving at Silver Trade Building, Mo Fan was surprised to see two familiar faces.

"Holy crap, Lu Jun, you're here too?!"

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