Chapter 12: The Silver Moon Prodigy
Lei Feng had barely withdrawn his hand from the handshake when a sharp pulse surged through his consciousness. No one around him could see it, but within his mind, something cracked—like a dam breaking.
A flood of vivid, fragmented memories poured forth. They weren't his… but they felt so familiar.
A silver-haired figure danced across his inner vision, a sword gleaming like moonlight trailing behind every movement. Each slash didn't just cut the air—it stirred awe, drawing gasps from an unseen crowd. The sky in the memory had darkened in reverence; even nature seemed to pause.
Storm Ridge Academy, the memory whispered.
The Silver Moon Prodigy.
Zhan Xi'an.
The crowd in that vision had chanted his name like it was sacred. He wasn't just any genius—he was the genius. The top student. A warrior and magician. A rare Magus-Class prodigy. Dangerous. Respected. Unforgettable.
But there was more.
Zhan Xi'an, as the memories revealed, had defied the traditions of his Family—The Mighty Zhan Family, one of the Five Great Houses of the Eastward Federation. He rejected their ambition, the political chains they tried to place on him. Instead, he walked his own path, swordsman and mage, lone wolf and legend.
Lei Feng staggered slightly, gripping a nearby pillar as the vision faded. His breath came out in short bursts, heart pounding.
Why do I know him? he wondered. These are Ling Chen's memories… but why now?
Before he could process it, a voice broke through the haze.
> "You're Ling Chen, aren't you?"
Lei Feng spun around.
There he was—in the flesh.
Zhan Xi'an.
Just like in the vision—tall, composed, with long silver hair that shimmered under the Emporium's light. He wore a pristine white robe embroidered with glowing silver runes. A crescent silver-lined sheath rested on his hip, housing his sword that gave off a faint magical hum.
But his gaze wasn't arrogant. It was calm, curious.
> "I heard your name. Two years ago, you were quite the story," Zhan Xi'an said with a polite nod. "The adopted son of the Ling Family, expelled after failing to awaken—but still didn't give up. That's rare."
Lei Feng frowned. "You've... heard of me?"
> "I have," Zhan Xi'an replied. "The only one who couldn't level up… but still stood tall. Stories like that don't go unnoticed."
Lei Feng's eyes narrowed slightly. "Are you here to mock me? I'm not Ling Chen anymore. My name is Lei Feng. I was expelled—I don't belong to them."
Zhan Xi'an's expression softened. "I didn't come to insult you. Mockery isn't my thing. I speak truth—and your story is one worth knowing."
He stepped a little closer, his voice thoughtful.
> "Tell me, Lei Feng... what do you seek in this world? Power? Knowledge? Revenge?"
Lei Feng met his gaze directly. "Strength. The strength to be free."
Zhan Xi'an studied him for a moment, then smiled faintly. "Spoken like someone who knows how deep the chains of this world run."
They stood in silence for a beat—calm, not tense. Like two travelers sharing the same resting point before parting ways.
Zhan Xi'an then gestured to the sword strapped across Lei Feng's back.
> "That blade… may I see it?"
Lei Feng blinked, unsheathing it slightly. "It's nothing special. Just an Iron-rank sword. Bought it for 250,000 credits. That Dwarf wouldn't even give me a discount."
Zhan Xi'an chuckled. "Kragnir Stonebeard is always like that. Still… a sword is a sword. It never lies. Did you choose it because it called to you?"
Lei Feng hesitated, then nodded slightly. "I needed a weapon. I have no class, no magic. The sword was the only thing that answered."
Zhan Xi'an's eyes gleamed. "Then you and I are alike. I chose the sword not for power—but for clarity. When the world is full of noise, the blade speaks plain truth."
Lei Feng smiled faintly. This guy... he'sdifferent.
Then came the surprise.
> "Perhaps… we could be friends?"
Lei Feng blinked. "You want to be friends… with me?"
Zhan Xi'an grinned. "Why not? I prefer real people over arrogant sycophants. And you… you're real."
Let me have your contact details, He said with a calm smile.
Lei Feng scrambled for his phone, flustered. "I… I don't even know how to use this properly. First time handling one."
Zhan Xi'an laughed—soft and smooth, like moonlight. "No problem. I'll help."
He took the device gently and showed Lei Feng how to input contacts, activate features, and link his ID. Lei Feng stumbled through it, but Zhan Xi'an was patient, never mocking. In those few moments, a genuine bond began to form.
Then Zhan Xi'an's eyes glinted again.
> "By the way… I heard you were close to Ling Mei."
Lei Feng's expression shifted. "She's... my step-sister. We used to be close. Not anymore."
Zhan Xi'an gave a knowing smile. "She's special. I've heard rumors. Her energy… it's rare. Unique."
Lei Feng's tone turned cold. "Why ask about her?"
Zhan Xi'an remained calm, voice casual but layered. "Curiosity. I plan to meet her—maybe at the Rising Star Tournament."
Lei Feng's chest tightened. Is he using me to get to Ling Mei? The thought made him uneasy.
But then he remembered:
At least he's better than that bastard Masaru Genji… He killed Ling Chen out of jealousy. Just for being close to her.
Okay, Zhan Xi'an said as he turned to leave.
> "One last thing," Lei Feng called. "Know where I can get potions?"
Zhan Xi'an looked over his shoulder with a smile. "First Floor—Mystic Bazaar. Main resource hub for Awakeners like us."
Lei Feng raised a brow. "Just the first floor? What about the others?"
Zhan Xi'an chuckled. "The upper floors? Those are for elites. The Emporium respects power—everything here does."
He gave a final nod.
> "Goodbye, my friend. May your path be sharp… and your heart, sharper."
And just like that, Zhan Xi'an vanished into the crowd—silver hair flowing like the tail of a comet.
Lei Feng stood silently, a small smile on his face.
Lady Aurora was right. Not everyone in this city is rude.
Then his expression darkened.
Only powerful people get access, huh?
His hand clenched around his sword.
> "In this world… power decides everything."
As the chaotic energy of the Emporium swirled around him, Lei Feng made a vow—not to anyone else, but to himself.
He would grow stronger. Strong enough to stand among the elite. Strong enough to carve his own fate.
With resolve in his heart, Lei Feng turned toward his next destination—the First Floor.
---
Meanwhile…
Just outside the Arcane Emporium, the brilliance of the city faded into a narrow alleyway—quiet and forgotten between glowing spires and energy conduits. The shadows twisted unnaturally here, thick with malice.
Three figures waited in silence.
Gao Wei, Ling Yun, and Ling Hao—the same trio Lei Feng had humiliated earlier in the Tech Haven.
Ling Yun paced with irritation burning in his eyes. "What's taking that bastard so long? He's been in there forever."
Ling Hao leaned against the wall, arms folded. "Probably just gawking like a peasant. He doesn't belong in a place like that."
"Patience," Gao Wei said, cracking his knuckles. His voice was cold, confident—hungry. "He'll come. He can't afford a SkyRider or hire a hover-vehicle. The only exit on foot… is this alley."
He stepped forward, voice low and sharp.
> "He'll come. And when he does…"
Ling Yun smirked darkly. "We'll wipe that look of pride off his face."
Ling Hao rolled his neck, smiling cruelly. "No family. No power. Just a stray dog walking into a wolf's den."
Gao Wei's eyes narrowed, aura rising like heat in the air. "Let him enjoy these last few moments of peace…"
The wind whispered, and the shadows grew deeper.
> "Today, Ling Chen falls. And this time… he won't walk away in one piece."