Chapter 15: Unique Abilities

After they had walked a distance away, Xing Yuan asked her, “Why didn’t you let me call the police?”

“Because I know what would happen if I did. Sister He was right—Xing Police can’t do much. Bokton hasn’t caused me any real harm. They would classify the dispute between him and me as a civil matter, an internal school issue. Unless I have evidence that he harmed other children besides me, only then can I directly sue him for an apology and compensation.”

Su Ninglong shifted the topic, “My godmother calls the police two or three times a month. I’m already familiar with Xing Police’s procedures—probably have more life experience than you.”

Xing Yuan said, “Your life is really colorful.”

“Thanks! I find joy amid hardships, so I’m always short on sweets to soothe my fragile soul. Would you like to be that good person for me?”

Xing Yuan’s face lit up with a smile, sharing a genuine moment of happiness with Su Ninglong.

No wonder Zou Shuyi, despite her disdain, couldn’t help but be drawn to them.

He didn’t mention that Bokton’s unusual behavior might be connected to another guide, Archie.

The culture of the ancient Xiangren race is complex—they pride themselves on nobility but lack notable skills, united internally yet disdainful of one another.

There was no need to expose Su Ninglong to such negative cultural influences, especially without evidence.

On the second day of enrollment, the official school opening finally arrived.

Su Ninglong obediently sat inside the grand auditorium, surrounded by four- and five-year-olds all from the same star system.

The principal had a head of fiery red hair and a nearly floor-length beard twisted into a braid, secured with a beautiful red hairpin.

He spoke with a booming voice, “Welcome to the Stellar Alliance Academy, outstanding students.”

He clapped his hands, but the little ones below were restless, barely clapping in return. “Well, it seems no one wants to listen to me. But I still want to introduce myself—when you see me, remember to call me Principal Yan. I love lemon candies, so children are not allowed to ask me for candy because I want to eat some too. If you have any in your pockets, feel free to share one with me.”

Many children with candy guarded their pockets warily.

Seeing their adorable reactions, Principal Yan smiled warmly. “Guides may now take their kids to test their abilities before classes begin.”

The guides exchanged knowing smiles—Principal Yan was as humorous and unpretentious as ever, clearly not fond of giving speeches.

“His assistant worked tirelessly for three days writing that speech.”

Xing Yuan, Charlie’s guide Hai Yu, and Ge Wei, whom they had met earlier, walked together, each holding the hand of their assigned child as they headed to the testing room.

Hai Yu knew the principal’s assistant; he was a classmate who had boasted in the Star Network group chat about his tough job just yesterday.

Imagining Principal Yan delivering an impromptu speech made him laugh quietly.

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“Maybe it can be saved for next school year,” Xing Yuan teased.

“No, he’s persistent. He’ll probably write a new speech every year until Principal Yan agrees to use it.”

Xing Yuan: “If the speech said I’m going to steal the children’s candy, Principal Yan would probably approve it.” Though joking about the assistant’s futile efforts, they were really teasing Principal Yan.

Ge Wei was speechless.

Many study guides specialized in their role, but few became official guides. When familiar faces appeared, they hoped to make friends and exchange information and insights.

Charlie was delighted to see Su Ninglong again. He thought the young lady was beautiful and very impressive.

“Hello, Sister Su.”

“Hmm,” Su Ninglong replied coolly, pondering what “testing abilities” meant.

“People don’t want to talk to you,” Little Feeby mocked sarcastically, still annoyed that Su Ninglong had stolen his spotlight.

“My mom says Sister Su is cold but kind and very capable.”

“Just lucky. Wait, I’ll surpass her,” Little Feeby threatened fiercely.

Charlie wasn’t one to back down. “Let’s compete then.”

The three adults tacitly chose not to intervene in the children’s quarrels, letting them bicker.

They leisurely arrived at the testing room and queued up.

New students usually didn’t have special abilities, so the tests proceeded quickly.

Before long, it was their turn. Little Feeby rushed ahead to enter the test room first.

Ge Wei frowned, noticing that the other two children looked calm. He felt Little Feeby’s competitiveness was excessive.

“Didn’t we already test before? What are they testing this time?” Su Ninglong took the chance to ask.

Xing Yuan explained, “Some people develop special abilities after encountering the Secret Spirit. Those who couldn’t see the Secret Spirit might suddenly see it. Others might have enhanced senses, like a stronger sense of smell. The most powerful can even control fire.”

Su Ninglong inquired further, “Once you have abilities, do you gain great respect and much more influence? Like in the cultivation world, where strength reigns supreme?”

“Yes. Even if their psychological evaluations aren’t perfect, the Stellar Alliance invests more resources in students with special abilities. They also provide dedicated psychological counselors afterwards.”

“Do you have a counselor’s certification? If I gain abilities, could you be my counselor? I like you because you don’t micromanage; others might, but I hate being controlled.”

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“Don’t worry. I have all the necessary certifications, and if I don’t, I can get them.” Xing Yuan was willing to study hard and be the most responsible guide.

“So, abilities are something like this?” Su Ninglong raised her palm, where a small flame flickered.

The spiritual fire danced rhythmically in her palm, a captivating red, like a peony bud about to bloom.

Xing Yuan’s mind stalled, his ears filled with the pounding of his heart.

“Oh my,” Hai Yu was envious—Su Ninglong’s young age combined with special abilities meant limitless potential.

Soft gasps came from around them.

Xing Yuan asked, “When did you get this ability? Does Ms. Zou know? Why didn’t you tell me?”

“You never asked.”

“We’ll test you first to see what other abilities you have. Don’t play with fire unnecessarily—if you cause damage, Ms. Zou might spank you,” Xing Yuan warned.

“I’m not afraid. The fire won’t hurt people or things unless I want it to.”

Su Ninglong brought the flame close to Xing Yuan’s hand.

Amazingly, it wasn’t hot—more like a warm hand warmer, very comforting.

She withdrew the flame. At Qi Refinement Stage Level Two, she couldn’t sustain the spiritual fire for long.

For now, the flame’s role was no more than a hand warmer.

Right after her demonstration, Little Feeby came out of the test room looking like a frostbitten eggplant. He told Ge Wei, “They said I don’t have any special abilities.”

“Cheer up. It’s just one test; there will be many more,” Ge Wei encouraged. “You’re a student of the Stellar Alliance. You have to face everything strongly. Go tidy yourself up and then to class.”

Little Feeby clenched his fist, sulking, “I know.”

Ge Wei excused himself politely from the two guides.

“Ge Wei is too strict,” Hai Yu said worriedly.

“Everyone has their own way of dealing with things.”