Volume One, Chapter 10: Rising Currents—The Awakening of Jewel Power

His thoughts were chaotic and tangled, echoing the recent events—Han Kun’s schemes, Luna’s black bead, and the impending turmoil.

He sighed softly, only to be pulled back to reality by the murmurs drifting from the classroom.

“Teacher Liu, you seem troubled,” Luna said as she approached from behind, a hint of concern lacing her voice.

Her brow furrowed slightly, clearly unsettled by the strange nature of the bead.

“It’s Han Kun,” Liu He replied, his gaze turning toward Luna with a touch of uncertainty. “He’s plotting something against us.”

“I can’t shake the feeling that this bead is somehow connected to his plan,” he added.

Luna nodded thoughtfully, digesting his words. Over time, she had sensed the black bead within her taking on a life of its own—especially in the stillness of night, when an unseen chill seemed to spread from deep within her heart.

“Have you considered trying to explore the bead’s power?” she asked hesitantly. Though uneasy, she understood that unraveling this mystery might begin with the bead itself.

Liu He squinted, as if steeling himself for a decision.

He thought of his Entry System, which periodically granted him unknown powers for limited spans. He believed this might be their only chance.

“Maybe I can try using the Entry System to sense the bead’s power, see if it reveals any clues,” he said.

A spark of hope gleamed in Luna’s eyes. She knew Liu He’s abilities were extraordinary.

“I believe you can do it, Teacher Liu.”

They decided not to wait any longer.

Closing his eyes, Liu He activated his Entry System.

A subtle surge of energy rippled through him, and he felt the instant power that came with the system’s transformation.

This time, his consciousness seemed to penetrate the bead’s surface, entering an unfamiliar realm.

Within this mental space, the core of the black bead pulsed, emitting deep, magical whispers.

As he ventured further, an image of Han Kun flickered in his mind—like some silent resonance forming deep within his soul.

“This isn’t normal,” Liu He thought grimly.

His awareness snapped back to reality, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

“The bead’s power is strangely linked to Han Kun. We must stop his scheme.”

“What should we do?” Luna asked, sensing the urgency.

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“We need to be on guard. Perhaps we can use structural vibrations to build a defensive barrier and test the true nature of this uneasy force,” Liu He said as he took Luna’s hand and led her out.

Outside, the spiritual energy swirling over Cloud City Academy grew more intense; the entire school seemed shrouded in the calm before a storm of change.

Yet, no matter how unpredictable the future might be, Liu He was ready.

He knew this trial was not only about uncovering the truth but also a crucial step for their survival in this challenging world.

Their figures vanished down the corridor, united in facing the coming battle of fate.

Liu He and Luna stepped out of the teaching building, preparing for their next move.

Their first stop was the principal’s office, hoping to gain more support from Principal Lu Caiyuan.

“Principal Lu, there’s no time to lose. You need to watch these videos immediately,” Liu He said at the office door, briefing him.

He quickly presented key footage extracted from the security system.

The recording showed Han Kun’s shadow flickering in and out, seemingly entering a forbidden area of the academy on a certain night.

Principal Lu frowned deeply, intrigued by the images. “If Han Kun is truly involved in these events, we must act at once.”

His voice was grave, clearly understanding the severity of the situation.

“Liu He, what support do you need?”

“I want to contact the head of the city bureau to expand the investigation. We need greater authority to conduct a thorough probe,” Liu He said straightforwardly.

Principal Lu nodded. “No problem. I’ll personally reach out to the bureau. You two must compile your findings as soon as possible.”

Leaving the principal’s office, Luna asked softly, “Teacher Liu, what’s our next step?”

“First, we need to dig deeper into Han Kun’s background. Do you know anyone who can help us access some confidential information?”

“I have a friend who works at the archives. Maybe she can assist,” Luna replied after a moment’s thought. “I’ll try to contact her.”

Together, they made their way to the parking lot, deciding to drive to the city bureau.

In the car, Luna quickly dialed her friend’s number. After brief greetings, they cut to the chase.

Her friend agreed to help retrieve some background information on Han Kun so they could better understand their adversary.

Arriving in the city, they reached the bureau building.

Thanks to Principal Lu’s recommendation, they were able to meet the bureau chief—a tall, stern middle-aged man.

“I hear you have important evidence?” he said bluntly.

“Yes. We need your support to mobilize greater resources and conduct a comprehensive investigation into Han Kun’s network,” Liu He replied, handing over the prepared dossiers.

The chief nodded, flipping through the pages, his expression growing serious.

“This matter cannot be taken lightly. We will launch a special investigation. But be careful—this man is no ordinary opponent.”

Leaving the bureau and en route back to Cloud City Academy, Luna couldn’t help but ask, “How much chance do you think we have?”

Liu He gazed out the window, fatigue barely hidden on his face, but his voice was firm.

“Everything is uncertain. We just have to make the choices we believe are right.”

Back at the academy, they resumed analyzing the evidence with full focus, preparing for whatever lay ahead.

Outside, dusk fell, and Cloud City Academy appeared unusually tranquil under the night’s veil—as if the calm before a tempest.

When news of Han Kun’s betrayal spread throughout the academy, tension surged instantly.

Students whispered and speculated, while Principal Lu strode the corridors, his face flushed with anger.

“Han Kun, so scheming and deliberate!”

Sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating his silver hair but doing nothing to soften his wrath.

Liu He received the principal in his office.

Though uneasy himself, he understood that calm was crucial now.

“Principal,” he said steadily, “we need strategy, not rashness.”

Lu Caiyuan’s brow remained furrowed, but he slowly nodded.

“You’re right, He’er. But we cannot wait idly.”

“We must act,” Liu He paused, “Let Luna conduct a covert investigation first. We need to uncover the extent of Han Kun’s influence.”

After a moment’s thought, the principal sighed. “Very well. Let’s proceed as you suggest.”

Clearly, his trust in Liu He was growing.

At the same time, Liu He quietly activated his refresh Entry System. Moments later, a new entry appeared before his eyes: “Foresee Danger.”

Liu He understood what this meant—he now had greater confidence to confront Han Kun.

Not long after, Luna returned to their secret base—a quiet corner of the academy library.

Her expression was solemn.

“There’s been activity on Han Kun’s side. I’m still tailing several of his trusted aides.”