Volume One: In the Prime of Youth Chapter Nine: The Leading Role on Stage

Huo Ye, accompanied only by Flame Demon Hall, arrived at a room on the second floor of the villa. Inside, a young man stood up from the sofa to greet Huo Ye. “Hello, I’m Xiao Linghuo, vice president of the Mountain Blaze Society. Pleased to meet you.”

At the sound of “Pleased to meet you,” Flame Demon Hall’s heart sank. He thought, Brother, of all the things to say, why choose that? What if he tells you to smile for him too?

Contrary to his fears, Huo Ye simply shook Xiao Linghuo’s hand and replied, “Huo Ye. I’m pleased to meet you as well.”

This was entirely unexpected! Flame Demon Hall was completely flustered. What was the meaning of this? Just moments ago, in front of so many people, you embarrassed me with that “smile for me,” but now, with just the three of us, you’re suddenly being polite?

Flame Demon Hall suddenly found his feelings complicated, giving himself a mere three points.

Huo Ye wasn’t caustic with everyone; making enemies everywhere was of no benefit to him. But when it came to Flame Demon Hall, he truly had no intention of showing any kindness. Xiao Linghuo signaled for Huo Ye to take a seat, and the three of them settled onto the sofa.

Huo Ye crossed his legs, interlocked his fingers on his knee, and got straight to the point: “Just now, President Flame Demon Hall said you had important business. I suggest we get straight to it.”

“Haha, Brother Huo, you truly are straightforward. Very well, I’ll be direct too: we’d like to collaborate with you,” Xiao Linghuo said.

Huo Ye simply responded with an “Oh” and waited for him to continue, his expression inviting elaboration. This was a first for Huo Ye—though he had prepared himself for all kinds of overtures before coming to Bancroft, he hadn’t expected someone to approach him even before he had revealed his hand.

New to Bancroft, Huo Ye had no grasp of its dynamics. Besides, Alice had told him there were seven major societies at the academy. If he hastily allied with Mountain Blaze, he might end up at odds with the other six. No matter what, he had resolved not to commit to anyone before the night was over. Everything required careful observation.

Though his mind was made up, Huo Ye did not refuse outright. He wanted to use this conversation to assess Mountain Blaze’s sincerity and later compare it with any offers from other societies. One must always compare options.

Perceiving Huo Ye’s intentions, Xiao Linghuo continued, “Since you’re new to the academy, you might not be familiar with the current landscape. Allow me to explain.”

“By all means,” Huo Ye replied.

“At present, Mountain Blaze is ranked as the academy’s third-largest society—a position not casually assigned. Since the academy’s society system was established, an annual competition has been held between societies, each fielding five to ten of their top fighters. Last year, under our president’s leadership, we claimed third place. This year, we aim even higher.”

“So your so-called partnership is for me to join your society and help you in this competition?” Huo Ye asked.

“Yes and no,” Xiao Linghuo replied. “I’ve heard you’re an adept in the Dark Element?”

“I am. My father personally trained me in the Dark Element,” Huo Ye emphasized. Everyone knew that Eddie Halls was the preeminent Dark Element user—without exception.

Xiao Linghuo smiled. “A major society has its principles. Mountain Blaze, after all, is a fire society. Having you join isn’t a matter of simply admitting a new member—it would break with years of tradition, and that’s not something we’re eager to do.”

“Then why bring up the competition? If I can’t join, how do you expect me to help?” Huo Ye pressed.

“There’s a way,” Xiao Linghuo explained. “The annual society competition determines next year’s rankings, which in turn dictate the academy’s allocation of basic points to society members. Moreover, the competition comes with other rewards. For students who prefer their independence, the society competition’s generous points are tempting, but they dislike the constraints of large societies. So, each year, many top fighters join as temporary external members. Afterward, they receive a share of the points and sometimes additional rewards.”

“I see,” Huo Ye said. “In short, you consider this year’s competition crucial and want me to join your team, to help you reach the top two—no, your ambition is clearly to win the championship.”

“You see right through us,” Xiao Linghuo praised.

Huo Ye uncrossed his legs, still with his fingers interlocked, leaning forward with elbows on his knees, and eyed Xiao Linghuo meaningfully. “So, tell me… What’s Mountain Blaze’s offer? A fighter of my caliber isn’t cheap. More often than not, no amount of money or points can buy my services at Bancroft.”

His confidence was unshakable. Alice had assured him his strength was among the academy’s finest—superior, even, to several society presidents.

Xiao Linghuo deferred to Flame Demon Hall, who spoke up, “We’re offering fifty thousand points. If we actually win the championship, you get another fifty thousand. And if there’s something you want that can’t be obtained with points, Mountain Blaze will do its utmost to secure it for you.”

Huo Ye crossed his legs again, smiling without a word. Outwardly calm, inwardly he was uncertain—just how much buying power did a hundred thousand points have here? He had no idea.

Suddenly, Huo Ye stood and addressed them, “I appreciate your sincerity, but allow me some time to consider. I’ve only just arrived and can’t make such an important decision on the spot.”

“That’s fair enough. Brother Huo, you should return to the party—it’s just getting started,” Flame Demon Hall said, standing to see Huo Ye out.

As Huo Ye reached the door, he turned as if suddenly remembering something. “Oh, by the way, President Flame Demon Hall, my little Alice doesn’t like you. I suggest you stop pursuing her. If you disagree, we can duel tomorrow. If you lose, I trust I won’t need to say more.”

This was not a whim but a premeditated move. He knew that once he said this, he and Flame Demon Hall would likely become adversaries. Since they’d have to break with pretense, it was best left for the end. So only now did he bring it up.

As expected, Flame Demon Hall’s face fell. He’d already been irked by Huo Ye’s attitude—the dismissive posture, the cutting remarks, all suggested Huo Ye had never taken them seriously. Now, displeased, he asked, “Speaking so boldly—what if you lose?”

“Name your terms,” Huo Ye replied calmly.

“Then I want you to fight for us in the society competition—without reward.”

“Agreed,” Huo Ye answered crisply.

Both Flame Demon Hall and Xiao Linghuo were momentarily stunned. Agreed? Wasn’t he supposed to think it over? Why was he so decisive now? Was it overconfidence?

Huo Ye said nothing more, simply heading downstairs. His reasoning was simple: he didn’t want Flame Demon Hall bothering Alice any longer. This fight was inevitable, and no matter how excessive the terms, he would accept—because he would not lose. Such was his pride as the Little Reaper.

Back in the garden, Huo Ye was intercepted by a girl. “Hello, may I have this dance?”

She was merely a mid-level society officer, modestly known within the academy, but she’d still mustered the courage to approach Huo Ye. Even among ability users, many young women were drawn to strong men—it was a habit ingrained in humanity for thousands of years and would not change with the times.

Huo Ye had no desire to dance with her, but his gentlemanly upbringing forbade a blunt refusal. So he said, “I’m sorry, I don’t know how to dance.”

In truth, Huo Ye knew plenty of dances—tango, cha-cha, waltz, ballroom—thanks to his mother Vivienne’s tutelage. Yet he’d never danced with anyone but Alice. After all, he’d never attended such formal occasions before.

“I can guide you. Social dance is easy—you’ll pick it up in no time,” the girl persisted.

Huo Ye smiled politely. “I’d better not. If I step on your feet, that wouldn’t be good.”

Hearing this, the girl realized she had no chance. Her expression fell.

Seeing her disappointment, Huo Ye felt a pang of guilt, but what’s said is said—he could only stick to his claim of not knowing how to dance. Looking around, he noticed a grand piano set up in the garden, a pianist in tails performing for the guests.

He turned to the girl. “Though I can’t dance, I can play the piano. How about I play you a piece as an apology?”

Her eyes lit up. “That would be lovely!”

Without another word, Huo Ye approached the piano, exchanged a few words with the pianist, and then clapped his hands loudly to gather attention. “Ladies and gentlemen, I’m sure not many of you know me. My name is Huo Ye, elder brother of Alice Halls. I’ve just transferred into Bancroft’s second year today. I hope we’ll get along. Tonight, I’d like to offer you a piece on the piano.”

As applause filled the air, Huo Ye sat down at the piano, his fingers resting gently on the keys.

When the crowd had quieted, he began to play.

His fingers flew across the keys, the opening notes clear and brisk as wind-chimes, each phrase building upon the last. The beautiful music filled the entire garden; from the very first notes, many recognized the piece: Mozart’s Piano Sonata No. 11 in A major, third movement, also known as the “Turkish March.”

It was a piano piece renowned for its lively and distinct rhythm. In the first section, the notes danced like a child splashing in puddles, joyful and buoyant, each beat brimming with spring. The mood was infectious—one could not help but feel uplifted. Amid its French rondo style, there was a hint of exotic flair.

In the second section, the tempo quickened. Huo Ye’s fingers moved so swiftly they seemed a blur, the melody surging forth with a bright, heroic beauty reminiscent of an unstoppable cavalcade.

By the third section, Huo Ye let himself go, no longer following the standard fingerings, but playing with the spontaneous precision of a joyous youth. His shoulders swayed lightly with the rhythm, and at one point, unnoticed by others, he playfully bit his slightly protruding tongue with his canine teeth, a mischievous smile at his lips. This lighthearted expression perfectly matched the exuberant music, captivating many of the girls present.

The fourth section returned to the nimble, natural style of the first, the piece approaching its end in a spirit of agile lightness. As an ability user, Huo Ye could easily shatter the discipline of ordinary pianists’ fastest performances, but he did not. Even for pieces famed for their speed, like “Flight of the Bumblebee,” emotion was still essential. Pianists might flaunt their dexterity, but the perfect tempo was never merely the fastest. Each composition had its own ideal rhythm.

As the final emphatic chords resounded, Huo Ye’s performance came to a close.

Amid the audience’s resounding applause, he rose, offered a gentleman’s bow, and returned to Alice’s side.

People love stories of underdogs rising, for such protagonists reflect their own struggles and inspire hope. But Huo Ye was different. He was an aristocrat by birth; reserve and elegance were etched into his very bones. Yet he was also a warrior, his soul marked by ferocity and courage. These qualities were not at odds, for humanity itself is a tapestry of contradictions.

He was no underdog, but his aspirations and resolve were even greater, more inspiring, for he had a dream—to restore clarity and justice to the world.

Everyone is the protagonist of their own life, but Huo Ye, now the focus of all eyes, shone like one of the brightest stars in the night sky. Whether on his own stage or another’s, he was destined to dazzle.