The next day.

Lana had barely stepped in when she was approached with a request. This time, it wasn’t just her.

The entire Mystic Cultivator Department had been invited to participate in a case.

"A 3000-year-old ghost has possessed a girl," someone explained. "It’s causing serious disturbances. An exorcism will be conducted, and all cultivators are encouraged to attend... it’s a rare learning opportunity."

The moment Lana heard it, her interest piqued.

’A 3000-year-old ghost... that’s not something you see every day ...’

Since it was organized by the university itself, participation was highly encouraged. Not just their department... other universities would also be present.

As they gathered, Lana suddenly asked, "What about Spineridge University? Are their students coming?"

Axel shook his head. "They’ve already gone abroad for exchange programs."

Lana sighed, shaking her head.

"The gap between rich and poor..." she muttered.

Laughter broke out around her.

Even Axel’s lips twitched slightly.

"You seem to have a lot of opinions," he remarked.

Lana shrugged lightly. "Not just about our university... but everyone."

That only made everyone laugh harder.

The following day, as the team prepared to leave, Betty nudged Lana with her elbow.

"Your assessment exam is next week," she pointed out. "Why are you so relaxed?"

Lana paused, pressing her lips together thoughtfully.

"Maybe..." she said slowly, "because I’m already at Heaven Rank."

Silence. Complete silence.

Everyone stared at her as if she had just grown a second head.

"...What?" Betty blinked.

"A few months ago you were struggling," Layla muttered. "And now you’re saying you’ve reached Heaven Rank?"

The disbelief was obvious.

They had all been stuck at peak Earth rank for so long.

And Lana...she had joined them weaker than most.

Now she was claiming she had surpassed them entirely?

It sounded absurd.

But the calm certainty in her expression made it hard to dismiss completely.

Quinn, who had only broken through to Heaven Rank a week ago, narrowed his eyes slightly.

’If that’s true ...’

His expression turned serious. ’Then I really need to step up.’

Soon, they arrived at the location.

The moment Lana stepped inside, she paused, her eyes scanning the area.

There were a lot of people.

At least thirty.

"This is quite a crowd," she muttered.

Then, with complete seriousness, she asked, "Did they arrange proper seating?"

Betty, Fay, Layla, Richard, and Wade immediately snickered. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

Quinn looked at her helplessly.

"This is an exorcism," he said dryly. "Not a vacation."

Lana nodded thoughtfully, her expression turning solemn.

"I understand," she replied. "But even so... there should be some basic respect for the guests."

Her words were so sincere that for a moment...no one knew whether to laugh or agree.

"We are future mystic cultivators," Lana continued, her tone turning serious as she crossed her arms.

"Is it really appropriate for us to stand here for three hours... just to watch a ghost mock humanity?"

A few people around her shifted awkwardly, unsure whether to agree or laugh.

But before anyone could respond...

A sharp, almost mocking clap echoed through the hall.

"Seems like even country bumpkins are allowed in now," a voice drawled lazily. "The standard of these joint sessions has really dropped."

Lana slowly turned her head.

A young man stood a short distance away, tall and poised, his silver hair catching the faint light while his blue eyes held a cold, arrogant glint.

His appearance was striking... too refined, almost... but the disdain in his expression ruined it entirely.

Lana blinked once.

Then, tilting her head slightly, she murmured with a faint smile, "Strange... I heard this place doesn’t allow dogs."

She paused deliberately, her gaze sweeping over him. "So why am I hearing barking?"

For a split second...silence.

Then Richard burst out laughing, doubling over as he tried to stifle himself. Even a few others couldn’t hold it in.

The young man’s expression darkened instantly.

"What did you just say? Did you just call me a dog?" he demanded, his voice dropping dangerously.

Lana chuckled softly, her eyes glinting.

"Oh? I’ve seen people pick up money, I’ve seen people pick up manners..." She shrugged lightly, "...but this is the first time I’ve seen someone pick up insults and wear them so proudly."

The words landed like a slap.

The man, Ross, was visibly furious now. He raised his hand, pointing at her, his face twisting with anger.

But before he could speak...snap. Lana flicked her fingers.

In that instant, Ross froze. Completely.

His body stiffened mid-motion, as if invisible chains had wrapped around him. Even his expression remained locked, his eyes wide with disbelief.

A ripple of shock spread through the crowd.

Lana tilted her head slightly, observing him with interest.

’So this is what it feels like...’

Her mystic energy pulsed faintly within her. Once, it had been blue... then yellow... then a dull brown.

Now, it was white. Pure, luminous, and far more refined.

Not only could she attack or defend, not only could she heal... she could now immobilize.

’This... is actually useful.’

She was just about to speak again when suddenly, Ross moved.

Lana’s eyes narrowed slightly in surprise. ’He broke free...? This is the first time someone had...’

Mr. Crow’s voice echoed faintly in her mind, calm but thoughtful.

’First time using your power after reaching Heaven Rank. Don’t underestimate others.’

Lana gave a small nod inwardly.

Meanwhile, Ross rolled his shoulders slightly, regaining full control. His gaze locked onto Lana, sharp and probing now.

"What color... is your mystic energy?" he asked slowly.

Lana arched a brow. ’Oh... not bad.’

A small smile curved her lips.

"I’ll tell you," she said lightly, "on one condition."

Ross narrowed his eyes. "I’m not interested in giving you my number."

Lana blinked. Then smiled wider.

"The question," she said sweetly, "should be asked by a human."

For a second... Betty and Layla burst out laughing, completely losing control.

Even a few others covered their mouths, trying not to react.

Ross’s expression darkened further. He was no ordinary cultivator.