Ascending the Demon Realm

Elder E strode forward, explaining, "You arrived on the perfect day. Consider yourselves fortunate to witness celestial immigration procedures firsthand."

Our group of novices buzzed with excitement. The border checkpoint usually processed human world travelers—observing celestial beings was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

The crocodile-demon led us onto a massive platform that shot upwards a thousand feet. When it halted, we faced an endless hall divided by a shimmering energy barrier. Our side contained circular platforms with engraved arrays, while the opposite remained obscured by rippling auroras.

At the hall's end stood a transparent glass chamber. As we approached, two young men in navy uniforms with silver patterns emerged—despite the chamber's apparent emptiness moments before. My breath caught—one was Mingjin from yesterday's encounter!

The fledgling demons around me vibrated with suppressed excitement, remembering Elder E's strict "no outbursts" rule. Mingjin's uniform differed from standard Eastern University attire, suggesting elite divine cultivation training. His bearing radiated practiced nonchalance towards admirers.

But my attention snapped to his companion—a youth with salt-and-pepper hair leaning towards white. His amber eyes glimmered with jade undertones, features radiating tranquil composure. Yet when our gazes met, recognition sparked.

Xue? My pulse quickened. His controlled expression fractured into a tentative smile as we drew nearer. Mingjin noticed our exchange, narrowing his eyes when recognizing me.

"You know her?" he inquired.

"None of your concern," Xue replied icily, his voice matured yet familiar.

Mingjin smirked. "We met yesterday. Should I—"

"Don't you dare touch her!"

"Interesting... So you can feel anger."

Their voices faded as we passed. My heart raced—Xue attended Eastern University too, but partnered with this dangerous character?

In the observation chamber, disciplinary order resumed. I accidentally crushed the sloth-demon clinging to my back—his presence-lightening magic made him forgettable. We scrambled into seats before the glass wall revealing a hulking panda-demon official.

"Who approved Mingjin's involvement?!" Elder E growled.

Administrator Mei leaned against the observation glass. "Better he's here than causing suicides on campus."

"Again?!" The panda official slammed massive paws against reinforced glass, his roar shaking the chamber. "Weaklings! Our young have lost their primal edge! Even Snowclaw's descendant lacks ferocity!"

Xue... Snowclaw. My childhood friend. First day of elementary school, he'd sat alone—fully human-formed amidst fuzzy half-transformed cubs. When I shared my fox-bitten wrist, he'd asked with genuine concern, "Did it hurt?"

Through years of bullying, his gentle nature hid lethal capabilities. He'd only bared fangs defending others. What happened to dim that fire?