In his room, Jun Wei sat by the window, watching the shadows lengthen across the academy grounds. The last light of the day painted the sky in hues of orange and purple, casting a serene glow that starkly contrasted with the turmoil within him.

He knew that his journey at the academy wouldn't be easy. The brief encounters and the whispered secrets from earlier in the day weighed heavily on him. He replayed the girl's words, her keen observation of his actions in the forest.

"I saw you yesterday... I won't reveal your little secret."

Her voice lingered in his ears, a reminder that his actions were not as hidden as he had hoped. But it wasn't just her words that unsettled him; it was the realization that his presence at the academy might attract more scrutiny than he anticipated. His unique blend of blood affinity and demonic path cultivation was a dangerous mix, one that could draw unwanted attention.

Jun Wei took a deep breath, letting the cool evening air fill his lungs. He needed a strategy, a way to navigate the complexities of the academy while keeping his secrets intact. First and foremost, he had to refine his understanding of the academy's dynamics. Who could he trust? Who would be a potential ally? And more importantly, who would become a threat if they discovered the full extent of his abilities?

He resolved to keep a low profile, focusing on his studies and training while observing those around him. Blending in while gradually honing his skills would be crucial. He had to master not just his blood affinity and demonic path techniques but also the art of subtlety and caution.

Jun Wei remembered his father's teachings, the emphasis on patience and foresight. "In a world of power, the most dangerous are those who watch and wait," his father had once said. This wisdom would serve him well here.

Moreover, the academy presented an opportunity—an environment rich in mana, filled with knowledge and resources he could tap into. He had to leverage these to strengthen himself, preparing for whatever challenges lay ahead. But he would do so quietly, avoiding the spotlight and staying beneath the radar.

The girl's unexpected appearance and her insights into his actions were a stark reminder that he couldn't afford any missteps. He had to be meticulous in his approach, careful to conceal his true capabilities while learning as much as he could about the academy's secrets and its inhabitants.

With renewed determination, Jun Wei rose from his seat. He had much to prepare for. The path ahead was uncertain, but he was no stranger to challenges. As he looked out into the encroaching night, he knew that his journey was only just beginning. The secrets he held were powerful, and in this new chapter of his life, he would unveil them only when the time was right.

Jun Wei paced back and forth in his small dormitory room, the soft glow of the moonlight casting long shadows on the walls. The events of the day replayed in his mind, particularly his encounter with the enigmatic girl who seemed to know too much about him. Her sudden appearance, her piercing eyes, and her cryptic words had left him unnerved. She had seen him in the forest, and worse, she knew about his attempt to create the artifact from the fourth-grade beast's body.

He sat down at his desk, staring out the window at the darkening grounds of the Crimson Veil Academy. The academy, with its sprawling courtyards and towering spires, held many secrets. But tonight, his focus was on one mystery in particular: the girl who had approached him earlier.

First, I need to deal with this girl, he thought, his fingers drumming a restless rhythm on the wooden desk. I couldn't tell what her cultivation stage was. Her aura was masked well, giving no obvious hints to her strength or capabilities. This was both intriguing and dangerous. If she was skilled enough to hide her true power, then she was not someone to be underestimated.

Jun Wei took a deep breath, leaning back in his chair. He needed to know more about her. If he could get her to open up, he might learn not only her intentions but also her strengths and weaknesses. Understanding her better could help him determine if she could be turned into an ally—or if she posed a threat that needed to be neutralized.

If I can get her to open up and know what her deal with me is, I can make her into an ally, he reasoned. This would not only help him navigate the complexities of the academy but also blend more seamlessly into the fabric of student life. He needed allies, and someone as perceptive as her could be valuable. Moreover, aligning himself with her might divert attention away from his own secrets and give him the cover he needed to operate safely within the academy's walls.

He recalled her confident demeanor and the way she had effortlessly slipped into his personal space. Her knowledge of his actions in the forest suggested she was observant and possibly connected to something—or someone—within the academy. But what was her motive? Was she simply curious, or did she have a deeper agenda?

Jun Wei knew that the only way to find out was to engage with her directly. He would need to approach her carefully, without revealing too much of his own intentions. He had to be subtle, playing the part of the curious new student while probing for information.

Tomorrow, I'll try to find her, he decided. The academy was large, but she had found him once, and he was confident he could do the same. Once they spoke again, he would try to steer the conversation, to learn more about her and why she had taken an interest in him.

With a plan forming in his mind, Jun Wei felt a small sense of relief. He had a goal, a way to move forward. The academy was filled with uncertainties, but he would take it one step at a time. And dealing with this girl was his first step.

As he prepared for bed, he couldn't shake the feeling that their paths had crossed for a reason. Whether she would become an ally or a foe remained to be seen, but either way, he needed to be ready. He closed his eyes, letting the calm of the night wash over him. Tomorrow would be a new day, and with it, a chance to uncover more of the academy's secrets.

The night passed slowly, Jun Wei's mind spinning with plans and questions about the girl. When dawn finally broke, he rose with a sense of determination, ready to face whatever the day would bring.

The morning was a blur of activity. Jun Wei attended his lessons with a focused intensity, absorbing the knowledge presented while keeping an eye out for the girl from yesterday. His thoughts drifted back to their encounter as he moved from one class to the next, but she was nowhere to be seen.

As the afternoon sun began its descent, casting long shadows across the academy grounds, the lessons came to an end. Students flooded out of the classrooms, their laughter and chatter filling the air. Jun Wei, however, was singular in his purpose.

He exited the final lecture hall and made his way towards the courtyard, a central meeting place for students after classes. The courtyard, with its manicured gardens and marble benches, was bathed in the soft, golden light of the late afternoon. He knew this would be the best place to start his search.

Jun Wei stood for a moment, scanning the area. He saw groups of students gathering in clusters, discussing the day's events or planning their evening activities. His eyes moved over them, looking for the familiar face with brown short hair and keen eyes that had unsettled him the day before.

And then he spotted her, sitting under a large oak tree at the edge of the courtyard, seemingly engrossed in a book. She looked up as if sensing his gaze, and their eyes met. There was a moment of silent acknowledgment before she returned her attention to her reading.

With a deep breath, Jun Wei walked over, his mind racing through possible ways to start their conversation. This is my chance, he thought. Time to find out what she knows and why she's so interested in me.

As Jun Wei approached the oak tree, he suddenly realized with a jolt that he didn't even know her name. He had been so caught up in his thoughts about her and the artifact that he hadn't thought to ask. Now, standing there, he felt a wave of awkwardness wash over him. What should he say? How should he address her?

He stopped a few steps away, trying to muster the right words, but his mind was a blank slate. Seconds ticked by, each one stretching into an eternity as he stood there, feeling more foolish by the moment.

Just as he was about to retreat and regroup, she looked up from her book, a small, knowing smile playing on her lips. "What are you doing there, standing in the middle of the pathway? Come here."

Her voice was gentle, yet it carried a confidence that made Jun Wei feel as though he had no choice but to comply. He nodded and stepped closer, though he kept a cautious distance. His eyes flicked around, searching for some point of focus to settle his nerves, but finding none, he finally met her gaze.

She tilted her head slightly, as if studying him, and then laughed softly. "Oh right, I didn't even tell you my name, did I?" She closed her book, resting it on her lap, and looked directly at him. "I'm Mei Ling. Mei Ling Zhang."

Jun Wei felt a small wave of relief. Mei Ling, he repeated silently, trying to anchor himself with the name. It was strange how something as simple as a name could provide a sense of clarity. He nodded again, this time with a bit more confidence.

"Hi, Mei Ling," he replied, his voice steadier than he felt. "I'm Jun Wei, but I guess you already know that."

She nodded, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Yes, I do. And I also know you're not just any ordinary student. That little display in the forest was quite something."

Jun Wei's heart skipped a beat at the mention of the forest. He had hoped to steer the conversation towards learning more about her, but it seemed she had other plans. Still, he had to keep his cool.

"Yes, about that," he said, choosing his words carefully. "I've been meaning to ask you... what did you see exactly? And why were you there?"

Mei Ling leaned back against the tree trunk, her eyes never leaving his. "I saw enough to know that you're different. As for why I was there... let's just say I like to explore places others don't. You learn a lot more about people when you see them outside their usual environments."

Her answer was cryptic, but Jun Wei sensed that pressing her further might not yield any more straightforward answers. Instead, he decided to take a different approach.

"Well, since you know so much about me, it's only fair that I learn a bit more about you," he said, trying to sound casual. "What brought you to the academy?"

Mei Ling smiled, a genuine warmth in her expression now. "I suppose that's fair. Let's just say I have a knack for finding out interesting things and people. And when I heard about this place, I knew it would be the perfect place to... refine my skills."

Jun Wei nodded, feeling a strange mixture of curiosity and caution. There was something about Mei Ling that intrigued him, but also kept him on edge. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but he knew he had to be careful around her.

"Refining skills, huh?" he said, trying to keep the conversation light. "I guess we have that in common."

Mei Ling chuckled, a soft sound that seemed to carry a deeper meaning. "Yes, Jun Wei, I suppose we do. Now, how about we take a walk and you tell me more about those skills of yours?"

Jun Wei hesitated for a moment but then nodded. As they started walking together, he couldn't shake the feeling that this was the beginning of something significant, something that would shape his future in ways he couldn't yet understand.

Jun Wei walked beside Mei Ling, his mind buzzing with questions and uncertainty. Didn't she just say Zhang? Is she the daughter of the principal? The thought circled in his mind like a persistent bird, pecking at the edges of his thoughts. It made sense that Mei Ling Zhang could be related to the academy's principal, but if she was, why wasn't she already enrolled here? Was she lying, or was there more to the story that he wasn't privy to?

Lost in his thoughts, Jun Wei realized belatedly that they had arrived at the park. Mei Ling's voice cut through the tense silence that had settled between them. "I'm not affiliated with the principal, if that's what you're thinking about."

Her words snapped Jun Wei out of his reverie. He glanced at her, studying her expression for any hint of deception. Mei Ling met his gaze steadily, her brown eyes earnest and open. Despite her assurance, Jun Wei couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Mei Ling Zhang than met the eye.

He took a deep breath, trying to clear his mind of suspicion. It wouldn't do him any good to jump to conclusions without more information. But the nagging questions remained, swirling around him like a persistent fog.

"Okay," Jun Wei finally replied, choosing his words carefully. "I just... It's just that your name sounded familiar, that's all."

Mei Ling nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "It's a common surname," she said lightly. "I get that a lot."

Jun Wei couldn't help but feel that there was more to her response than met the eye, but he decided not to press the issue further. Instead, he redirected the conversation, hoping to learn more about Mei Ling without raising suspicions.

"So, Mei Ling," he began, attempting to sound casual. "What made you decide to explore the forest that day?"

Mei Ling's smile widened slightly, and she glanced around the park as they walked. "I told you, I like to explore places others don't. And I heard rumors about strange happenings in that forest. Naturally, I couldn't resist checking it out."

Her answer was vague yet intriguing, leaving Jun Wei with more questions than answers. He wondered if Mei Ling had deliberately sought him out that day or if it had been a mere coincidence. Either way, he knew he had to tread carefully around her.

As they continued their walk, Jun Wei couldn't shake the feeling that Mei Ling Zhang was not just another student at Crimson Veil Academy. There was an air of mystery about her, a sense that she held secrets that could either be his downfall or his salvation.

Deep in thought, Jun Wei realized that his decision to confide in Mei Ling could either lead to an invaluable alliance or a dangerous mistake. Only time would tell which path he had chosen.

Jun Wei glanced at Mei Ling, his mind racing with skepticism. But even the instructors didn't know something was going on about the forest. He hoped his remark would catch her off guard or prompt her to slip up, revealing more than she intended.

Mei Ling, however, brushed off his insinuation with a light laugh. "I just felt some powerful presence in the forest," she replied casually. "Apparently, it was just a two-headed giant wasp."

Her nonchalant response did little to assuage Jun Wei's suspicions. What attracted it in the low-grade forest? he wondered silently. The idea that a fourth-grade beast like the two-headed giant wasp would venture into such an area seemed implausible unless drawn there by something significant.

Jun Wei continued walking beside Mei Ling, his expression thoughtful as he mulled over her words. Mei Ling seemed unfazed by his probing questions, her demeanor relaxed and composed. It only fueled Jun Wei's curiosity further.

"Just a giant wasp, huh?" Jun Wei remarked casually, his tone masking his skepticism. "Strange how it ended up there, though."

Mei Ling glanced at him, her brown eyes meeting his with a hint of amusement. "Nature works in mysterious ways," she replied cryptically. "Sometimes, creatures are drawn to places for reasons we can't understand."

Jun Wei nodded, though he wasn't entirely convinced by her explanation. Mei Ling's calm demeanor and cryptic responses only deepened the mystery surrounding her. He couldn't shake the feeling that she knew more than she let on about the forest and its inhabitants.

As they walked, Jun Wei resolved to tread cautiously around Mei Ling Zhang. She was proving to be more enigmatic than he had anticipated, and he knew he needed to be vigilant if he wanted to uncover the truth behind her motivations.

Deep down, Jun Wei knew that trusting Mei Ling could either be his greatest asset or his greatest mistake. With each step they took through the park, he felt the weight of uncertainty pressing down on him, reminding him that secrets lurked beneath the surface of Crimson Veil Academy.

"So let's show our cards," Jun Wei proposed, his voice steady despite the uncertainty churning within him. "I'll share my intentions if you tell me about the artifact you created. It wasn't created like how Arcane Scholars do theirs."

Liang's demeanor shifted abruptly. Her playful expression hardened into seriousness, and Jun Wei couldn't help but wonder what he had just triggered.

He paused, grappling with how to proceed. This conversation could reveal more than he bargained for. But after a moment of internal debate, he decided to take the risk, laying out his condition, "I'll go first, but only if you share your story afterward."

The air between them crackled with unspoken tension as they sized each other up, both knowing they were about to reveal something significant.

"I used a technique from a cursed book that I accidentally opened," Jun Wei admitted reluctantly, his voice tinged with caution. "It was about the secret demon path, outside of the original 11 affinities. But the curse only allowed me to read the first spell after it destructed."

He paused, contemplating how much he should reveal. The weight of secrecy pressed down on him; he couldn't risk exposing his father's involvement in the forbidden arts. "I faked it as much as I could," he continued, his words careful and measured. "I can't let her know my dad is a demonic path user, and I'm practicing it."

His mind raced with the implications of his confession. Would she understand? Could she be trusted with this dangerous knowledge? The air around them seemed to thicken with uncertainty as Jun awaited her response, hoping he had chosen wisely in sharing this clandestine truth.

"An affinity outside of the 11? Or could it be a sub-affinity?" she asked, her expression a mix of curiosity and intrigue.

Mei Ling hesitated briefly, contemplating how much to reveal. "Now to honor my part of the deal," she began slowly, choosing her words carefully, "I ended up here after my family was killed by a sixth grade King Ant. The incident left me with a feeling that something was off about this forest and its inhabitants."

His eyes widened slightly, absorbing her words. "My suspicions grew stronger when a 4th grade beast suddenly appeared here," Ling continued, his voice tinged with a hint of unease. "Even the lower grade beasts behave strangely, as if they're drawn towards something, guided by some unseen force."

I listened intently, absorbing his story without interruption, before nodding thoughtfully. "That explains a lot," he mused, more to himself than to her. "There's definitely more going on here than meets the eye."

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the forest, Jun Wei and Mei continued their conversation. The weight of their shared secrets hung in the air, mingling with the rustling leaves and distant calls of nocturnal creatures.

"I never thought there could be an affinity outside of the known thirteen," Mei mused, her brow furrowed in thought. "It opens up so many questions."

Jun Wei nodded, his gaze fixed on the fading light filtering through the trees. "Indeed. And the beasts here... they behave oddly. As if drawn by some unseen force."

Jun Wei glanced at her, a mix of concern and curiosity in his eyes. "You've been through a lot, Ling Mei. Losing your family to a sixth grade King Ant... It's no wonder you're cautious."

Ling Mei managed a faint smile. "Thanks, Jun. I appreciate your understanding."

With a shared nod, they fell into a companionable silence, each lost in their own thoughts as they made their way back to the academy grounds. The mysteries of the forest and the secrets they harbored would have to wait for another day.