*Chapter 3: The First Trial*
Morning came fast, with students woken by the ring of a tiny brass bell—it sounded sweet, but the groans from Jin Ming suggested otherwise. Li Wei was already up, staring at the burnt crest, trying to block out the anxiety radiating from everyone in the room. Mei Fen's illusion rabbit from last night had somehow left muddy footprints on the windowsill, and Bao Yu was busy coaxing his seedling out of a teacup.
Just as Chen Xiulan was about to freshen up, Madam Zhou appeared at their door like a ghost, all robes and shadow. "Today, you face your first trial. Pass, and you'll learn what power truly means. Fail, and you may wish you'd never come here," she intoned with a small smile that was anything but comforting.
Down winding corridors and past ancient statues, the group trudged, Jin Ming muttering jokes while Chen Xiulan nervously checked the water orb hovering by her side. Finally, they reached a courtyard. The ground split open, revealing five stone circles, each glowing with its own color—fire, water, earth, wind, and shadow.
"Step forward," Madam Zhou beckoned. "Your trial awaits."
The last thing they heard before taking their places was Mei Fen whispering, "If I vanish, someone feed my goldfish." And then the world spun into magic, mystery, and a challenge that could bond them forever…or tear them apart.