Lu Mao remained where he was and watched. Patterns formed quickly. Those with strong Qi attracted companions easily, while others lingered, uncertain or overlooked.
Beside him, Yan Mei adjusted her sleeve before turning toward him. Her expression remained composed, her tone even. "I want to be in your group."
There was no hesitation in her voice.
Lu Mao met her gaze and gave a faint, approving smile. "Of course."
Before anything more could be said, a loud voice burst into their space.
"Can I join this fairy's team?!"
Lu Mao turned toward the voice. A round youth hurried toward them, his robes stretched tight, a pouch at his waist jingling with each step. He stopped in front of Yan Mei and puffed his chest outward.
"I swear on the heavens, I will not disappoint you, my princess!"
Yan Mei paused, her expression caught between restraint and mild disbelief.
Lu Mao tilted his head slightly, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Princess?"
"I am Bao Fu!" the boy declared. "Trap setter, strategist, genius. Do not let appearances fool you. My mind is unmatched!"
A second voice followed, dry and unimpressed. "You couldn't trap a chicken."
A tall youth approached, long black hair tied neatly behind him. His robes remained immaculate, and though a faint smile rested on his lips, his eyes were sharp with quiet judgment.
"Bao Fu," he continued, "you are only here because she has high Qi."
Bao Fu turned immediately. "Chen Yuan! Stop following me!"
"You started it," Chen Yuan replied evenly.
Their exchange carried the ease of familiarity, as though such arguments were common between them.
Lu Mao let out a soft breath through his nose as he observed. Yan Mei turned slightly away, her shoulders shifting just enough to suggest she was suppressing a laugh.
Before the moment could stretch further, another figure approached.
A tall, broad-shouldered youth with a sheathed blade across his back stepped forward. His movements were steady and economical, without wasted motion.
"Can I join?" he asked. "I'm Marco."
Lu Mao considered him briefly, noting his stance and the grounded confidence he carried, then nodded. "That makes five," Yan Mei said, a note of finality in her tone.
Lu Mao's gaze moved across the group. Yan Mei was composed and precise. Bao Fu was noisy but possibly useful. Chen Yuan's eyes were sharp and calculating. Marco's presence was steady and dependable. It was an unusual combination, but not without balance.
Above them, the sun climbed higher, casting sharper light across the arena as the final moments of preparation slipped away.
Then Ji Han's voice sounded again. "Time's up."
Movement across the arena ceased almost instantly. Those still searching for teammates froze, their expressions tightening as realization set in.
"Those without teams are eliminated."
No protests rose. The outcome had already been sealed the moment the time expired.
"Prepare yourselves," Ji Han continued. "The gates will open."
A quiet tension spread again, heavier now, coiled beneath the surface.
Ji Han raised his hand. "The Trial of Skill begins now."
The gates opened slowly, the sound deep and resonant, echoing across the arena like distant thunder.
Beyond the gates, Sparrow City waited. Stone paths stretched out, narrow alleys twisted between structures, and towers rose unevenly into the sky. The city did not welcome nor reject them. It simply existed, indifferent to those who would soon enter.
Then the red lights flared across the city.
The orbs.
The moment shattered. Teams surged forward at once, movement erupting in every direction as candidates rushed toward the city with urgency and intent.
Lu Mao did not move immediately. He watched long enough to understand the flow of movement, the directions chosen by others, the early patterns forming beneath the chaos.
Then he stepped forward, a faint smile at the corner of his lips. "Looks like the hunt begins."
Yan Mei moved beside him, her expression steady, her gaze fixed ahead. "Then we should not fall behind."
Bao Fu cracked his knuckles with exaggerated confidence. Chen Yuan exhaled quietly. Marco adjusted his stance, his posture firm and ready.
Together, they crossed the threshold into Sparrow City.
Behind them, the gates closed with a heavy, final sound.
Ahead, the trial truly began.