The next morning, a jade crane descended from the sky, its wings shimmering with spatial runes. It landed before Class D's courtyard and delivered a scroll glowing with divine light.
Jian Mo caught it and handed it to Han Li. "Teacher… it's from the Headmaster."
Han Li opened the scroll, eyes narrowing slightly.
"An invitation," he murmured. "To the Realm of Echoes."
The students stared. Even Ling Yue's composure cracked.
"That's the academy's secret realm!" she gasped. "Only elite class disciples are ever allowed!"
Xun Fei frowned. "But why us?"
Han Li smiled faintly. "Because they're watching. And they want us to fail… publicly."
The Realm of Echoes was a legacy trial left behind by the academy's founder. It tested the soul, not just the body. Many came out stronger. Others never returned.
Han Li looked at each student. "You'll enter as prey. Hunted by prideful heirs, scions of ancient families, and beasts born of echoing regret."
"But we'll leave," he added, "as wolves."
—
Meanwhile, in the Grand Hall, Headmaster Yun Long observed the invitation crystal, fingers steepled.
"You sent it without my approval," he said coldly.
Behind him, Elder Mu stepped forward. "The council demanded it. After Shen Wuheng's report… they're curious."
"Or afraid."
Mu didn't deny it. "What if he is the one from the old scrolls?"
Yun Long didn't answer.
Instead, he turned toward the window, watching the clouds gather over the distant mountain.
"If he is," the Headmaster said, "then we've already lost control."
—
Back in Class D's courtyard, Han Li handed each student a talisman.
"Write your fear on it," he said. "The Realm echoes truths. Better to face yours now."
He smiled. "Your real trial begins."