At last, the long-awaited day had come.The academy's courtyard bloomed with flowers and fluttering banners, welcoming the honored guests. Families and friends poured in from every corner until the place overflowed with laughter, chatter, and shimmering color.
Tables, richly adorned, stretched along both sides of the courtyard, where the invitees settled — eager for the grand Feast of Talents, second only to the Festival of Spring in fame and splendor.
The students moved gracefully among the guests, serving tea and delicacies with practiced elegance. One by one, they revealed their talents — each hoping to impress the crowd and secure their place among the academy's brightest.
And though Huo Feng's tea came last in the order, its fragrance alone turned every head.One sip — and silence fell. Its taste was unlike any other, gentle yet deep, as though the soul itself were drinking sunlight.
Then came the moment everyone had awaited — her performance.
The lights dimmed.Darkness blanketed the courtyard.And from that void… a flame ignited.
Suo stood at the center, his eyes closed, his form wrapped in a soft blaze. His sword was planted firmly in the ground, glowing faintly, as his hair shimmered like threads of fire swaying with the breeze.
To one side sat Master Li, his hands resting on a stringed instrument.He began to play — a melody so tender it made the earth seem to breathe.
With each note, the ground rippled with warmth.And then — to the astonishment of all — Master Li's body lifted gently from the earth, circling around Suo in a slow, celestial dance… the Earth revolving around its Sun.
His emerald eyes shone with a purity that spoke of life, of longing… of love.
The audience watched in reverent awe.The Earth, captivated by the Sun's warmth, circled closer — drawn by the promise of light.The Sun — Suo — opened his eyes at last, and a surge of golden heat filled the courtyard.
His gaze met the Earth's, and in that moment, the air itself seemed to tremble.
Then, from the shadow of the night sky, the Moon emerged.
Huo Feng appeared, radiant beyond words — her white hair flowing like threads of silver light, her gown shimmering with the glow of distant stars.
The Moon looked upon the Earth, and jealousy stirred in her heart.For the Earth's gaze was fixed on the Sun.
She began to dance — a dance of emotion and grace — circling both Sun and Earth, her sword spinning in arcs of light.Every motion whispered both elegance and challenge.She wanted to be seen — to be chosen.
But the Earth did not turn away from its Sun.
Her dance grew faster, wilder — a whirl of silver against the gold.The Moon turned toward the Sun with defiance in her eyes.And when she stood between them — the eclipse began.
Shadows devoured the light.Her voice, soft yet resonant, filled the space:
"I am your Moon — your reflection, your calm.I light your nights and soothe your storms.Embrace me, and I shall never harm you."
The Sun's flame flared, its heat fierce yet sorrowful.With a swift sweep of the sword, Suo pushed the Moon aside — not in anger, but in destiny.
The Moon faded like mist behind him, her light dimmed but not gone.
The crowd held its breath.Even the wind seemed to pause.
"I am power," said the Sun, his voice burning through the silence."I am life. I will burn for you — even to my dying breath."
The swords clashed.Fire met light, passion met serenity.It was a battle and a dance, both at once — the Sun fighting to exist, the Moon striving to be seen.
At last, the Earth could take no more.Master Li's melody shifted — sorrowful now, echoing the ache of the heavens themselves.
The duel stilled.The Sun and Moon stopped — their swords lowered, their gazes meeting not in rivalry, but in understanding.
Suo — the Sun — spoke softly:
"Then let me burn for you, too. Do not envy — for I will wait for you, even in my daylight."
Huo Feng — the Moon — smiled, her voice trembling with emotion as she twirled one final time:
"And I shall shine by your love, my Sun.From this day forth, our fates will share the same sky."
The performance ended —and the courtyard erupted.
Thunderous applause, gasps of awe, and tears glimmering in more than a few eyes.No one had ever seen a dance so full of fire, grace, and soul.
As the music faded and the moonlight spilled back into the world, Master Li rose to his feet.
"Silence, please."
The crowd quieted at once.His voice carried warmth and pride.
"Every one of you has worked with heart and skill. For that, you have my gratitude.But I believe tonight's choice is clear — none can deny it."
A smile touched his lips as he turned toward her.
"The winner of this year's Talent Feast — for her extraordinary tea, and her unforgettable dance — is my dear student… Huo Feng."
The courtyard exploded in applause once more —all but one pair of hands.
Mei rose from her seat, fury twisting her expression.
"This is unfair! How could that fool win? I'm sure she cheated — she must have used magic in her tea!"
Master Li frowned, about to respond, but Huo Feng raised her hand gently.
"You think enchanted tea won their hearts?" she asked calmly.
"Of course!" Mei snapped. "Without a doubt."
Huo Feng's lips curved into a serene smile.
"But tell me then — he didn't drink my tea. Yet even he chose me. What do you make of that?"
She pointed toward Wu Xin, her tone teasing, half scolding, half grateful.
Mei faltered, confusion flickering in her eyes.
Wu Xin's gaze softened, his expression unreadable as he replied:
"Indeed, I didn't drink it. The tea wasn't meant for me.But now — after seeing her dance, and naming her the finest among you —I shall drink it, and celebrate her victory tonight."
He lifted the cup — steam curling in the air like a blessing — and smiled.
The audience cheered once more, as moonlight and laughter mingled in the air.And there, beneath the banners of spring, the Sun and Moon shone side by side —their dance now part of legend.