Li Ming trudged through the gates of the Azure Sky Sect, feathers still stuck in his hair from the Cursed Feather Trial, his robes rumpled, and every muscle in his body aching. He had survived the previous trials, but something about the calm of the courtyard made him uneasy.
Bai Guo floated beside him, human form this time, flipping a feather in his hand. "Ah, home sweet chaos," he said. "And, descendant, your next challenge will push you to your limits."
Li Ming groaned. "I just want a quiet day. That's all I want."
Bai Guo smirked. "Quiet days don't exist here."
A booming voice echoed from the sect leader's balcony. "Disciples of Azure Sky Sect! The Pride Shatter Games begin today!"
Li Ming froze. "Pride… shatter… games?"
Bai Guo leaned closer. "Exactly. Your confidence, your abilities, your ego—they will all be tested. And failure is… spectacular."
Glowing orbs descended from the sky—two for each student. Li Ming caught his, feeling the faint hum of energy inside.
