---
The morning air was crisp as Group Seven gathered by the training grounds.
Qiao Feng, ever the showman, flexed dramatically.
"Alright, who's ready for today's 'masterclass in not dying'?"
Lu Xinyi rolled her eyes but smiled.
"Your confidence is entertaining."
Han Rui adjusted his robe, cheeks flushed.
"Maybe… you could teach me that?"
Qiao Feng laughed, "Step one: don't trip over your own feet!"
Shen Yu leaned against a tree, quietly observing the lively scene.
Elder Wu approached, but this time with a different tone — calm but purposeful.
"Today, you will face a joint test. Not of combat, but of unity."
He explained that the four would undergo a series of coordinated trials to strengthen their teamwork.
"No fighting alone," he emphasized. "You succeed together or fail together."
Lu Xinyi nodded thoughtfully.
"Sounds like a real challenge."
---
The first trial was a blindfolded maze.
Han Rui was blindfolded, with Qiao Feng guiding him through sharp turns and hidden pitfalls.
Han Rui's trust grew with each step as Qiao Feng's voice reassured him.
Next, Lu Xinyi and Shen Yu had to scale a steep cliffside — Lu Xinyi leading, Shen Yu supporting.
Their quiet coordination was seamless, but tension lingered in stolen glances.
---
Halfway through, Qiao Feng pretended to trip, bumping into Han Rui.
"Oops! Sorry, doc — hope that wasn't your favorite foot!"
Han Rui chuckled despite himself.
"You're impossible."
Lu Xinyi smirked.
"Keep that up, and we'll throw you into the next trial."
Qiao Feng grinned.
"Bring it on!"
---
As the sun set, the group gathered around a small fire.
Lu Xinyi looked at Shen Yu, her voice softer than usual.
"Thank you for trusting me today."
Shen Yu's gaze held hers.
"Always."
Han Rui and Qiao Feng exchanged amused looks.
Qiao Feng whispered,
"Finally, some romance — about time."
Han Rui rolled his eyes but smiled.
---
Far from the warmth of the fire, shadows moved.
A figure whispered into the night,
"They grow closer… but the fracture will come."
---