This time around Su Xueyi and Han Yu aren't allowed to accompany Xi Zirui into the martial hall.
Su Xueyi gives him an encouraging nod outside the double doors, and Han Yu shoots him a wink.
Xi Zirui rolls his eyes and walks in.
He expects to find the same scenario as last time, but instead there's only Han Chang inside the martial hall.
Xi Zirui bows respectfully to him, but his hackles are immediately raised.
Han Chang crosses the distance between them without greeting him. He stops in front of Xi Zirui and opens his fist, revealing a perfectly round pill.
"Your second trial."
Xi Zirui takes the pill from him and examines it. "What is it?"
"The trial will start after you eat it," is all Han Chang says.