The teachers were utterly amazed by the bravery and skill displayed by Xiang and the other children during the competition. The arena had been a battleground, filled with roars, growls, and the sharp cries of dangerous animals. Xiang had faced a massive wolf, its teeth bared and eyes glowing with hunger. She had dodged its lunges with quick reflexes, her heart pounding in her chest. Nearby, one of her friends had been cornered by a wild boar, its tusks gleaming dangerously. But with a swift throw of a rope, Xiang had distracted the beast, giving her friend the chance to escape. The teachers watched in awe as the children worked together, their movements precise and their determination unshakable.
The competition was not just a test of strength but a fight for survival. The children had been thrown into a world where danger lurked at every turn. Xiang remembered the moment when a giant eagle had swooped down from the sky, its talons aimed straight at her. She had rolled to the side just in time, feeling the rush of air as the bird missed her by inches. Her hands had trembled as she grabbed a nearby stick, using it to defend herself until her friends could come to her aid. Together, they had driven the eagle away, their teamwork saving them from what could have been a deadly encounter.
As the selected children celebrated their hard-earned victory, the teachers gathered them for a special briefing. "You have shown incredible courage," one of the teachers said, "but the next stage will be even more dangerous. You will face creatures far more ferocious, and the challenges will test your limits like never before." Xiang felt a shiver run down her spine, but she clenched her fists, determined not to show fear. She knew that this was her chance to prove herself, not just to the teachers but to her friends and to herself.
The special training that followed was intense. The children were taught advanced combat techniques, how to read the movements of wild animals, and how to use the environment to their advantage. Xiang practiced tirelessly, her body aching from the grueling exercises. She sparred with her friends, learning their strengths and weaknesses, and they did the same for her. The bond between them grew stronger with each passing day, and Xiang realized that their unity was their greatest weapon.
One day during training, the teachers staged a surprise attack. Without warning, a pack of wolves was released into the training ground. The children had only seconds to react. Xiang grabbed a wooden spear and stood back-to-back with her friends, their eyes scanning the snarling beasts. The wolves circled them, their growls sending chills through the air. Xiang's heart raced, but she forced herself to stay calm. "We can do this," she whispered to her friends. "Together."
The battle was fierce. Xiang swung her spear, keeping the wolves at bay, while her friends used ropes and nets to trap the animals. One wolf lunged at her, and she barely managed to sidestep, feeling its hot breath on her skin. She struck back with all her strength, driving the wolf away. The fight seemed to last forever, but finally, the children emerged victorious. The teachers applauded their efforts, but Xiang knew this was just a taste of what was to come.
As the sun set on another day of training, Xiang stood with her friends, their faces bruised and their bodies tired but their spirits unbroken. She looked out at the horizon, her mind racing with thoughts of the challenges ahead. The next stage of the competition would be a true test of their courage, skill, and teamwork. Xiang felt a mix of fear and excitement, but she knew one thing for certain: she was ready to face whatever dangers lay ahead. With her friends by her side and determination in her heart, she would fight not just to survive but to win.
--
Then, the second competition began. This time, the challenge was to write poems about natural things. Many people participated, but some gave up beforehand, feeling too nervous or unprepared. Teams were formed, and everyone began preparing for their turn. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation and creativity.
A girl stepped forward, her slip revealing that she had to write a poem about a river. The name of the river was mentioned on her slip. She thought for a moment, then confidently recited her poem:
"The river flows,
As the cool wind blows.
Singing soft and free,
Heading to the sea."
Her words were simple yet beautiful, and the audience applauded her effort. Next, a boy stood up. His slip required him to write a poem about the sun. Without hesitation, he recited:
"Golden and bright,
Spreading warm light.
It rises high,
In the morning sky."
His poem was met with cheers and admiration. The competition continued, with many participants sharing their poems on various natural elements, including ghosts, trees, and stars. Each poem was unique, reflecting the creativity and imagination of the participants.
Then, it was Ren's turn. He drew his slip and found that he had to write a poem about trees. After a brief pause, he recited:
"Standing tall and green,
In summer, fresh and clean.
Leaves fall, gold and red,
As autumn walks ahead."
His poem was heartfelt and vivid, earning him applause from the crowd. Next, XiXi was called. Her slip required her to write a poem about the stars. She smiled and recited:
"Twinkle, twinkle, far away,
Shining bright, night and day.
Little diamonds in the sky,
Glowing softly, way up high."
Her poem was enchanting, and the audience was captivated by her words. Finally, it was Xiang's turn. She drew her slip and saw that she had to write a poem about the moon. At first, she thought for a long time, her brows furrowed in concentration. Then, she began:
"The moon shines bright,
In the silent night.
Silver light so high,
Glowing in the sky."
Her poem was simple yet elegant, and the crowd loved it. But Xiang wasn't done yet. She decided to end the competition on a high note by reciting another poem, this time about a bird:
"A little bird sings,
With tiny wings.
Up it flies,
To the blue skies."
The audience erupted in applause, impressed by Xiang's creativity and confidence. With her two poems, she had left a lasting impression on everyone.
In the end, only a few participants remained, and the competition moved on to its final round: fencing. Xiang, having excelled in the poetry round, entered the fencing competition with high spirits. Her determination and skill shone through, and she ultimately secured first place. Her ability to balance creativity in poetry and precision in fencing made her the star of the day.