Ch. 384Zhang Xiao's Wand

Zhang Xiao’s wand inspection revealed its rare materials and his retractable cloud gold sleeve, which he demonstrated could turn the wand into a sword without illegally altering it. After Ollivander confirmed the wand was in excellent condition, Bagman called for a photograph of the judges and champions to satisfy public interest in the tournament.

  • Ollivander examined Zhang Xiao’s wand and identified its twelve-hundred-year-old lightning-struck jujube wood, Qilin whisker core, and chalcedony handle.
  • Ollivander pressed the green gem, and the cloud gold sleeve slid over the wand; Karkaroff objected that the modification might give Zhang Xiao an unfair advantage.
  • Dumbledore and Ollivander explained the rules for illegal wand modifications, and Zhang Xiao showed that the sleeve could be transfigured into a sword.
  • Zhang Xiao summoned his wand back to his hand, and Ollivander’s Avis test produced unusually fierce, electrically charged birds before he declared the wand in excellent condition.
  • As the students prepared to leave, Bagman stopped them and called for a group photograph of the judges and champions.

Ch. 385Don't make me lose respect for you

As the First Task approached, the Hogwarts Champions faced public doubts and mounting anxiety. Zhang Xiao encouraged Malfoy, Harry, and Ron to remember their training and the support of their fellow students, leaving them stirred by renewed confidence.

  • The Daily Prophet reported on the tournament teams, prompting British wizards to protest that Hogwarts had chosen Champions who were too young.
  • Barty Crouch publicly defended the selection, while Dumbledore shielded Hogwarts from the uproar.
  • Zhang Xiao showed Glove Lady how much his magic had strengthened, and she told him his field had become white like the sun.
  • Zhang Xiao used Sectumsempra through a sword to cut a training dummy and mark a wall from ten meters away.
  • Malfoy asked Zhang Xiao whether he was qualified to lead the Hogwarts team, and Zhang Xiao told him not to make him lose respect for him.
  • Zhang Xiao reminded Malfoy, Harry, and Ron of their training and the Hogwarts students' support, and the Champions drew strength from the cheering badges around them.

Ch. 386The eve of the competition

As the first Triwizard Tournament task approached, Harry, Ron, and Malfoy regained some confidence after their classmates encouraged them, while Zhang Xiao discovered signs that Dumbledore had hidden something beneath magically created fog. Hagrid hinted that the task might involve dragons, leaving the Champions shaken and Zhang Xiao suspecting the competition would be more difficult than expected.

  • After Zhang Xiao left the Great Hall, Colin Creevey, Seamus, Fred, George, and Lee Jordan encouraged Harry and Ron to carry Gryffindor's hopes in the tournament.
  • Zhang Xiao flew to a nearby mountaintop on his sword and spotted part of a structure beneath magical fog, which he suspected Dumbledore had created for the first task.
  • At Hagrid's Hut, Harry admitted that he and the others had been scared, while Malfoy vowed to prove himself in the Goblet of Fire.
  • Toto gave Hagrid a complete makeover, leaving the young wizards amazed by his new appearance.
  • Hagrid hinted that the first task might involve dragons, and the Champions grew frightened when they considered what facing one could mean.
  • Zhang Xiao remembered the hidden structure beneath the fog and suspected that the first task would be more challenging than he had expected.

Ch. 387At a loss

Harry and the other young wizards learned that dragons would be involved in the Triwizard Tournament’s first task and searched for ways to face them. They found a possible tactic in the Conjunctivitis Curse, but still had no plan to subdue a dragon as the visiting headmasters learned of the task.

  • Harry found Ron terrified after dreaming that a dragon swallowed them, and reassured him that Dumbledore and Nicolas Flamel would keep them safe.
  • Harry told Cedric, Neville, Hermione, Ron, and Malfoy that Hagrid had hinted the first task involved dragons; the group agreed not to ask Zhang for help.
  • The young wizards searched the library for dragon lore and learned that dragon hides resisted ordinary spells, while Cedric suggested the Conjunctivitis Curse as a way to target a dragon’s eyes.
  • Neville warned that blinding a dragon might only enrage it, so Harry urged the group to search for other spells and they considered switching and transfiguration magic.
  • The headmasters of the other seven schools received news that dragons would feature in the first task and considered the challenge.

Ch. 388Global live broadcast!

On the morning of the first task, Hogwarts rallied behind its champions as the Wizarding World tuned in to the tournament’s first global live projection. Ludo Bagman introduced the broadcast, and the champions entered as the crowd awaited Dumbledore’s explanation of the task.

  • Hogwarts students cheered for the champions with house-themed hats, magical photographs, and shouting badges, while Zhang Xiao reflected on the unity he had helped foster.
  • Professor McGonagall summoned the champions to prepare for the first task, and Zhang Xiao steadied his nerves with the Golden Light Spell and resolved to win.
  • Witches and wizards around the world gathered in pubs and homes to watch the tournament, while the Old Celestial Master’s disciples set up a projection in China.
  • Ludo Bagman welcomed viewers to the first global Super Tournament broadcast and teased the unknown task before announcing the champions’ entrance.

Ch. 389The first task

Professor Dumbledore explained the rules of the tournament’s first task to the champions, laying out its aerial key race, interception zones, obstacle course, and final dragon challenge. The teams were left to plan how to divide their members and face the task.

  • Professor McGonagall led the champions to the preparation tent, where Professor Dumbledore welcomed them.
  • Dumbledore distributed communication devices and explained that teams could move between three sections only according to the tournament’s rules.
  • Dumbledore announced that teams would compete in the first section to catch a flying key, with each school receiving a key five minutes after the previous one.
  • Dumbledore explained that teams could steal keys in the second section, while key holders needed support from members assigned to the third section’s difficult flying obstacle course.
  • Dumbledore revealed that teams who passed the earlier stages would take their keys to Sky Island, where they had to face an unrestricted dragon and retrieve the golden egg from a chest.

Ch. 390The competition begins!

The champions learned the rules of the Super Goblet of Fire and planned their teams for the dragon stages. As the teams prepared and the opening whistle sounded, the first event began.

  • Dumbledore explained that the first stage allowed no magic, the second allowed only restraining or controlling spells, and the third allowed magic if competitors had time.
  • Hermione chose a one-two-two team arrangement, and Harry, Ron, and Neville committed to competing in the first stages.
  • Yachigusa Tsuki, Martins, Pheobe, Viktor Krum, Ivan, and Francois rallied their respective teams and outlined their determination or plans.
  • Zhang Xiao considered how to approach the key-catching stage, then readied himself when the one-minute warning sounded.
  • Ludo Bagman announced that the first event of the Super Goblet of Fire had begun.

Ch. 391Chaos on the Field

The international flying competition began, and Zhang Xiao waited for the growing chaos to create an opening while Harry Potter pursued the enchanted key. Harry saw through Krum’s Wronski Feint once, but as he and Krum raced toward the key again, Harry hesitated over whether to keep diving.

  • Madam Hooch started the match, and Ludo Bagman announced the teams’ formations, including Koldovstoretz’s five-rider formation on poplar trees and Zhang Xiao competing alone.
  • Zhang Xiao used his Clear-Minded State to confirm he could track the key, then waited for more keys and mounting confusion to give him a chance.
  • Koldovstoretz’s champions rammed competitors with their poplar trees, and the committee allowed the collisions to continue.
  • Harry followed Krum into a dive, recognized the Wronski Feint, and pulled up while the other pursuers crashed; Krum acknowledged Harry before resuming the hunt.
  • Zhang Xiao spotted the key circling over fallen champions as Harry and Krum dived toward it again, with Krum rapidly closing the gap behind Harry.
  • Harry neared the ground and wondered whether to abandon his pursuit.

Ch. 392The Second Key

Martins used a hidden capture feature on his Broomstick to seize the first key, but officials banned it after ruling that he had concealed it. The second task began with Neville and Ron caught in a chaotic aerial battle, while the second key was released and Harry kept pace with Krum.

  • Martins caught the first key with branches grown from his Broomstick, prompting spectators to accuse him of cheating.
  • The committee allowed Martins to keep the key but banned the concealed capture feature, and he flew through the finish ring as the first Champion to qualify.
  • Neville protected Ron from a spell as the Champions in the second section fought over Martins and the key; repeated Whirlwind Sweep spells trapped Martins before the exit.
  • Madam Hooch released the second key, and Krum surged ahead of the other Champions with a series of daring flying maneuvers.
  • Harry stayed close behind Krum, prompting Ludo Bagman to excitedly announce that Harry had not given up.

Ch. 393Go, Harry!

Harry and Viktor Krum pushed their brooms to the limit in a high-speed duel for the flying key. Harry caught it with a daring last-second maneuver, while Krum crashed into the ground, and the crowd erupted in celebration.

  • Krum tried a series of aerial maneuvers to shake Harry, but Harry stayed close behind him.
  • Krum accelerated toward the key, but Harry’s Nimbus 2000 handled the key’s sharp turns more nimbly, and Harry drew level with him.
  • Harry surged ahead of Krum during a dive as McGonagall, Sirius, Dumbledore, Zhang Xiao, and the crowd urged him on.
  • Harry released his hands and skimmed upside down just above the ground to scoop up the key.
  • Harry caught the key, Krum crashed into the ground, and Sirius wept as he told James that Harry had surpassed him.

Ch. 394Now!

Harry caught the second key after defeating Krum in the first task, then joined Ron and Neville as twelve Champions pursued Hogwarts in the second task. As the third key launched, Zhang Xiao prepared to fly after it on a sword.

  • Harry caught the second key and flew into the second task while Krum lay injured, then got back up and resumed flying.
  • Harry found Ron and Neville facing Castelobruxo's vine-ball defense, and Martins planned to use the chaos to advance with his team.
  • Harry led Ron and Neville into the fight, drawing twelve Champions into pursuit as Ludo commentated on the shifting contest.
  • At Dragon-Tiger Mountain, Zhang Chengdao and the others discussed when Zhang Xiao would enter the competition and noted that he had been given a flying sword.
  • Madam Hooch launched the third key, and Zhang Xiao's sword shot into the sky as the task began.

Ch. 395That brilliant flash of swordlight

Zhang Xiao used his enchanted flying sword to seize the third key almost immediately, stunning the spectators and officials. The other schools challenged his equipment, and the headmasters agreed to ban competitors from using anything except wands and committee-supplied items.

  • Zhang Xiao rode his flying sword at incredible speed and caught the third key moments after it was released.
  • Ludo Bagman announced Zhang Xiao as the key’s claimant, and the arena erupted as news of his record-breaking capture spread.
  • Zhang Chengdao complained that the Old Celestial Master had loaded Zhang Xiao’s sword with too many enhancements, while the Old Celestial Master arranged a bear-pelt coat for him.
  • The other headmasters accused Dumbledore of allowing unfair equipment, and Dumbledore reminded them that they had previously accepted equipment as part of a competitor’s strength.
  • The headmasters agreed that, effective immediately, young wizards could use only their wands and items supplied by the organizing committee.

Ch. 396Tai Chi Force (Writer's block...)

The second task resumed under new restrictions, and Harry, Ron, and Neville fought their way toward the third task. Neville used Tai Chi to gather incoming spells and launch the key to Harry, while Zhang Xiao escaped his pursuers and headed for the passage.

  • Ludo Bagman suspended the competition and announced that champions could use only wands and committee-provided equipment, forcing the teams to replace their brooms.
  • Harry, Ron, and Neville resumed the task with Hermione guiding them, but a Mahoutokoro champion dispelled Harry's fog and the other teams surrounded them.
  • Neville took the key from Harry, drew the attacking spells into his Tai Chi movements, and blasted the key toward the third task.
  • Harry caught the key and entered the third task, while Viktor Krum and the Beauxbatons champions also secured keys.
  • Zhang Xiao used a Fantasy Thunder Talisman to break free of his pursuers and flew toward the third-task passage.

Ch. 397Third Task

Zhang Xiao effortlessly passed the obstacle course and entered the Third Task, still wondering why his grandfather wanted him to seek prestige. Harry, Cedric, and Malfoy entered a strange Quidditch challenge, while Zhang Xiao discovered that he had landed in the same task.

  • Zhang Xiao dodged the Champions’ spells, split a magical gale with a talisman, and flew through the third gate.
  • Ludo Bagman announced that Mahoutokoro had taken the fifth key, Castelobruxo and Beauxbatons were fighting over keys, and Krum was still competing.
  • Harry arrived with a key and told Cedric and Malfoy that he had beaten Krum; the three used the key to enter a glowing gateway.
  • Harry, Cedric, and Malfoy found themselves in a Quidditch match with a ten-minute timer and a goal requirement, and Cedric was fouled as the Korea Team scored.
  • Malfoy recognized the match and warned Harry and Cedric about the Korea Team’s disgraceful play from twenty years earlier.
  • Zhang Xiao entered the Third Task and found himself facing the same Quidditch challenge.

Ch. 398The Ugly Korea Team

Harry, Cedric, and Malfoy faced a brutal simulation of the Korea team during the Third Task and struggled to survive long enough to score. After using coordinated Quidditch formations to score twice, they had one goal left to complete the challenge.

  • Malfoy and Cedric identified the opponents as the notorious Korea team, whose dirty play had earned a past match the name “the murder match.”
  • Zhang Xiao discovered that the opponents could repair their damaged bodies and decided to fight them physically.
  • Spectators recognized the Korea team, and an Italian wizard angrily urged the Hogwarts players to fight back.
  • Harry, Cedric, and Malfoy devised a Three-Pronged Attack Formation and scored their first goal together.
  • Cedric and Malfoy used Parkin's Pincer to dispossess an opponent, then formed an Eaglehead Attack with Harry to score a second goal.

Ch. 399Attack!

A Korea Team dummy struck Harry during setup, leaving him unconscious and prompting the referee to send Malfoy off for retaliating. Zhang Xiao continued dominating the match as he prepared to make a conspicuous move before the final task.

  • A dummy kicked Harry from his broom during setup, knocking him unconscious, and Cedric rushed to help him.
  • Malfoy attacked the dummy that struck Harry and was disqualified by the referee.
  • Spectators and Hogwarts staff condemned the refereeing, while Koko recalled a similar Korea Team scandal from twenty years earlier.
  • Snape recognized signs of exhaustion in Harry and went to the Emergency Response Team with a powerful Draught of Living Death in his pocket.
  • Zhang Xiao caught a dummy's club, broke its attacker’s leg, scored another goal, and decided to make a bold play before the final minute ended.

Ch. 400Dragon

Zhang Xiao cleared the third task and reached Sky Island, where he paused at the bronze gate to plan a stylish way to face the dragon. Meanwhile, Cedric fought through the third task’s opponents and scored for Hogwarts, leaving the crowd roaring as Zhang’s final challenge awaited.

  • Zhang Xiao emerged from the third task, learned from Ludo Bagman that he was the first champion to clear all three tasks, and flew toward Sky Island.
  • Zhang Xiao reached the bronze gate and pondered how to defeat the dragon in a way that would impress the spectators.
  • Ludo Bagman reported that Uagadou had obtained the sixth key while Krum and Beauxbatons approached the third task, and Dumbledore watched Harry receive treatment as Draco stood unable to compete.
  • Cedric Diggory attacked the opposing players and, following Hermione’s theory about the rules, struck a dummy without drawing a referee’s whistle.
  • Cedric endured the opposition’s attacks, scored with the Quaffle, and shouted insults as the Hogwarts crowd and Professor Sprout cheered him on.

Ch. 401All Done, Time to Wrap Up

Zhang Xiao delayed entering the dragon challenge so the Hogwarts team could show the audience how dangerous dragons were. He then confronted a Hungarian Horntail and unleashed a dazzling attack that left the spectators stunned.

  • Ludo Bagman announced that Hermione Granger would replace the injured Harry Potter in the Hogwarts team.
  • Dumbledore told Da Silva that Zhang Xiao did not need his help and would soon demonstrate his ability.
  • Zhang Xiao learned that Harry had been removed from the competition after entering a clear-minded state, then let Malfoy, Neville, Cedric, Ron, and Hermione enter the gate first.
  • Zhang Xiao listened as the Hogwarts team fought their dragon and defended themselves with coordinated spells.
  • Zhang Xiao entered the challenge, faced a Hungarian Horntail, and fired a powerful lightning-wreathed beam that blinded the magical projections and stunned the audience.

Ch. 402Dao-Transmutation Strike: Youth Edition

Zhang Xiao defeated the Hungarian Horntail with a powerful technique he understood as a youth version of the Dao-Transmutation Strike, then finished the first task and reflected on how to advance his magic. He reunited with the other champions as they returned with their golden eggs, and they began recounting how Neville encouraged them to face their dragon.

  • Zhang Xiao's single strike brought down the Hungarian Horntail, shocking spectators and headmasters, while Dumbledore explained that Zhang's family method was safe.
  • The Old Celestial Master recognized Zhang Xiao's attack as a harmless adaptation of the Dao-Transmutation Strike and reassured the worried disciples.
  • Zhang Xiao took the golden egg, used the enchanted chair to return to the tent, and became the first champion to finish the task.
  • While recovering, Zhang Xiao realized that combining the Golden Light Spell, the clear-minded state, and Western magic let him unleash incomplete Dao-Transmutation Strikes, and he worried about how to improve further.
  • Malfoy, Hermione, Ron, Neville, and Cedric arrived with their golden eggs; Neville began explaining how he had reminded them that Dumbledore would not assign an impossible task.

Ch. 403The competition ends (My child has a high fever, so only one update)

Zhang Xiao learned how Hogwarts’ team retrieved the dragon’s key, then watched other schools complete the challenge and noticed Durmstrang’s use of dark magic. Exhausted, he went to the Hospital Wing, while the first round eventually ended.

  • Hermione explained that Neville, Cedric, Malfoy, Ron, and the others worked together to distract the Hebridean Black Dragon and take the key around its neck.
  • Madam Pomfrey treated the injured competitors and gave Zhang Xiao an improved Draught of Living Death from Professor Snape.
  • Durmstrang, Mahoutokoro, and Beauxbatons qualified to challenge dragons as the remaining schools continued competing for third place.
  • Zhang Xiao watched Krum and Durmstrang subdue a Welsh Green Dragon with dark magic, then observed Beauxbatons and Yachigusa Tsuki face their own dragons.
  • Zhang Xiao became overwhelmed by exhaustion, drank Snape’s potion, and had Yunbo take him to the Hospital Wing.
  • The competition grounds fell silent after sunset, marking the end of the first round.
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