As night fell, Nezha and Ao Bing arrived at Center Lake Shore as promised. The moonlight was particularly bright tonight, casting a silvery sheen over the lake, which mirrored the countless stars in the sky.
"We have ten minutes until Zi Shi," Nezha said nervously. "What should we wish for?"
Ao Bing opened the Jade Box, revealing a pair of exquisite Silver Rings intricately engraved with complex runes. "These should be the vessels for our wishes. We need to wear them simultaneously and then make our wishes."
"Ao Bing," Nezha said earnestly, looking into Ao Bing's eyes, "what do you wish for the most?"
After a moment of contemplation, Ao Bing replied, "I hope to find a way to fulfill my responsibilities as the Dragon Prince while being with you, without having to choose between the two."
"I feel the same way!" Nezha exclaimed excitedly. "If we can find that balance, it would be perfect!"
As Zi Shi approached, the moonlight poured down like water. The two of them donned the Silver Rings at the same time, clasped their hands tightly, closed their eyes, and together made their wish in their hearts: "We hope to find a way to fulfill our responsibilities while staying together, never to part."
In an instant, the Silver Rings emitted a dazzling light, forming a Light Barrier around them. A gentle yet authoritative voice resonated in their hearts:
"Your wish has been recorded and will be pursued with effort. However, water and fire are inherently opposed; dragons and humans walk different paths. To break this norm, you must undergo three trials: the Trust Test, the Sacrifice Test, and True Love's Trial. Those who succeed shall receive the favor of fate and have their wishes granted; those who fail shall be separated for eternity, never to meet again."
As the light gradually faded, they opened their eyes to find that the Silver Rings had transformed into ordinary silver bands, but now bore an inscription on the inner side: "Hearts in sync can break fate."
"This is... an opportunity and also a trial," Ao Bing said thoughtfully. "Our wish has been accepted, but we must pass through three trials to realize it."
Nezha looked steadfastly at Ao Bing. "No matter what challenges we face, we will overcome them together! I believe in our love!"
Ao Bing smiled faintly, but there was a hint of worry in her eyes. "The first trial, the Trust Test, may come soon. I hope that when the time comes, we can withstand the challenge."
As the two conversed, Ao Bing's body suddenly began to grow transparent, her crystalline energy visibly waning.
"I don't have much energy left," Ao Bing said urgently. "Nezha, remember, no matter what happens, you must believe in my feelings for you. I will definitely return, no matter how far the road is or how great the obstacles may be."
"Me too!" Nezha grasped Ao Bing's increasingly ethereal hand tightly. "I will wait for you, no matter how long it takes!"
Ao Bing's final words echoed in the air: "Trust me, and trust yourself... We will surely meet again..."
Before her voice faded, Ao Bing's figure completely vanished, leaving only the Silver Rings quietly resting in Nezha's palm.
Nezha stood by the lakeside, gazing up at the starry sky, feeling both reluctant to part and hopeful for their reunion. Though the three trials were unknown and daunting, this experience from the Winter Couple Challenge had strengthened his belief that he and Ao Bing could overcome any difficulty together.
"Wait for me, Ao Bing," Nezha silently vowed in his heart. "We will meet again and find a way to be together forever."
In the distance, Aunt Taiyi stood quietly, a satisfied smile on her face.
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