Five days of jolting carriage rides melted away like morning mist, fueled by the anticipation of the looming alchemy competition. As their wheels clattered across the threshold of District 3, an eerie sense of normalcy washed over them.

"It's like they have no idea about the chaos of District 1," Hyeol-Ran murmured, her sharp eyes scanning the oblivious faces in the crowd. "Yeonji must have some serious connections to keep a lid on that chaos."

The cityscape unfurled before them – soaring towers and winding alleyways. Scents of sizzling street food mingled with the pungent aromas of rare herbs, creating an intoxicating perfume that seemed to embody the spirit of District 3.

Do Joon-soo's eyes widened, drinking in the sights. "Now this," he said with a low whistle, "is what I call an alchemist's playground."

Even the usually stoic Alchemist Joo couldn't hide his wonderment. "Indeed... it's enough to make an old man's heart race."

As they ventured into the heart of the district, the true scale of the competition began to reveal itself. Streets overflowed with aspiring alchemists from every corner of the continent. Young faces shone with hope and nerves in equal measure, each dreaming of claiming the title of top alchemist.

"By the heavens," Yi Ji-won breathed, "I've never seen so many pint-sized potion-makers in one place."

Hyeol-Ran smirked. "Feeling a bit overwhelmed, old man?"

"Not at all," he shot back, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of uncertainty. "Just... taking stock of the competition."

They wove through the sea of eager students. Here, surrounded by fellow alchemy enthusiasts, Joo-won was in his element.

The sun dipped low, painting District 3 in hues of amber and rose as our band of alchemists trudged through the crowded streets. Their eyes scanned the endless rows of inns and lodging houses, each one seeming more packed than the last.

"We need to find a place to crash for the next month," Do Joon-soo grumbled, shifting his pack. "Can't have our wonder kid missing his big debut because we're sleeping in an alley."

Joo-won's cheeks flushed at the 'wonder kid' comment, but he kept his eyes peeled for any sign of vacancy.

Just as hope began to wane, Hyeol-Ran's sharp eyes caught a glimmer of promise. "There!" she exclaimed, pointing to a weathered sign swinging in the breeze. "Vacancy" it proclaimed in faded characters.

The lodging house was far from grand – a quirky, lopsided building that looked like it had been cobbled together from spare parts. But to the weary travelers, it might as well have been a palace.

Do Joon-soo approached the wizened old proprietor, coin purse in hand. "A month's stay," he said, dumping a pile of silver on the counter. "And we'd appreciate some... discretion."

The old man's eyes twinkled as he swept the coins into his palm. "Discretion's my middle name, young master. Though I reckon it'd be a mite hard to spell."

As they trudged up creaking stairs to their room, the reality of their situation began to sink in. Alchemist Joo's brow furrowed as he voiced the thought they'd all been avoiding.

"We've got a problem," he said, his voice low. "Getting the boy into this competition... it's not going to be as simple as we hoped."

The others turned to him, questions in their eyes.

"Think about it," Joo continued. "Every other brat out there? They've got a school backing them. Joo-won? He's a lone wolf. And I don’t think he will be allowed in the competition without a school representing him."

The quiet of their cramped room was shattered by a cacophony of angry voices from the street below. Our intrepid group rushed to the window, nearly tripping over each other in their haste.

The scene that greeted them was one of chaos and conflict. Two groups of young alchemists faced off in the narrow street, their faces flushed with anger and wounded pride.

"Well, well," drawled a tall boy with an ornate silver pendant. "If it isn't the mud-pickers from Autumn Maple. Lost on your way to the turnip festival?"

His companions – all wearing the distinctive robes of the Lunar Cauldron – laughed sycophantically.

Joo-won's eyes widened in recognition. "The Lunar Cauldron," he whispered. "They're like royalty in the alchemy world."

Indeed, the Lunar Cauldron students carried themselves with the easy arrogance of those born to privilege. Their robes were immaculate, their equipment gleaming and clearly expensive.

Facing them, looking decidedly less polished, stood a group of students from the Autumn Maple Retreat. Their clothes were simple, their equipment well-worn but cared for. What they lacked in finery, they made up for in the fire burning in their eyes.

"We have as much right to be here as you!" a freckled girl from Autumn Maple shot back, her fists clenched at her sides.

"Right? Maybe," the Lunar Cauldron leader smirked. "Chance of winning? About as likely as a pig sprouting wings and flying to the moon."

As the tension in the street below reached a boiling point, our group exchanged glances. They had come to District 3 looking for an opportunity – and it seemed one had just landed right in their laps. Amidst the jeers and taunts, a voice rang out from the Autumn Maple group, defiant despite the quaver in its tone.

"We're not backing down!" A lanky boy with messy hair stepped forward, his eyes blazing. "So what if our cauldrons aren't made of gold? Our potions pack just as much punch!"

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"If only Senior Brother was here," a girl with braided hair sighed, her voice tinged with longing. "He'd show those stuck-up jerks what real alchemy looks like."

"Yeah," another chimed in, his eyes gleaming with admiration. "I heard he created a Frost Flame elixir when he was only ten! Can you imagine what he could do now?"

Alchemist Joo's eyebrows shot up, a slow smile spreading across his weathered face. "Well, well," he mused, stroking his beard. "It seems fate has dealt us quite the hand."

Do Joon-soo clapped Joo-won on the shoulder, his grin wide and slightly wicked. "Ready to play the role of a lifetime, kid?"

Joo-won swallowed hard, but determination sparked in his eyes. "I... I think so. But how are we going to pull this off?"

Hyeol-Ran's laugh was sharp and full of mischief. "Oh, trust me, little alchemist. By the time we're done, those Autumn Maple kids will think their long-lost prodigy has returned – and those Lunar Cauldron brats won't know what hit them."

The Autumn Maple students trudged away, their shoulders slumped in defeat. But even in their gloom, a spark of hope flickered as they spoke of their absent hero.

"Man, Senior Brother would've wiped the floor with those Lunar Cauldron snobs," a stocky boy with a bandana grumbled, kicking at a pebble.

"For real," a girl with spectacles chimed in. "Remember that time he transmuted the restorative elixir during the drought?"

A lanky youth with freckles nodded vigorously. "And he's our age! Can you imagine what he'd do in this competition?"

Their voices carried on the evening breeze, a mix of admiration and longing.

Alchemist Joo's eyes twinkled with mischief as he overheard the Autumn Maple students' woes. A plan, bold and perhaps a touch reckless, began to form in his mind. With a spring in his step, he approached the downtrodden group.

"Why the long faces, young alchemists?" he called out, his voice warm and inviting. "Surely the future masters of Autumn Maple aren't letting a little competition get them down?"

The students eyed him warily, their expressions a mix of hope and suspicion. Years of bullying from Lunar Cauldron had taught them caution, but something in Alchemist Joo's demeanor sparked their curiosity, especially when he’s wearing the official robe of the Elixir Society.

"Listen closely," he said, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "I may have just the thing to turn the tables on those Lunar Cauldron snobs. But first, I'll need to have a word with your esteemed teacher."

The Autumn Maple students huddled together, their eyes darting between Alchemist Joo's Elixir Society robe and each other's uncertain faces. The air hummed with tension and a spark of hope.

Finally, the spectacle girl stepped forward. "Alright," she said, "I'll take you to Master Geonwoo."

Alchemist Joo's face lit up with a grin that was equal parts mischievous and reassuring. "My dear, you won't regret this. By the time I'm done, the popularity of your academy will be soaring like a kun peng."

As they walked towards the teacher's quarters, whispers of excitement rippled through the group.

"Just wait," Alchemist Joo said, his eyes twinkling. "We're about to turn this competition on its head. Autumn Maple is going to show everyone what true alchemy looks like."

The students couldn't help but be swept up in his enthusiasm. For the first time in ages, they dared to imagine victory. Little did they know, Alchemist Joo's plan would not only change the competition but shake the very foundations of their alchemical world.

The students led Alchemist Joo towards their teacher. Master Geonwoo, stood waiting in the courtyard, his keen eyes immediately spotting the telltale insignia of the Elixir Society on Joo's robes.

"Well, well, if it isn't the infamous Alchemist Joo," Geonwoo said with a grin, bowing deeply. "To what do we owe this unexpected pleasure?"

Joo returned the gesture, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Come now, Master Geonwoo. Surely you can guess why I've graced your humble academy with my presence?"

The students exchanged excited glances. It wasn't every day that two alchemical titans crossed paths like this.

Geonwoo stroked his wispy beard, feigning ignorance. "Hmm, let me think. You've run out of ingredients and need to raid our storeroom?"

Joo chuckled. "Not quite. Word travels fast in our circles, my friend. I heard about your little... predicament with the upcoming competition."

The jovial atmosphere shifted slightly, a flicker of worry crossing Geonwoo's face. "Ah, so you've come to gloat, then?"

"On the contrary," Joo said, raising an eyebrow. "I'm here to offer a solution. That is, if you're willing to hear out an old rival?"

Geonwoo's brow furrowed, the weight of his academy's reputation heavy on his shoulders. "You've hit the nail on the head, Joo. Our star alchemist is missing right before the biggest competition of the year."

Joo's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Oh, I might have a trick or two up my sleeve. I have an amazing person in my mind,”

Geonwoo stroked his beard thoughtfully. "And you're offering him as a substitute? That's... unexpected."

"Unexpected is my middle name," Joo quipped.

"I thought it was 'Trouble'," Geonwoo shot back, but a smile tugged at his lips.

The students watched the exchange like a heated Pai Sho match, heads swiveling between the two masters.

Geonwoo's smile faded as reality set in. "But Joo, you know the rules. He isn't a student here. We can't just slap our uniform on him and call it a day."

"Ah, but that's where you're wrong, my friend," Joo said, wagging a finger. "Rules are made to be... creatively interpreted. I have a plan that'll make everyone happy – and keep things strictly above board, of course."

After what felt like an eternity of debate, Geonwoo finally caved. "Fine. But this better not blow up in our faces."

Then Joo-won walked in, and Geonwoo's jaw hit the floor. "A child? You brought us a toddler?!"

The kid barely reached Geonwoo's waist, all messy hair and wide eyes. But there was something in those eyes – a spark of intelligence that made Geonwoo pause.

Joo grinned like a cat that got the cream. "Not just any child. Show him, Joo-won."

Without a word, the boy pulled out a vial of swirling, iridescent liquid. The nearby plants seemed to lean towards it, drawn by its power.

Geonwoo's eyes widened. "What is that...?" though he doesn’t understand the function of this potion, to be able to combine 7 different hue in one vial is no easy feat.

"Seven-Hued Harmony," Joo confirmed proudly. "Brewed by our little prodigy here."

A murmur rippled through the gathered students. You can’t be pulling my legs

Geonwoo met Joo-won's gaze. "Well then. Welcome to Autumn Maple Retreat."

Joo handled the paperwork and the other students swarmed around Joo-won, peppering him with questions.

Joo clapped a hand on Geonwoo's shoulder. "You won't regret this, old friend. Joo-won here is going to blow everyone's minds."

Geonwoo sighed, a mix of resignation and amusement in his voice. "He'd better. Otherwise, I'll be brewing you into my next potion."

Joo laughed, the sound echoing through the courtyard.

As they settled into their rooms, a hushed excitement filled the space. Tomorrow, they'd face off against the best young alchemists in the land. And maybe, just maybe, they'd catch the eye of the legendary Lee Dok-Hwa.

Fate had much bigger plans in store for them. But for now, dreams of victory and glory danced in their heads as they drifted off to sleep.