The episode involving Harry and Malfoy did not disrupt the Sorting Ceremony. Soon, Professor McGonagall returned to lead the students into the inner hall.
The Great Hall towered high, its ceiling painted with a starry sky that shifted in sync with the night sky outside, making one feel as though they were beneath a vast celestial canopy. Four long tables were arranged in the center of the hall, each draped with the colors of its respective house and banners that fluttered gently in the breeze.
What was truly staggering was the number of people filling the tables. As the first-years walked down the central aisle, they inevitably became the subjects of observation and discussion by the older students.
In Lin Shu's original sect, such a scene would never occur. No matter how wealthy or influential her sect was, they never acted with such extravagance when recruiting disciples, taking in only a few with exceptional talent as inner-disciple candidates. Being the focus of so many eyes was a first for her, and she felt more than a little nervous.
"Students, before we begin the Sorting Ceremony, I have a few notices to announce regarding the new term."
The voice was incredibly aged; the speaker was none other than the school's headmaster, Dumbledore. With his long white hair and beard, he looked like Santa Claus, even wearing a little nightcap. Lin Shu didn't know how to describe the old man, but he gave off an air that was both kind and whimsical.
"First-years, please note that the Forbidden Forest is strictly off-limits to all students. Additionally, our caretaker, Mr. Filch, has asked me to remind you that if you do not wish to meet a painful end, do not enter the corridor on the third floor on the right-hand side."
*What?*
Lin Shu arched a brow, clearly confused. If these restricted areas were forbidden, why announce them? In their age of being disliked by everyone and everything, their greatest quality was a refusal to believe in taboos. It would have been better not to know; now that she did, it would be unbearable not to take a look.
Lin Shu would bet her life that if this were back in her own sect, the moment her Master finished speaking, those restricted zones would be trampled flat by the disciples. For no other reason than that everyone would want to see what the fuss was about. Restricted? *Ha!* They were more like tourist attractions.
Lin Shu’s thoughts wandered as she tried to kill time. However, the sorting had already begun. She snuck a glance and realized it was just a hat that could speak. You put it on your head, and—*poof*—you were sorted! She didn't even know what to say; the whole process felt incredibly haphazard.
Hermione was sorted into Gryffindor. Ron was also sorted into Gryffindor. Draco, the handsome boy who had clashed with Harry and Ron, was sorted into Slytherin.
When it came to Harry’s turn, the Sorting Hat took a long time to give an answer.
"Hmm... difficult! Very difficult. I can see you have courage, a good heart, and, most importantly, talent. You are eager to prove yourself. Which house should I put you in?"
"Not Slytherin. Not Slytherin. Definitely not Slytherin."
"Are you sure? You could be great, you know. It’s all here in your head! Slytherin could help you on the path to greatness."
The Sorting Hat's voice was loud enough for Lin Shu to hear clearly. After Harry’s resistance, he finally got his wish and, like Hermione and Ron, was sorted into Gryffindor. It was a kind of destiny, she supposed.
Just as she was happy for them, Professor McGonagall called her name. Under the gaze of the entire hall, she walked up to the stage, sat on the stool just like the others, and let the hat be placed on her head.
The next second, a sound like a thunderclap erupted. The Sorting Hat fell to the floor with a *thud*, smoke rising from it, and flames beginning to lick at its brim.
Lin Shu gasped in horror! She had surely committed a catastrophic sin—on her very first day, she had killed the Sorting Hat.
*Waaaah—I didn't mean to!*
"Oh no, the Golden Light Spell triggered! Heavens, to cause such a disaster in front of the whole school... I really have outdone myself."
The situation happened so suddenly that Headmaster Dumbledore was the first to react, casting a *Aguamenti* charm, though it had minimal effect. Lin Shu hurriedly pinched a spell to break her own enchantment.
"The Heavenly Path is complete, the three and five are in harmony, the sun and moon aligned, the universe illuminated. The Qi is the Tao, surrounding my body, connecting to the spirits, manifesting divine power. I move forward, and those who oppose shall suffer."
As the incantation ended, the Sorting Hat lay gasping on the floor, but its life had been spared. Lin Shu tentatively looked up at the headmaster and the professors; their expressions were grim and exceptionally serious. She really, truly hadn't meant to...
"I'm sorry, I didn't know my Golden Light Spell protection would hurt it. Perhaps I can heal it and make up for my unintentional mistake..."
Without waiting for them to react, she busied herself cleaning up her own mess, her hands moving so fast they were a blur.
"Heavenly Emperor’s divine power, purge the ghosts and thieves! The Six-Yi assist me, the Heavenly Path grants virtue! By my order, no obstacle shall remain! By the decree of the Mystic Lady!"
As the spell concluded, the Sorting Hat gradually regained its energy. The areas burned by the Golden Light Spell began to heal at a visible rate.
"Ooh—finally, I’m back! These new students are terrifying! I nearly croaked! It’s too frightening—put her in Slytherin! Slytherin—"
The hat’s shriek echoed through the hall, piercing everyone’s eardrums, but judging by the volume, it had recovered fully.
After a brief silence, the long tables erupted into heated conversation. Lin Shu didn't need to guess to know they were discussing her. *Help! It’s only the first day! I don't want to be famous!* She exhaled, bracing herself for the judgment of the Headmaster and the professors. Fine, if they wanted to expel her, so be it. She wouldn't struggle anymore. Whatever happens, happens.
But the next second, Dumbledore’s voice came:
"Oh! A marvelous spell. You truly are a genius. It seems my decision to accept an exchange student was entirely correct. Child, take your seat. After the feast, come to my office to collect the school supplies I’ve prepared for you."
*Huh? That’s it? That’s all?*
Lin Shu doubted her ears, but when she looked up, she saw the genuine kindness in Dumbledore's eyes. *Waaaah—the old man is nice, he didn't hit me! If it were my Master, I’d already be beaten to a pulp.* She was moved.
"Thank you, Headmaster. And I'm sorry, Sorting Hat, I’ll be careful next time."
"What?! You’re planning a next time?!" the Sorting Hat roared, before Professor McGonagall pinched it up and hauled it away. At least its incessant chatter was gone.
Lin Shu offered an awkward but polite smile and quickly found a seat at the Slytherin table. The moment she sat down, the noise at the table stopped abruptly. Every eye turned to her, making her feel incredibly uncomfortable. She swept her gaze back at them, and they all quickly lowered their heads, looking at the ceiling or the floor, just not at her. It seemed she had left quite a psychological shadow on her classmates on her first day.
*This is going to be difficult.*
She would have to live here for a long time; she only hoped life wouldn't be too dull. Feeling somewhat dejected, she picked up her knife and fork and began to cut into the lamb chop. It tasted gamy, and she barely suppressed the urge to gag. The food here was truly poor, failing to meet even basic standards. Thinking about it made her even sadder.
Just then, a hand appeared in front of her. She looked up and met Malfoy’s eyes.
"I’m Draco Malfoy. I saw you on the stairs. You were with that Potter."
"Yes, we met on the train. Harry is a decent person."
"Damn it, my hand has been out for ages. Why aren't you shaking it? Are you copying that Potter? Trying to get famous in Slytherin?"
Lin Shu shook her head and instinctively reached out to shake his hand. She realized that Malfoy was just a bit arrogant, a typical young master, but not a bad person at heart.
"Sorry, I didn't realize you wanted to shake hands."
"Forget it. You've probably been around that Potter too long and your brain has gone soft. I mean, you’re not a Mudblood, right?"
*Mudblood? What is that?* Lin Shu searched her vocabulary, but the term wasn't there. She had to ask. "What is a Mudblood?"
"Good heavens! You don't even know what a Mudblood is? Let me ask another way—are you pure-blood?"
*Pure-blood? What is that?* Was Draco trying to ask if her Spiritual Root talent was pure? That seemed to be the only possibility. She answered decisively:
"I'm pure! If I weren't, how could I cultivate? My Master said my talent is once-in-a-century."
"Fine! In that case, I allow you to be my friend, Shu."
Lin Shu remained bewildered. She found the haughty Malfoy a bit arrogant and dramatic, but surprisingly, she didn't dislike him. Instead, she sat and listened patiently as he rambled on.
"By the way, Shu, what spells were you using during the sorting? Is it a spell passed down through your family?"
"It’s Qimen magic. To you, it’s indeed a secret."
"Sounds impressive. When can you use it again? Let me see it up close..."
Lin Shu smiled helplessly. Suddenly, a transparent head appeared at the Gryffindor table. As Ron reached for a chicken leg, the head simply floated there in plain sight.
Lin Shu had only one thought: *A ghost! Catch the ghost!* To have spirits living among mortals—wasn't that turning the world upside down? It was simply outrageous!
Following this, several spectral figures darted out from somewhere in the castle. They were all transparent, devoid of any life force, and brought a chilling wind wherever they passed. Malfoy was frightened by the spectacle and, as a ghost swept past their table, dove straight under it.
Lin Shu hadn't intended to interfere, but seeing him so pitifully scared, her compassion got the better of her. She slid under the table as well, grabbed Draco’s hand, and pulled him out.
"Malfoy, don't be afraid! They’re just ghosts. If they dare come over, I’ll make them dissipate into thin air."
"Who’s afraid? My knife and fork just fell, that’s all."
"Right, Malfoy is the bravest. If you can’t find them, forget it. Let’s go back to our seats."
"Fine."