The village square still smelled of blood.
Charred torches guttered in the wind, casting long shadows over the corpses of corrupted beasts. The cracked bell swayed faintly, as if sighing in relief. Beyond the fields, the night returned to its natural quiet, the cries of crickets slowly daring to rise again.
The villagers gathered in awe around Long Chen. Children peeked from behind their parents' legs, eyes wide with both fear and admiration. The elder leaned heavily on his stick, bowing deeply.
"Young man," the old voice rasped, trembling with sincerity, "without you, this night would have been our last. Our hamlet is small, our strength pitiful. You did not owe us, yet you stood alone against the tide."
Others followed, dropping to their knees, voices overlapping:
"Savior…"
"Hero…"
"Please, let us repay you somehow!"
Long Chen shook his head. His chest still ached from the Wolf King's strike, but his golden eyes were calm. "I did not fight for praise. The beast blocked my path, so I slew it. That is all."
The villagers exchanged glances, unsure how to answer such cold certainty. Yet behind the words, they sensed no arrogance—only truth.
After the bodies were dragged outside the village and burned, the villagers gathered around a fire to share food. A clay bowl of stew was pressed into Long Chen's hands. Thin broth, a few roots, scraps of meat—but offered with gratitude, it carried more weight than jade wine.
As he ate, a boy no older than twelve approached, clutching a wooden practice spear. His eyes shone with fierce determination.
"Mister Long Chen," the boy said, bowing stiffly. "Teach me."
Long Chen blinked. "Teach you?"
"To fight beasts like you do! I don't want to watch helplessly when monsters come again."
A murmur spread. The villagers hushed, watching Long Chen's response.
He studied the boy, then shook his head. "Your body is too weak. To stand against beasts, you must first step onto the path of cultivation."
The boy's shoulders slumped.
"But," Long Chen continued, his tone softening, "if you cultivate your spirit, if you temper your will, even the weakest seed can grow into a tree. Protect your family first. The sword will come later."
The boy's eyes lit with hope, and he bowed again. "Yes, sir!"
As Long Chen set aside the empty bowl, the System chimed.
[ Hidden Quest Unlocked ]
Inspire the Next Generation
Objective: Motivate a mortal child toward cultivation.
Reward: +1 Spirit, Favorability in village +20
Completion Status: Achieved.
A faint smile tugged at his lips. So even words carry weight on the path.
As the night deepened, the village elder beckoned Long Chen aside. "Traveler… you should not linger here long. Your power is beyond us, but beasts are not our only threat. News of the Wolf King's death will spread. Envious eyes will come."
Long Chen's gaze sharpened. "Sects?"
The elder nodded slowly. "This land belongs to Azure Cloud Sect. They demand tribute each year, and their disciples roam the forests. A youth like you… they will not ignore."
At that moment, a sharp voice called from the edge of the square.
"You speak true, old man."
The villagers gasped. A figure emerged from the shadows—robes of pale blue embroidered with clouds, a sword at his waist. His face was young, proud, eyes filled with cold disdain. Behind him trailed two more in the same robes.
The elder stiffened. "Azure Cloud Sect disciples…"
The lead youth's gaze fell on the bones of the Wolf King, then on Long Chen. His lips curled into a sneer.
"So. A wild brat killed this beast? Hmph. By rights, its core belongs to our sect. Hand it over."
The villagers shrank back, fear in their eyes. None dared speak.
Long Chen rose slowly, golden eyes locking onto the arrogant disciple. His fingers brushed the hilt of the Iron Fang Blade at his side.
So the vultures arrive already.