After days of relentless travel, the group of eighteen warriors finally reached the outskirts of a small village hidden within the heart of a dense forest. Unlike the towering cities of the great empires, this settlement was simple—wooden huts with thatched roofs, winding dirt paths, and lush greenery stretching as far as the eye could see.
The air was thick with the scent of earth and nature, and the villagers moved about their daily tasks with an unhurried grace. This was a place untouched by the struggles of the outside world, where power and ambition took a backseat to harmony and survival.
However, as strangers approached the village, eyes turned toward them with caution. A group as large as theirs, clad in armor and carrying weapons, was an unusual sight for the secluded Druids.
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Meeting the Guardian of the Druids
Before they could step further, a middle-aged man with graying brown hair and piercing green eyes stepped forward. His presence alone commanded attention. Though he lacked the overwhelming aura of a celestial warrior, his bearing spoke of quiet strength.
He was the village's guardian, a Qi Fusion Refinement expert, the strongest in this humble settlement.
"State your purpose," he said, voice even but firm.
Xue Mor, ever the diplomat, stepped forward, offering a respectful bow. "We are travelers, heading toward the Death Knights for training. We seek only a brief respite before continuing on our journey."
The elder's sharp gaze scanned each of them, lingering on the warriors who carried themselves with battle-hardened confidence. Yet, something in their demeanor—perhaps their lack of arrogance—convinced him they were not here to cause harm.
After a moment, he nodded. "You may stay for a few days. But cause no trouble."
A silent wave of relief passed through the group. A moment of rest, however brief, was welcomed.
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Life Among the Druids
The next few days were unlike anything they had experienced before. The Druids were a peaceful people, their cultivation centered around nature and harmony rather than war and conquest.
Though wary at first, the villagers, especially the children, were endlessly curious about their visitors. It wasn't long before the younger ones began following them around, their wide eyes filled with wonder.
One evening, as the warriors gathered near a large bonfire, a small boy, no older than seven, tugged at Raikai's sleeve.
"Mister, are you a warrior?" the child asked, his eyes practically glowing with admiration.
Raikai smirked, crouching down to meet his gaze. "That obvious, huh?"
The boy nodded enthusiastically. "Can you tell us about cultivation?"
At this, the other children perked up, rushing forward to sit around them, eager to hear stories of strength and adventure. Even some of the younger villagers, not yet initiated into cultivation, gathered nearby.
Shinryu exchanged glances with Xue Mor, who simply smiled. "Why not?"
And so, the warriors spent the evening explaining cultivation to the village youth.
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The Basics of Cultivation
"Cultivation is the path to power, but it is also the path to self-discovery," Shinryu began, his voice steady. "At its core, it is the refinement of body, mind, and spirit."
He drew a simple diagram in the dirt, outlining the basic realms: Body Tempering, Qi Refinement, Qi Fusion, and beyond.
"Every cultivator walks their own path, shaped by their will and experiences," Xue Mor added. "Some follow the way of the sword, others the way of the elements. But in the end, it is not just strength that matters, but how you use it."
One of the older children, a girl of about ten, frowned. "But what about Death Arms? Aren't those only for great warriors?"
At this, Raikai grinned. "Not necessarily. Anyone has the potential to awaken their Death Arms. But…" he held up a finger, "Only those who push their limits and overcome great trials will unlock their true potential."
Curious murmurs spread among the children as they stared at the warriors with newfound awe.
To demonstrate, Yan Feiyan flicked open her Blazing Fans, their crimson edges glowing faintly in the firelight.
"These are my Death Arms," she said. "They absorb and reflect attacks."
Yan Xifeng, seated beside her, nocked an arrow, the tip igniting with a small flame. "And mine grant me mastery over fire-enhanced archery."
One by one, the warriors displayed their Death Arms, their forms shimmering under the flickering light. To the children, it was like witnessing legends come to life.
---
A Lesson in Strength
As the night wore on, the discussions shifted. Some of the older boys, filled with excitement, asked, "Is strength all that matters? If someone is strong, does that mean they always win?"
Xue Mor chuckled. "Not always. Strength is important, but battles are won with more than just brute force."
Shinryu nodded. "A strong warrior without a sharp mind is just a beast with a sword."
The group shared a few tales—stories of battles where strategy triumphed over raw strength, where wit and willpower had turned the tide. The children listened, enraptured, their imaginations ignited.
As the night grew late, the warriors finally stood, bidding the villagers goodnight. Though their stay was temporary, they had unknowingly planted the seeds of ambition within the next generation.
And for the first time in a long while, they found a moment of peace in the midst of their perilous journey.