Step into Changming Village: Prelude to the Convergence of Destiny

In the verdant South of Yun Mountain, the grasslands thrive with an abundance of vital energy.

Protected by the enigmatic Willow Forest, whispered to be home to a wise forest king, it shields both nature and its people.

Spanning the southern expanse, the Willow Forest forms the largest swath, creating a formidable barrier between the North, East, and West realms of the Central Continent.

Legend has it that the Willow Forest once stood as part of Yun Mountain during its descent, imbued with a peculiar Qi that empowers both beasts and those who dwell within, forged through long exposure to its depths.

Just beyond lies the Village of Changming, a border settlement under the sovereignty of the Nanzhao Kingdom, ruled by Emperor Zhao Weng of the illustrious Zhao Imperial Family.

Built upon the legacy of the Five Great Clans, hailing from realms above Yun Mountain, these clans faithfully serve the Imperial Family alongside numerous sects, each representing a different branch in both administrative and military capacities, fostering unparalleled cooperation.

Nanzhao Kingdom stands as the cradle of earth and wood martial practitioners, masters of beast taming in all its forms, and swift forest movement, utilizing the bountiful resources of the forest to repel any intruders.

The Zhao Imperial Army has embraced a doctrine centered on integrating beasts into its ranks, presenting a formidable challenge to any who dare oppose them.

Their borders with the Beichuan Dynasty to the northeast remain steadfastly stable, as the Zhao Imperial Family remains indifferent to the animosity between Empress Zhou, Wu Yue, and Emperor Ye Qingtian of Beichuan.

Despite this indifference, the Kingdom of Nanzhao extends a hand of friendship to neighboring nations, fostering a culture of warmth and cooperation.

To the west, nestled along the border of the Central Continent, lie two smaller kingdoms.

The Nanjiang Kingdom, ruled by the formidable He Xiulan, known as the Beast Queen, wields her authority with an iron fist, backed by the formidable three merchants association.

Within the Nanjiang Kingdom, both demi-humans and humans coexist in harmonious unity.

Their realm thrives on the husbandry of goats, horses, and warhorses, alongside the abundant spiritual minerals harvested from the neighboring mountain ranges. These minerals not only bolster martial cultivation but also serve as the cornerstone of their flourishing commerce, as they expertly forge weapons and other goods, earning them renown as masters of trade.

Though their army may be modest in size, it boasts unparalleled expertise in cavalry tactics and the creation of rune artifacts from spiritual minerals. This combination, coupled with the skill of earth and sand Yuan practitioners, renders them formidable adversaries, challenging to overcome.

Changan Dynasty, once known as the City of Xiyang, languished as an undeveloped land, defying the efforts of previous city lords to bring prosperity. It wasn't until the era of the new city lord, Liu Feng, that its fortunes began to change.

Under Liu Feng's astute leadership, a delicate balance of harmony was struck within the city, propelling it to become a beacon of prosperity within the Central Continent.

Much like Nanjiang, Changan is a haven where demi-humans and humans coexist peacefully, drawn together by the allure of its breathtaking coastal vistas, attracting merchants from across the seas seeking lucrative opportunities.

Renowned for their mastery of naval affairs, both in commerce and military endeavors, Changan boasts a formidable presence, adept in espionage tactics. This, combined with the formidable prowess of Void, Water, Wind, and Light Yuan practitioners, enhances their firepower and resilience.

When united, these two small kingdoms present a formidable front, particularly against the war clans wreaking havoc in the western regions. Their relationship with Nanzhao is characterized by warmth and cooperation, prioritizing proximity over distance, yet remaining open to negotiation and trade with other realms.

In time, the tales of their unity and strength will carve new legends into the annals of history, shaping the destiny of the Central Continent.

Yun Liuli, accompanied by her two eccentric servants, Duan Liqiu and Wei Peng, finally arrived at the bustling village center of Changming after another grueling two days of travel. Their mission? To seek a favor from her father's mentor, the legendary Old Hermit Gu Huang.

According to her father's tales, the old hermit had a knack for staying hidden deep within the nearby forest.

"How on earth are we supposed to find an old hermit in this maze of a village? It's like searching for a needle in a haystack," Wei Peng grumbled, clearly feeling disheartened and bored with the idea of a quick search.

"Less chatter, more hustle, Squirt. We've got work to do," Duan Liqiu snapped, shooting a glare at Peng who looked like he was about to doze off.

"But I'm exhausted! Just give me a shout when you find the old geezer, Senior. This junior needs some shut-eye," Peng mumbled before promptly falling asleep.

"Hahaha, looks like I'll have to resort to drastic measures to wake you up. Don't say I didn't warn you!" Liqiu chuckled mischievously, a hint of suppressed fury glinting in her eyes.

Ignoring Liqiu's warning, Peng continued to snore peacefully.

"That's it!" Liqiu exclaimed, delivering a swift and powerful kick to Peng's slumbering form.

*POW*

The sound echoed loudly, drawing the attention of nearby villagers, who were both shocked and amused to see Peng flying through the air.

"Ow! That was uncalled for, Senior Duan!" Peng protested, wincing in pain.

"You brought this upon yourself!" Liqiu retorted, her frustration evident.

"Thank you for your assistance, Chief," Liuli interjected, bowing graciously as she received the information they needed.

"Alright, that's enough, you two," Liuli said, motioning for her servants to follow as she had finally obtained the directions to the hermit's abode.

Upon reaching the outskirts of the village where the old hermit's livestock grazed, they encountered an unexpected scene...

The sound of chaos emanated from the direction of the hermit's villa, giving even Liuli pause before entering.

"Man, call me a coward, but I can't handle the pressure emanating from that villa. I feel like I'll suffocate if I step foot inside," Peng admitted, sweat beading on his forehead.

"Lady Liuli, are you sure it's wise to proceed? Something seems amiss," Liqiu voiced her concerns, casting a wary glance at the villa.

"No, I must go in. My father expects me to meet his esteemed mentor," Liuli declared, steeling herself for whatever lay ahead.

"No, Lady Liuli, allow me to take the risk. Spare yourself from potential danger," Liqiu pleaded, tugging at Liuli's sleeve.

"Elder! Let me be the sacrificial lamb!" Peng exclaimed, his legs trembling with fear.

"I mustn't let fear hold me back as the Maiden—" Liuli began, but her words were cut short by a sudden increase in pressure and the ominous sound of approaching footsteps.

With no other choice, they cautiously entered the hermit's abode, each step feeling more like a descent into a haunted house.

And then, they saw him...

"A-ah, what brings you to seek this old hermit's advice?" a battered and bound old man greeted them, his voice strained with pain.

Before anyone could respond, a formidable old woman wielding a sword appeared, her aura radiating menace.

All four of them froze awkwardly, feeling the weight of the situation bearing down on them.

"W-who are you?" the old lady demanded, her voice as sharp as her blade.

Yun Liuli quickly took charge, bowing deeply. "Senior, I am Yun Liuli, daughter of Yun Rong of the Yun Mountain, here to pay my respects to your esteemed self."

As the tension hung thick in the air, the old lady's demeanor softened, and she chuckled warmly. "My, my! So you're Yue's daughter! Please forgive this old lady's theatrics. The stress of dealing with this wreck of a man here has made me a bit...hoho~" She trailed off, her smile as bright as the sun, and just like that, the menacing aura dissipated into thin air.

Peng collapsed in relief, while Liqiu slumped to the ground, the tension finally released.