The Immovable Statue

"I ask of you, children," the elder's eyes softened, yet his voice remained unwavering. "You must stay safe out there. And if you ever uncover the source of that crimson pillar—you must not engage." His expression darkened, his brows furrowing in a rare display of unease. "That aura was demonic… dark and ominous. Never—and I mean never—befriend a demonic cultivator."

The group nodded hesitantly. Many of them did not want to leave. They wanted to fight, to stand beside their elders, to defend their home. But they were too young, too inexperienced. Their parents and elders ushered them toward the narrow cave hidden within the mountain's embrace—an escape route that had existed for generations, carved out in secrecy. It was designed only for humans to pass through, its structure too tight for larger pursuers.