The morning in Liang village felt different. The air was heavy with a tension that suffocated every corner, like an invisible and oppressive mist. The windows of the houses were shut, and few villagers dared to step outside, casting furtive glances toward the gates. It was as if a dark omen loomed over everyone, silencing even the birds that usually sang at dawn.
From atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the village, Castian held the Celestial Pearl in his hands, feeling its faint pulse, almost as if it had a life of its own. He stared at it, weighed down by the responsibility the object carried. The warning from the previous night still echoed in his mind, mixed with a sense of revolt and frustration.
"I won't let this happen," Castian muttered, his fingers gripping the Pearl firmly.
When he spotted a rider approaching on the road, mounted on a steed kicking up dust with every stride, his instincts kicked in immediately. Castian descended the slope quickly, his steps brisk and determined, until he reached the village entrance. He watched as the rider dismounted hastily, his shoulders slumped with exhaustion, clearly having come from a long journey. The man crossed the square in long strides, heading straight for the village center, where the elders were already waiting for him.
The villagers gathered around, forming a circle of curious and apprehensive eyes. In the middle of the square, Elder Boron unfolded the scroll handed to him by the rider, the dragon seal marking the letter with a sinister tone. He cleared his throat and, raising his voice, read the contents aloud for all to hear.
"‘To the inhabitants of Liang village,’" he began, his voice deep and steady, though it betrayed his discomfort. "‘I, Lord Feng, guardian of the eastern lands, demand the immediate surrender of the Celestial Pearl. Should you refuse to comply, know that your village will be reduced to ashes by my wrath. You have until the rise of the full moon to fulfill this command.’"
A murmur of fear rippled through the crowd. Castian felt a chill run down his spine. He already understood the power of the Pearl and knew how dangerous it would be to let it fall into the hands of someone like Feng. The implications of this demand became even clearer in his mind. "He wants to use the Pearl for something far greater... something we can’t even imagine."
Eldar, one of the elders, tried to hide the fear on his face, but his trembling voice betrayed him."It can’t be. Lord Feng is just threatening us. He knows our village is peaceful and that we lack the strength to resist him. Perhaps he just wants us to be afraid."
"Eldar, we know Feng is not a man who bluffs," Boron replied, his brow furrowed in concern. "If he says he will attack, he is willing to do so. And we know he has the resources to destroy us if he wishes."
"It’s more than that," the rider’s voice interrupted the silence. He looked at the elders with a serious, resigned expression. "Lord Feng does not tolerate refusals. If the Pearl is not surrendered, he will come, and he will bring destruction. He made it clear there will be no mercy for Liang village."
Those words fell upon the villagers like heavy stones, creating a sense of despair in the air. Castian, standing at a distance, kept his eyes fixed on the elders and the rider, his mind racing. They were faced with a terrible choice: surrender the Pearl and empower a tyrant or resist and risk the lives of everyone.
After delivering the warning, the rider mounted his horse and departed quickly, leaving behind a deathly silence. Castian continued to watch the elders’ meeting, noting the apprehension and despair etched on everyone’s faces.
With his heart racing, he gripped the Pearl tighter, feeling the mysterious pulse that seemed to transmit an unknown energy. Driven by a need for clarity, he walked away from the square toward a special place: the clearing with the great oak tree, where he often found the calm needed to think. Here, he had the habit of speaking with the entity that guided him, and now he needed any guidance he could get.
When he arrived, he took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and held the Pearl between his hands. He tried to focus, seeking the familiar presence that always offered him advice."I need answers," he whispered. "Why does Feng want the Pearl so badly? And how can I protect everyone without giving it up?"
A soft murmur, like a breeze, began to fill his mind—a distant but clear voice known only to him."He… seeks… power…"
Castian opened his eyes, his gaze dark."Power? Does he think he can control the world with the Pearl?"
"The Pearl… holds… an ancient secret… and with it, he can open the portals…"
The words sparked a revelation. Feng didn’t want the Pearl merely for its power but for something far more profound and dangerous: the ability to open portals to other dimensions, other worlds. If he controlled such power, there would be no limits to the extent of his dominion.
With growing determination, Castian returned to the square, where the elders were still deliberating. Standing before everyone, he raised his voice firmly, drawing their attention."We will not hand over anything to Feng," he declared, his tone resonating through the square with certainty.
The elders and villagers turned to him, surprised. Boron stepped forward, a mix of caution and approval in his gaze."And what do you suggest we do, Castian? Feng is powerful and has an army. Our village does not have enough warriors to face him."
Castian took a deep breath, feeling the weight of everyone’s eyes on him, but he did not falter."Surrendering the Pearl will only increase Feng’s strength and ambition. He won’t stop there. We need to prepare to defend it. And more than that, we must find a way to hide it so that even he cannot locate it."
A murmur of agreement rippled through the villagers. Some nodded, others expressed fear, but no one seemed willing to surrender without a fight. Liang village was peaceful, but everyone knew they couldn’t simply give away something so valuable to a tyrant.
"And how do you propose we do that, young man?" Eldar questioned, crossing his arms, skeptical but attentive.
"First, we will organize defenses. We can reinforce the village’s borders and train those willing to fight. Additionally, we need to learn more about the Pearl’s secrets. I believe it holds protective abilities we have yet to discover, and perhaps we can use them."
Boron sighed, running a hand over his tired face, but he nodded, a glimmer of hope in his eyes."Tomorrow at dawn, all those willing to protect the village must gather at the ancient temple. There, I will share what I know about the Pearl’s origin and the possible means of protection it can offer us."
As Boron spoke, Castian felt his resolve strengthen within him. He was willing to fight and would not rest until he found a way to protect the village—even if it meant facing Feng alone.
Watching the villagers disperse, he clenched the Pearl in his hand, silently vowing to do whatever it took. The full moon was near, and Feng would act soon. Castian knew the fate of Liang village now rested on his shoulders and that the choices he made in the coming days could change their lives forever.