Greenbrook had always been a quiet village, a place where the rhythm of life was set by the cycles of planting and harvest. Old Li remembered the days when the most pressing concern was whether the rains would come in time to nourish the crops. Now, as he stood at the edge of the village, leaning on his cane, he barely recognized the place.
The fields were still there, stretching out in neat rows, but they were no longer the heart of the village. Greenbrook had become a military camp, its open spaces filled with soldiers and makeshift fortifications. The air, once filled with the sounds of children playing and birds singing, now echoed with the clang of metal and the barked orders of captains. The soldiers worked tirelessly, their faces grim and determined. They knew what was coming—everyone did. But life went on, as it always did, even under the shadow of impending doom.
Old Li had lived through more seasons than most, and he knew that the harvest must still be gathered, even as war loomed on the horizon. The villagers, too, understood this. The fields needed tending, the crops needed harvesting. For many of them, this might be their last contribution before the war fully consumed their land. There was a sense of duty, a belief that they had to do their part—not just for themselves, but for the soldiers, for the kingdom, for everyone who depended on the bounty of their fields.
As Old Li walked through the village, he saw the determination in the faces of his neighbors. The men and women who had once been simple farmers now moved with purpose, their hands calloused from work but steady as they carried supplies to the soldiers or reinforced the village’s defenses. Even the children, usually full of mischief, seemed subdued, their eyes wide as they watched the soldiers train.
He passed by the village square, where a group of women were preparing meals for the troops. The air was thick with the smell of cooking, and for a moment, it felt like any other day in Greenbrook. But the illusion was shattered by the sight of soldiers practicing formations nearby, their movements precise and deadly.
Old Li paused to watch them, his gaze drifting to the fields beyond. The crops were nearly ready for harvest, the heads of grain heavy and golden in the late afternoon sun. The villagers would be needed in the fields soon, to bring in the harvest before the fighting started in earnest. After that... who knew what would become of Greenbrook?
As he stood there, lost in thought, a shout went up from the gate. Old Li turned, his heart quickening. The first of the cultivators had arrived.
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The news spread quickly through the village: the cultivators were here. Old Li felt a mix of awe and trepidation as he made his way to the main road, where the first group was arriving. The Azure Sky Pavilion had sent their people, and at their head was Yun Feng—a name that even Old Li, who rarely paid attention to the affairs of the powerful, recognized.
The cultivators approached in a disciplined formation, their robes billowing in the breeze. There was something ethereal about them, as if they were beings from another world. They moved with a grace that made it seem as though their feet barely touched the ground, and their eyes—sharp, intelligent, and all-seeing—seemed to take in everything at once.
Yun Feng led the group, his presence commanding and yet calm. Despite his youthful appearance, Old Li knew that Yun Feng was much older than he looked. Cultivators like him aged slowly, their lifespans extended by their mastery of Qi. Yun Feng’s eyes, deep and calculating, betrayed the centuries of experience that lay behind them.
As Yun Feng approached the village square, Liang Shen, the quartermaster, stepped forward to greet him. Liang Shen had been expecting the cultivators, and he moved with the efficiency of someone who had prepared meticulously for this moment. There was a brief exchange between them—formal, respectful. Yun Feng inquired about the village’s defenses, his tone professional, while Liang Shen provided the necessary information with the same level of precision.
Old Li watched as Yun Feng nodded approvingly, though his expression remained thoughtful. The cultivators had seen many battles, and they knew what to look for. Old Li could see Yun Feng’s mind at work, already planning, already assessing what needed to be done.
“Old Li,” Liang Shen called, breaking the old man’s reverie. “Please show our guests to their quarters.”
Old Li nodded, stepping forward. It was an honor to be trusted with this task, though it made him nervous to be in such close proximity to these powerful figures. “This way, Master Yun,” he said, bowing slightly.
Yun Feng gave a slight nod, his expression inscrutable, and gestured for his disciples to follow. As Old Li led them through the village, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride in how Greenbrook had prepared for their arrival. The buildings set aside for the cultivators were among the sturdiest in the village, hastily reinforced with extra timber and stone. They had even taken care to ensure that the quarters were positioned strategically—close enough to the heart of the village to allow the cultivators to respond quickly to any threat, but far enough to give them a clear view of the surrounding area.
“Your village is well-organized,” Yun Feng remarked as they walked.
Old Li nearly stumbled in surprise at the compliment. “Thank you, Master Yun. We’ve done our best to prepare.”
Yun Feng’s gaze swept over the village, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in the various defenses. “There is always more that can be done,” he said, almost to himself. “But for now, this will suffice.”
Old Li nodded, not quite knowing how to respond. He was keenly aware that these cultivators operated on a level far beyond what ordinary villagers could comprehend. What they saw as sturdy and well-prepared, Yun Feng likely saw as basic and lacking. But there was no condescension in his tone, just a matter-of-fact acceptance of the situation.
As they reached the quarters prepared for the Azure Sky Pavilion, Old Li turned to Yun Feng. “These are your quarters, Master Yun. If there is anything else you need, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
Yun Feng nodded, a slight inclination of his head. “Thank you, Elder Li. Your efforts are appreciated.”
With that, the cultivators began to settle in, their movements as fluid and precise as they had been on the road. Old Li lingered for a moment, watching them with a mix of curiosity and respect. Then, with a final nod, he took his leave, returning to the village square just in time to witness the arrival of the next group.
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If the arrival of Yun Feng had been impressive, the entrance of Liu Ruyi and the Cloud Piercing Sword Sect was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Old Li felt a chill in the air as they approached, led by Liu Ruyi herself. She was a striking figure, tall and imposing, her sword glinting ominously on her back.
There was a coldness to her, an aura of lethal precision that made the villagers instinctively step back as she passed. Even the soldiers, who had faced demons and other horrors at the Crescent Wall, seemed uneasy in her presence. Liu Ruyi’s reputation as one of the most formidable swordswomen in the kingdom was well-known, and she carried herself with the confidence of someone who had earned that reputation through countless battles.
As she entered the village square, Old Li saw Liang Shen step forward to greet her, just as he had with Yun Feng. But where Yun Feng had been calm and measured, Liu Ruyi was distant and aloof. She acknowledged Liang Shen with a curt nod, her eyes already scanning the village with a mixture of disdain and calculation. It was clear that she was unimpressed with what she saw.
Liang Shen, ever the professional, quickly directed her to the barracks that had been prepared for her sect. “Master Liu, we have set aside these quarters for you and your disciples. If there is anything more you require, please let me know.”
Liu Ruyi’s gaze flicked to him, her expression unreadable. “Very well,” she said, her tone clipped. She turned to her disciples, giving a few terse orders before following Old Li, who had been summoned once more to lead them to their quarters.
As they walked, Liu Ruyi’s sharp eyes seemed to take in every detail of the village, missing nothing. “What is the state of your village’s defenses, Elder Li?” she asked, her voice as cold as her demeanor.
Old Li swallowed nervously, feeling the weight of her scrutiny. “We have reinforced the walls and placed additional guards at the gates. The quartermaster, Liang Shen, has also set up several defensive formations around the village.”
Liu Ruyi made a small sound, something between acknowledgment and disapproval. “Defensive formations are well and good,” she said, “but they are no substitute for readiness in battle.”
Old Li nodded, unsure of how to respond. He could feel the tension in the air, the sense that Liu Ruyi was evaluating the village and finding it lacking. But what could they do? They were simple villagers, not warriors. They had done everything they could to prepare, but it was clear that, in the eyes of someone like Liu Ruyi, it was not enough.
When they reached the quarters set aside for the Cloud Piercing Sword Sect, Old Li hesitated before speaking. “Master Liu, if there is anything more we can do to improve the village’s defenses, please let us know.”
Liu Ruyi’s eyes flicked over him, and for a moment, Old Li thought she might dismiss him entirely. But then she nodded, a small gesture that held the weight of her authority. “I will send one of my disciples to assess your formations. We will ensure that they are sufficient.”
Old Li bowed deeply, relieved. “Thank you, Master Liu. We appreciate your guidance.”
Without another word, Liu Ruyi turned and entered the barracks, her disciples following in disciplined silence. Old Li watched them go, a sense of unease settling in his stomach. He couldn’t shake the feeling that, despite all their preparations, Greenbrook was still woefully unprepared for what was coming.
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The final arrival of the day brought with it a mix of anticipation and anxiety among the villagers. Liuyue Wen, the youngest sibling of Duchess Liuyue Ming, approached with a small entourage from the Azure Sky Pavilion. Unlike the stern presence of Yun Feng or the cold authority of Liu Ruyi, Liuyue Wen’s arrival was marked by an air of youthful curiosity and energy.
As the villagers gathered to catch a glimpse of the young noble, Old Li couldn’t help but notice the deference with which they regarded him. Liuyue Wen was not only a talented cultivator but also a member of the ruling family, a fact that was not lost on anyone. Even the soldiers, who were usually disciplined and reserved, showed a level of respect that bordered on reverence as Liuyue Wen passed.
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Liuyue Wen’s energy was infectious. He seemed genuinely fascinated by everything around him, his eyes darting from the village’s defenses to the fields beyond, to the children who stared at him with wide eyes. He greeted Liang Shen with a bright smile, one that stood in stark contrast to the more reserved demeanor of the other cultivators.
“Elder Brother Liang,” Liuyue Wen said, his voice filled with excitement, “I’ve heard so much about Greenbrook! The Crescent Wall, the defenses, the formations—you must tell me everything!”
Liang Shen, ever composed, returned the greeting with a polite nod. “Young Master Liuyue, it is an honor to have you here. We have prepared quarters for you and your entourage. If there is anything you require, please do not hesitate to ask.”
Liuyue Wen’s enthusiasm was undeterred by Liang Shen’s formality. “Wonderful! I can’t wait to see everything!” He turned to Old Li, who had been standing nearby, waiting to escort him to his quarters. “Elder Li, you must tell me about the village! What’s it like living so close to the Crescent Wall?”
Old Li, taken aback by the young noble’s enthusiasm, could only smile. “It is… an experience, Young Master. The Wall has always been a source of both protection and mystery for us.”
As they walked, Liuyue Wen peppered Old Li with questions, his curiosity seemingly endless. Old Li found himself growing more comfortable in the young man’s presence, despite the stark difference in their statuses. Liuyue Wen’s genuine interest in the village and its people was disarming, and for the first time in days, Old Li felt a flicker of hope.
When they reached the quarters prepared for Liuyue Wen, the young cultivator paused and turned to Old Li. “Thank you for your guidance, Elder Li. I can see that your village is well-prepared. My sister has spoken highly of the people here.”
Old Li’s chest swelled with pride at the mention of Duchess Liuyue Ming. “We do our best, Young Master. We are honored to have you with us.”
Liuyue Wen smiled warmly and reached into his robe, pulling out a small talisman. “Here, Elder Li. This is for you. A little protection, from me to you.”
Old Li’s hands trembled slightly as he accepted the talisman, the weight of the gesture not lost on him. “Thank you, Young Master. I will cherish this.”
Liuyue Wen nodded, his eyes sparkling with the same youthful energy that had marked his arrival. “It’s the least I can do. Now, let’s see what we can do to make this village even stronger!”
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The villagers whispered among themselves, marveling at how these beings, who looked so young, could carry such strength.
One of the older villagers remarked to Old Li as they watched Liuyue Wen’s departure, “They don’t look a day over thirty, but I’ve heard some of them have seen more than a hundred summers. It’s like they’re frozen in time.”
Old Li nodded, his eyes following the young noble as he disappeared into his quarters. “They are beyond us. Their power, their knowledge… it’s something we can’t fully understand.”
The children were particularly fascinated by Liuyue Wen, who, despite his relative youth, exuded an aura of authority and curiosity. They gathered around him, watching in wonder as he talked animatedly with Liang Shen. The fact that he was related to the Duchess only increased their fascination, and they whispered excitedly among themselves, trying to catch a glimpse of the young noble.
As the day wore on, Old Li found himself reflecting on the events that had unfolded. The village had prepared as best as it could, but the arrival of these cultivators—each so different in their demeanor and approach—had brought with it a reminder of how much was still beyond their control. The villagers had done everything they could to ready themselves, but in the end, it would be these powerful figures who would determine the outcome of the coming battle.
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As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the village, Old Li found himself drawn to a commotion near the training grounds. Curious, he made his way over, his cane tapping lightly against the ground as he walked. When he arrived, he saw a crowd of soldiers and villagers gathered around the edge of the training area, their eyes fixed on the two figures at its center.
It was Liang Shen and Baobao, engaged in a sparring session.
Old Li felt a surge of excitement as he watched them. It was a rare sight to see the quartermaster in action, as Liang Shen was known more for his mastery of formations than for his direct combat abilities. But here he was, moving with a grace and precision that belied his reputation as a mere strategist.
Baobao, towering and powerful, was clearly the superior combatant in terms of raw strength. His muscles rippled with barely contained energy, and each movement he made seemed to shake the ground beneath him. But despite his obvious physical advantage, Baobao held back, focusing instead on chaining his movements with precision and control.
Liang Shen, for his part, was entirely focused on the task at hand. His eyes were sharp, watching Baobao’s every move, anticipating his attacks and reacting with a speed that surprised many of the onlookers. While Baobao’s strikes were powerful, Liang Shen’s experience allowed him to spot and exploit potential flaws in the demon ape’s technique.
The sparring match was intense, the sound of their clashes echoing across the training grounds. Liang Shen moved fluidly, his strikes precise and deliberate, though there was no mistaking the difference in power between the two. Baobao’s blows, even when pulled, were enough to send shockwaves through the air, and yet Liang Shen remained composed, using his tactical awareness to evade and counter.
At one point, Baobao unleashed a series of rapid strikes, his fists moving in a blur of motion. Liang Shen barely managed to deflect them, his arms vibrating from the impact. But even as he defended himself, he called out to Baobao, pointing out a flaw in his attack pattern, suggesting a different sequence that might be more effective.
Baobao grunted in acknowledgment, his eyes narrowing as he processed the feedback. He adjusted his stance, trying the new sequence, this time with greater success. The sparring continued, with Baobao refining his technique and Liang Shen pushing his limits to keep up. It was clear that, despite the disparity in their physical strength, they were both benefiting from the exchange.
The match finally came to an end when Baobao, with a playful roar, landed a controlled but decisive blow that sent Liang Shen skidding back several feet. The quartermaster, slightly winded and panting from the exertion, raised a hand in surrender.
“That was well done, Baobao,” Liang Shen said between breaths. “You’re improving with every match.”
Baobao grinned, his sharp teeth flashing as he let out a satisfied rumble. He reached down and clapped Liang Shen on the shoulder with a gentleness that seemed almost out of place for a creature of his size. The crowd erupted in applause, both for Baobao’s strength and for Liang Shen’s skill.
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As the day progressed, Old Li observed how naturally the soldiers began to defer to Yun Feng. There was no formal announcement, no grand declaration of a change in command. It was simply understood. Yun Feng’s calm authority, combined with the fact that the Azure Sky Pavilion was the kingdom’s officially recognized sect, made the transition seamless.
The Azure Sky Pavilion’s influence was deeply ingrained in the kingdom’s power structure. Most members of the royal family were sent to this sect for training during their youth, and Yun Feng himself had likely trained many of the soldiers’ superiors. His presence was both a reminder of the kingdom’s strength and a reassurance that they were not alone in this fight.
Old Li reflected on this practice, which he knew was common throughout the kingdom. The sects played a crucial role in maintaining the balance of power. When they sent their disciples to bolster the kingdom's forces, the most powerful among them often took command. It wasn’t just a matter of strength; these cultivators were well-versed in both martial and strategic arts, making them natural leaders in times of crisis.
But Old Li also understood that this arrangement wasn’t purely out of goodwill. The sects had their own interests—better access to cultivation resources, influence in the kingdom’s affairs, and a way to strengthen their disciples through real combat experience. This system, while based on mutual interests, had proven stable over the years, with both the kingdom and the sects benefiting from the arrangement.
As he watched Yun Feng and Liu Ruyi take their places within the village’s hierarchy, Old Li felt a sense of unease mixed with gratitude. These cultivators were powerful allies, but they were also reminders of the vast gulf between the villagers and those who wielded true power in the kingdom. The villagers had done everything they could to prepare, but in the end, their fate would be decided by forces far beyond their control.
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As night fell, a heavy silence settled over Greenbrook, broken only by the distant sounds of soldiers preparing for the night watch. The stars began to emerge, dotting the sky like distant beacons of hope, but Old Li couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that had been growing in his chest all day.
It was then that he heard it—the whispers from the Crescent Wall.
He stood still, straining to catch any discernible words, but the whispers remained just beyond his understanding. A chill ran down his spine, and he clutched the talisman Liuyue Wen had given him earlier in the day.
“Elder Li,” came a voice from behind him. Old Li turned to see Liuyue Wen, the young noble’s face lit by the soft glow of a nearby lantern. The youthful energy that had characterized him earlier seemed subdued, replaced by a more serious demeanor.
“You hear them too, don’t you?” Liuyue Wen asked, stepping closer.
Old Li nodded. “I’ve heard them before, but never like this. What do you think it means, Young Master?”
Liuyue Wen's expression softened slightly. “From what I know, the whispers are warnings, Elder Li. The Sentinels have the knowledge to interpret them. They’ve protected us for centuries by heeding these warnings. It’s their duty to understand what the Wall is telling us.”
Old Li nodded slowly, the explanation both comforting and troubling. “So the Wall is… speaking to them?”
“In a way, yes,” Liuyue Wen replied. “But rest assured, the Sentinels are prepared. They’ve been trained for this very purpose.”
Old Li had no answer for that. The Wall, once a distant protector, now felt like something far more ominous. He could feel it in his bones, the sense that whatever was behind those whispers was waking up, becoming aware.
Liuyue Wen seemed to sense his unease and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “Don’t worry, Elder Li. We’re here to protect Greenbrook. Whatever happens, we won’t let anything breach the Wall.”
The whispers had been growing louder over the past few days, an eerie murmur that seemed to seep into the very air. Old Li had heard the whispers before, but never with such intensity. He now knew they were a warning, a signal of something stirring beyond the Wall. The Sentinels would understand what it meant, but to him, it was just a chilling reminder that danger was near.
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Despite the growing tension, there was one presence in the village that never failed to bring a smile to Old Li’s face—Baobao. The demon ape had become a beloved figure among the villagers, especially the children. His massive size and strength were tempered by a gentle nature that endeared him to everyone he met.
As Old Li made his way back to the village square, he saw Baobao helping with the evening chores. His large hands, capable of crushing stone, moved with surprising delicacy as he assisted the villagers. At that moment, he was helping to hang a large banner across the square, his immense height making the task far easier than it would have been for the villagers.
But it wasn’t just his strength that made Baobao so popular; it was his playful spirit. The children, who had been subdued all day, had come to life in Baobao’s presence. They had turned him into a moving playground, clinging to his arms and shoulders, laughing as he swung them around. One child perched on top of his head, giggling uncontrollably as Baobao pretended to be a towering mountain, letting out mock roars that sent the children into fits of laughter.
Old Li couldn’t help but chuckle as he watched. Baobao had a way of bringing joy even in the darkest of times. The sight of the massive ape playing with the children, his serious expression exaggerated for their amusement, was a balm to the old man’s weary soul.
“Careful now, Baobao!” Old Li called out. “We need that banner straight, not tangled up with all those rascals!”
Baobao paused, looking down at the children with an exaggeratedly serious expression, which only made them laugh harder. Then, with a dramatic flourish, he set the last knot perfectly, stepping back to admire his work. The banner hung straight and true, fluttering in the breeze as the children cheered.
Old Li approached, his steps a bit lighter than they had been earlier. He reached up and gave Baobao a friendly pat on the leg. “Good work, my friend. You’ve got a knack for this sort of thing—maybe when this is all over, you can stay and help us rebuild properly.”
Baobao grinned, chattering in response, his eyes gleaming with mischief. The children, still clinging to him, begged him to give them one more ride, and with a playful growl, Baobao obliged, lifting them into the air as they squealed with delight.
Old Li watched them go, his heart lightened by the moment of joy in the midst of so much uncertainty.