The journey south was long and exhausting. The mountains and valleys gradually gave way to warmer, more fertile lands, where the wind carried the scent of exotic flowers and the promise of a new encounter. After the lessons of endurance learned at the Great Wall, the boy and the girl continued their path, feeling that each step brought them closer to the truth and to the inevitable confrontation with the demon general.
When they finally reached the southern region, the landscape changed dramatically. The air was warm, the sky a deep blue, and the land was covered in lush vegetation. The southern lands were known for their vitality and inexhaustible energy. It didn’t take long for them to feel the presence of the last guardian they had yet to meet.
The sky suddenly darkened—not from the arrival of night, but from something flying high above. A massive figure crossed the heavens, leaving a trail of fire in its wake. It was the Vermilion Bird of the South (Zhūquè), a majestic winged creature whose plumage gleamed as if made of living flames. Its intense red eyes gazed down at them with a force that inspired both awe and fear.
The bird descended gracefully, landing on a nearby rock, its colossal size eclipsing the surroundings yet showing no hostility. Its presence was overwhelming but not destructive.
"I am Zhūquè, the guardian of the South," said the bird, its voice warm and vibrant like the crackling of flames. "I represent fire, passion, life. But I am also the symbol of rebirth. Fire can destroy, but it is also the beginning of something new. Today, you will learn the final lesson you need to face what is coming."
The boy and the girl stared at the creature in awe. The fire that enveloped its body was not chaotic or wild but warm and full of life, like a flame that protected rather than destroyed.
"Fire is the spark of life, but it is also a symbol of change," Zhūquè continued. "On your journey, you have learned to move with the wind, to endure with the strength of the earth, and to connect with the flow of all that surrounds you. Now, you must learn the lesson of fire: the power of transformation."
The girl, who had learned to control her magic throughout their journey, felt a resonance between the bird’s energy and her own. Magic, like fire, could be both a force of creation and destruction. She had always used her magic to defend, to protect, but now she realized she also had to be willing to transform, to adapt, to face what lay ahead.
"The demon general is a force of destruction," Zhūquè said. "His power comes from darkness, from chaos. He doesn’t understand that destruction leads only to emptiness, while fire, though it may burn, can also purify. You must learn to use this power not just to destroy but to create something new."
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The boy, although without magic, also understood the importance of transformation. Throughout his life, he had relied on his strength and determination to overcome challenges. But now he realized that, like fire, he had to be willing to change, to adapt, in order to protect those he loved.
Zhūquè spread its wings, and suddenly, the flames around it intensified, creating a circle of fire. The flames didn’t burn but radiated a warm, comforting energy.
"Fire ignites the spark of life, but it also teaches the importance of sacrifice," said the bird. "To protect the balance, sometimes you must be willing to sacrifice something of yourself, to let go of what no longer serves you so that something new can grow."
The girl looked at the bird, understanding the weight of its words. She knew her magic was powerful, but she also knew that to face the demon general, she would have to find something deeper within herself. She would have to let go of her fears and doubts and embrace the transformation fire offered.
The boy, for his part, felt that this lesson resonated in his heart. Though he had no magic, he had learned that his true power lay in his will to protect, in his ability to adapt to any situation. Zhūquè’s fire reminded him that victory was not always achieved by force, but by finding the spark that ignites change.
"Remember, fire doesn’t just destroy," Zhūquè said with a smile in its voice. "It also illuminates, guides, and gives life. In the battle to come, do not fear using this power to purify the evil you face. But don’t forget that fire also represents rebirth. There will always be a new opportunity to begin again."
The flames surrounding the bird slowly began to fade, leaving only a residual warmth in the air. Zhūquè, with a firm but gentle gaze, bowed before the protagonists.
"The road ahead will be difficult, but now you are prepared. You have learned the lessons of the Four Guardians. Don’t forget what we have taught you, and remember that true power comes not only from strength but from the balance of all elements. Fire will help light your path, but it will also remind you that even in destruction, there is a new beginning."
The girl and the boy nodded, feeling the heat of Zhūquè’s flames still burning within their hearts. They knew the time to face the demon general was drawing near, but they also knew that, thanks to the lessons of the Four Guardians, they were stronger—not just in power, but in spirit.
The Vermilion Bird of the South spread its wings one last time, soaring into the sky in an explosion of light and fire. The flames illuminated the horizon, leaving a trail that shimmered for a few moments before fading away.
"We’re ready," the boy said, looking at his companion with determination.
"Yes, we are," the girl replied, feeling the spark of fire burning deep within her.
With the teachings of the Four Guardians, the next step was clear: they had to face the demon general and restore balance to the world. But now, they knew they wouldn’t be alone. The power of the Four Cardinal Points would accompany them, guiding them in their mission.
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