When Long Tian returned to the village, the sun was already beginning to set behind the trees. The sky was painted in shades of orange and purple, and the cool evening breeze blew gently. He had a large chunk of meat slung over his shoulder, wrapped in leaves, and his clothes clearly showed signs of a recent fight.
The first villagers who saw him stopped in surprise.
"Is that… wild boar meat?" one of them asked, eyes wide with amazement.
"Yes," Long Tian replied calmly. "I hunted it myself."
A murmur of astonishment spread among the onlookers. A young boy facing a wild beast and emerging victorious was something to respect.
Without stopping to explain, Long Tian headed straight to Aunt Lin's house. Upon seeing her, he lifted the large piece of meat with a smile.
"Aunt Lin, could you cook this? I was hoping to get a little later."
The woman's eyes lit up with excitement as she examined the meat like an expert.
"This is wonderful, boy! Of course. I'll make a barbecue tonight for everyone. Go get cleaned up this calls for a celebration!" she said, laughing. "Come early so you don't miss anything."
Grateful, Long Tian nodded and, after dropping the meat off in the kitchen, went to Grandpa Yao's house. He carefully pulled out the three Soft Fire roots and placed them on the table.
"I could only get this type today, Grandpa. I'm still missing the other plant you mentioned," he said sincerely.
The old man examined the roots with interest, nodding with a smile.
"You did well. These are fresh, just the way I needed them. The other plant I asked for is more difficult to find, but not impossible. According to the map I gave you, it should grow near a stream that runs through the dark stones to the east. Be sure to follow the route I marked. The terrain gets tricky there."
Long Tian nodded respectfully.
"I'll go for it early tomorrow."
The old man looked at him with a mix of pride and concern, then simply nodded.
Long Tian left the house just as the first star appeared in the sky. A faint smile formed on his face. Little by little, step by step, he felt that this world, though strange and dangerous, was beginning to open its doors to him.
That night, a large bonfire was lit in the village square. The villagers gathered around as the smell of roasted meat filled the air. Amid laughter, stories, and full plates, Long Tian sat by the fire with a full belly and a new determination in his heart.
Tomorrow, he would go after the last herb.
After leaving the herbs at Grandpa Yao's house, Long Tian headed toward the nearby stream to clean himself up. The day's journey had been exhausting, and the accumulated fatigue weighed heavily on his shoulders. Upon reaching the stream, he submerged himself in the cold water, feeling his skin relax and his muscles loosen. The sound of the water flowing gently over the rocks calmed him, while the moonlight illuminated the water's surface, casting a silvery glow over the landscape.
After a good while in the water, Long Tian got out, dried off with a piece of cloth, and prepared to return to the village. He longed for a good rest and, of course, the party Aunt Lin had promised. He felt more at ease, though the intrigue about the final herb he still needed lingered in his mind.
As he approached the village, he was greeted by lively noise. A large fire lit up the central square, and the dancing light of the flames cast shadows across the wooden houses. The villagers were gathered around the fire, chatting and laughing, while others prepared the boar meat. Aunt Lin, working skillfully over a makeshift kitchen, moved a large grill to ensure the meat cooked evenly.
The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and Long Tian felt grateful for the villagers' kindness. The entire village seemed to have come out to enjoy the evening. The sound of drums echoed through the air, and groups of children ran around the fire, playing with paper lanterns. The adults gathered in small circles, sharing stories and sipping homemade wine prepared by Aunt Lin.
As Long Tian approached the fire, he was met with smiles and pats on the back. The villagers were thrilled to see that the young man had returned safe and sound. It wasn't long before someone handed him a piece of grilled meat that tasted delicious.
"Long Tian!" exclaimed a middle-aged man with a broad grin. "You earned a great meal tonight. That hunt was impressive!"
The young man smiled and accepted the piece of meat. As he chewed, he looked around. The central fire cast a warm light over the villagers' faces. Many sat on benches or the ground, enjoying the food and company. Aunt Lin approached him with a full plate of grilled meat, vegetables, and homemade bread.
"You have to try this it's the best part of the feast," she said, offering him the plate. "And you need to thank everyone who helped prepare this. The atmosphere is great, isn't it?"
Long Tian nodded as he took the plate.
"It's amazing," he replied with a sincere smile.
The party continued for hours. The older men began to tell old legends of the forest and the creatures that lived within. One story spoke of an ancient beast guarding a lost temple deep in the heart of the woods. The children, seated near the fire, listened intently, while the adults shared tales of past hunts and battles that felt as old as the village itself.
As the night went on, some villagers began to dance around the fire, and the music grew livelier. The women, wearing long colorful skirts, moved gracefully to the rhythm of the drums, while the younger men formed a circle, performing energetic steps. Seeing the festive spirit, Long Tian let himself be carried by the moment. It was the first time he had felt this good since arriving in this strange world, and a natural smile appeared on his face.
Some villagers approached him, inviting him to dance. At first, he hesitated, but finally, he accepted. As he moved among them, he realized that, even though he didn't know their traditions, he felt surprisingly comfortable. The dance, though simple, was a celebration of unity and community strength. Without noticing, his body moved with the rhythm, as if he belonged there.
The smell of grilled meat and fresh bread filled the air, and the children's laughter, mixed with the elders' tales, created a charming, lively atmosphere. The central fire crackled as the embers slowly burned down, lighting Long Tian's face and reflecting the warmth of that special moment.
As the night wore on, the party became more intimate. Some villagers sat near the fire, sharing stories about their lives, while others simply enjoyed the spectacle, watching the flames dance to the music. For Long Tian, this party became a well-deserved break in his hectic life, a chance to enjoy the present moment without thinking about missions, herbs, or the creatures lurking in the forest.
When the night finally came to an end, people began to leave slowly. Long Tian stayed a little longer by the fire, watching as its warmth faded and the starry sky revealed itself in all its splendor. Grateful for the support of the village, he realized that although his path was just beginning, he had found a small family in this distant corner of the world.