The journey had been long and arduous, but Richard, Zara, and Kai were close. They had crossed rough terrain, climbed steep hills, and navigated through dense forests. The further they ventured, the more isolated the world became. It was as if the earth itself was conspiring to keep the Xan Ling herb hidden from all but the most determined seekers.After several days of travel, they finally reached the base of the mountains, where Tian Jun’s village was rumored to lie hidden. The village was shrouded in mist, the tall peaks above creating a natural barrier between the outside world and this secretive place. It was as if the mountains themselves were guarding the secret of the Xan Ling herb.But as Richard and his companions approached the foot of the mountains, they began to sense a shift in the air. Something felt off. It wasn’t just the looming presence of the mountains or the thickening fog; it was the feeling of being watched.Zara, ever alert, noticed the subtle change first. “We

With the Dawn Brotherhood retreating into the mist, Richard, Zara, and Kai caught their breath, their bodies bruised but alive. The giant man stood silently, his massive form looming over them. He was older than Richard had first assumed, his face weathered and his body covered in scars that told stories of countless battles.“Thank you,” Richard said, his voice hoarse from the fight. “You came just in time.”The giant grunted, his gaze scanning the forest, still on alert. “You’re lucky I was nearby. The Dawn Brotherhood is a dangerous group. I wouldn’t trust them if I were you.”“Who are you?” Zara asked, her tone cautious but curious.The giant’s lips curled into a grim smile. “I’m Tian Jun.”Richard’s heart skipped a beat. This was the man they had been searching for—the man who knew the way to the Xan Ling herb.“You’re Tian Jun,” Richard said, his voice filled with awe and respect. “We’ve been looking for you.”Tian Jun nodded slowly. “I know. You’re not the first to come seeking

As the standoff between Richard, Zara, Kai, and Victor reached a tense standstill, the fog around them seemed to grow heavier, cloaking them in an eerie silence. The mountain air hung still, thick with the weight of the confrontation. Richard’s hand was still on his blade, his mind racing, trying to figure out how this all fit together. Victor, the Dawn Brotherhood, even the mysterious figure of Raiden—they were all competing for the Xan Ling herb, but they were still not the true players in this dangerous game.The words from Tian Jun echoed in Richard’s mind, "The herb chooses its heir". But Richard hadn’t expected to learn the truth in such an unsettling manner.Raiden, the imposing figure, had just stepped in to stop Victor, but now his large frame seemed out of place in the growing tension. There was something unsettling about his presence—a quiet, predatory kind of calm that made Richard uneasy. The look in Tian Jun’s eyes had shifted from one of wise contemplation to something

Victor, kneeling before Tian Jun, had just been killed, his life snuffed out by the unforgiving hand of the Guardians, their sense of justice brutal and absolute. Victor had made his choice, and now the consequences were laid bare.But as the blood soaked into the ground and the last echoes of battle filled the forest, Richard couldn’t help but notice something—a presence behind him. Kai was standing there, his eyes hard with resolve. The brutal force of the Guardians had pushed Richard’s mind toward a singular desire: to protect his friends and stop this madness. But Kai had other plans.The tension in Richard’s chest deepened as he heard Kai’s voice low and controlled, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. “I won’t let you go,” he said, his voice barely audible against the rustling of the leaves.“What?” Richard spun around to face him. “Kai, what are you talking about?”Kai stepped forward, blocking Richard’s path with a calm but determined expression. “This is my moment. I’ve

“It’s over, Richard.” Tian Jun’s voice was cold, filled with the weight of finality. He stepped into the cave, his gaze locking with Richard’s. “I can’t let you take it.”Richard turned to face him, his eyes burning with fury. “You don’t get to decide this! We’ve fought for this. I will take it.”The air grew thick with tension, the mountain rumbling as if in response to the two men’s struggle. Tian Jun’s expression hardened, his eyes flashing with cold anger. “If you want it, Richard, you’ll have to take it from me.”Richard’s hand tightened around his blade. This was it. The moment he had been waiting for, the final test. If he wanted the herb, he would have to fight for it—against the very man who had brought them here.As Richard stepped forward, Tian Jun raised his hand, and the ground beneath them shifted once more. The earth trembled, and the cave walls began to crack and crumble, as if the mountain itself had had enough of this conflict.Tian Jun’s expression softened for a mo