Through the bamboo grove, James, Wanda, and Kara followed Jiang Nanying into Talo Village, nestled in a valley of scattered wooden houses and winding stone paths. Smoke rose, carrying the scent of food. Villagers in simple linen moved with precise, steady breaths, clearly trained in qi cultivation.
"We rarely get outsiders," Jiang explained. "Today's our Harvest Festival. You're just in time."
They rounded a path to a clearing with long tables laden with golden-roasted lamb, fragrant stews, and crystal-clear fruit wine. Villagers bustled, children laughed—a warm, lively scene.
An elderly man with white hair stood at the main table, smiling kindly as Jiang approached with strangers. "Village Chief," Jiang bowed. "These travelers wandered into our array. They mean no harm, so I brought them."
The chief stroked his beard, eyeing the trio, then chuckled. "Guests from afar, join our feast!"
Wanda and Kara exchanged surprised glances at the hospitality. Fluent in Mandarin, they communicated easily. James smiled. "Thank you."
Seated at the main table, villagers eyed Wanda and Kara's blonde hair curiously, whispering without malice. Jiang poured fruit wine. "Try this. Our village specialty, unavailable outside."
Kara sipped, eyes lighting up. "So sweet!"
Wanda nodded. "Really good."
James sampled a tender wild mushroom stew, its flavor surpassing any delicacy he'd tasted. "Your food's exceptional," he remarked.
The chief laughed. "Mountain fare, touched by qi, outshines the outside world."
Young men carried a roasted lamb, its aroma drawing cheers. The feast grew livelier, cups raised. After three rounds, the chief eyed James meaningfully. "You three found Talo Village. Not ordinary, are you?"
James set down his cup, smiling. "Just luck."
The chief nodded, raising his cup. "Stay a few days. Our scenery's unmatched."
Wanda and Kara looked to James, who agreed. "We'll impose then."
The feast lasted into the night, bonfires illuminating smiling faces, laughter echoing. As moonlight swayed bamboo shadows, the chief and Jiang knocked on the trio's lodging.
"Come in," James called.
Inside, Wanda adjusted a floating scarlet lamp with chaos magic, while Kara lounged in a藤椅. James conjured two teacups with the Reality Gem. "Please."
The chief and Jiang exchanged surprised glances but sat calmly. "Mr. James," the chief said, rubbing his cup. "You three are superhumans, aren't you?"
James sipped tea, smiling silently. The chief sighed. "I've cultivated for seventy years and sense your immense energy."
Jiang's eyes held curiosity and awe. "You're welcome here," the chief continued, voice grave. "But I have a request."
Wanda and Kara glanced at James, who nodded. "Speak."
The chief took a breath. "Our village seals a Soul-Devouring Beast."
"Soul-Devourer?" Kara raised a brow.
Jiang's voice lowered. "A demon sealed by the Dragon millennia ago, feeding on souls. The Dragon sacrificed itself, leaving only an egg."
The chief pointed to a moonlit valley. "It's in the forbidden zone, but the seal's weakening."
Wanda asked, "You want our help?"
"Exactly," the chief said, eyes intense. "If you defeat it, we'll gift you our tamed divine beasts."
"Divine beasts?" Kara perked up.
Jiang nodded. "Phoenix, qilin, baize—juveniles, but with boundless potential."
James considered, then stood. "Show us the seal."
They reached an altar ringed by nine stone pillars, a well at its center, its runes faded. "Here," the chief said. "The seal's below."
James's super vision pierced the darkness, spotting churning black mist, nearly breaking free. "That's the beast?" Kara asked, seeing it too.
"It's trying to escape, and we're out of options," Jiang said gravely.
A roar shook the altar, black mist forming a snarling ghost face. "Fresh souls! Powerful souls!" Its voice echoed in their minds, greedy and mad. "Millennia, and now a feast!"
The chief paled, stumbling back. "The seal's breaking!"
Jiang gripped her sword, ready to fight. "Shut up," James said, stepping forward, throwing a casual punch.
Boom! The altar shattered, pillars snapping, the well collapsing into a deep cave. The chief collapsed, horrified. "What have you done? The seal's broken!"
The beast's joyous roar echoed. "Freedom! I'm finally—"
James's eyes blazed red, heat vision laced with runic chains blasting into the cave. Bang! No scream, no struggle—the beast was erased from existence.
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