Chapter 04: Elder Wi Dar

"Wi Rang, enough!" shouted the figure who came down from the tree branch, while stroking the big head of the black tiger which was snoring softly. His eyes then fell on Zhi Hao, with a sharp and mysterious gaze, he asked, “Son of Man, how did you end up here?”

With wide eyes, Zhi Hao returned the gaze. "Is this place not part of the Human world?" he said, his trembling voice betraying his fear and confusion.

In his mind, he recalled a legend he had read in the Clan Library—about a hidden world, barely bordering on the real world. A legend he never thought would come true.

"Ah, you are in the Soft Realm," Wi Dung sighed, as if it was hard to explain. "This place is a circle of Magical Creatures, not for humans like you."

"But, old man, I see no difference between us!" Zhi Hao protested in a firm tone.

"Indeed, physically we may be similar," Wi Dung nodded slowly, the evening sun reflecting off his twinkling eyes with meaning. "But what separates us is the line of nature; we are confined here, while you are free to roam the world of Men, except in very certain circumstances."

"How can I possibly leave this place and return to the human world?" sighed Zhi Hao in a desperate tone.

"I'm not sure, you'll have to ask one of the village elders," Wi Dung answered in a serious tone.

"Give me the opportunity to meet the village elders," he asked hopefully.

"Fine, follow me!" said Wi Dung as he started moving so fast that in the blink of an eye he had disappeared from Zhi Hao's sight.

Zhi Hao could only stare in the direction Wi Dung left in awe. "If only I had strength like that," he muttered to himself.

Not long after, Wi Dung reappeared with a surprised face. "Why don't you follow me?" he asked.

“I don't have the strength to move as fast as you,” Zhi Hao answered honestly.

"Hmm," muttered Wi Dung, realizing his mistake. "Okay, get on Wi Rang's backwi Rang, give him a lift."

Wi Rang growled softly before turning his head with a teasing look. Zhi Hao felt doubtful, but realized that Wi Rang's body was indeed very large, as big as an adult cow.

"Don't doubt, he won't hurt you," said Wi Dung, trying to reassure Zhi Hao.

"Ah!" shouted Zhi Hao, surprised by the speed of Wi Rang who crossed the air like lightning. His lips trembled to the right and left along with every sharp turn the big tiger made. The air rippled through the air as they landed on the hard ground.

"How does it feel to ride Wi Rang?" asked Wi Dung with a grin, his eyes sparkling because he knew how powerful the speed of the big tiger was.

"I don't want to do it anymore," Zhi Hao answered while taking a deep breath, still feeling his heart beating wildly. "He doesn't pay attention to me at all!" he complained, feeling like a leaf being carried by a strong wind.

The big tiger seemed to let out a mocking snort, but all that was heard was a low, authoritative murmur.

Zhi Hao looked around with a look that was still filled with fear. around them, many houses with pointed roofs jutted out into the sky. Several students were seen practicing kung fu in the Elder's large yard.

"Greetings Elder Wi Dar," said Wi Dung in a respectful voice, awakening Zhi Hao from his reverie.

"Give him respect," Wi Dung whispered, his voice conveying a non-negotiable order.

"Greetings Elders!" exclaimed Zhi Hao in a resounding voice, imitating Wi Dung's attitude.

Wi Dar, the Elder, glared at Zhi Hao. His sharp eagle-like eyes probed, "Human? how could it be here?" Wi Dar's voice broke the silence.

"Why did you bring the Son of Man here, did you kidnap him?" Wi Dar asked.

Wi Dung answered, "I found him in the forest, Elder. He was leaning against the big haunted tree."

Everyone in Wi village knows what Wi Dung means.

“Maybe this is Fate!” Wi Dar pondered for a moment. With a firm hand gesture, Wi Dar called, "Come here, little boy!" his voice resounded, containing strength and gentleness at once, piercing through the crowd of curious whispers.

Zhi Hao, who looked confused from the start, felt a touch on his shoulder. Wi Dung, with a strengthening gaze, said, "Go there soon." That touch, although light, seemed to break the shackles of doubt that bound Zhi Hao's steps. With a heart still filled with anxiety, but now with a little courage, Zhi Hao stepped forward to approach Wi Dar.

Wi Dar's face broke into a gentle smile, trying to calm the heart of the boy who had clearly been thrown from his own world.

In the dim room, Wi Dar stared deeply at the reflection in the large mirror. "What do you see in this mirror?" he asked softly, but there was a layer of mystery in his voice.

Zhi Hao, who was standing in front of the mirror, was momentarily taken aback by the question. "Myself!" He answered doubtfully, even though in his heart he felt there was more to it than just his own reflection.

"A mirror is a reflection of the soul," said Wi Dar, his voice increasingly serious. "You can choose to be anyone, but remember, your true essence must never be lost."

"Now what do you see?" Wi Dar asked, the intensity of his eyes increasing.

“There is a battle scene being created there,” Zhi Hao swallowed hard, his voice trembling slightly. "I saw a figure standing firmly on top of the corpse peak, with a sword held tightly."

Wi Dar nodded, as if he already knew the answer. "It was the God of Destruction who once united many worlds under his power and wisdom. However, he changed drastically after losing the person he loved most. You bear a resemblance to him, and within you is also hidden a power you don't know yet."