Chapter 4

"Wi Rang, enough!" shouted a figure descending from the tree branch, stroking the large black tiger’s head, which purred softly. His eyes then locked onto Zhi Hao, sharp and full of mystery, as he asked, "Human child, how did you end up here?" With wide eyes, Zhi Hao returned the gaze. "Is this place not part of the human world?" he asked, his trembling voice revealing his fear and confusion. In his mind, he recalled the legends he had once read in the Clan Library—tales of a hidden realm that lay thinly separated from reality. A legend he never thought would come true. "Ah, you are in the Realm of Spirits," Wi Dung sighed as if burdened by the explanation. "This place belongs to mystical beings, not meant for humans like you." "But, Old Man, I see no difference between us!" Zhi Hao protested firmly. "Physically, we may look similar," Wi Dung nodded slowly, the setting sun reflecting off his eyes, which gleamed with meaning. "But what separates us is the boundary of existence; we are trapped here, while you are free to roam the human world—unless under very specific circumstances." "How can I leave this place and return to the human world?" Zhi Hao asked with despair. "I'm not sure. You must ask one of the village elders," Wi Dung answered seriously. "Please give me a chance to meet this elder," Zhi Hao pleaded hopefully. "Alright, follow me!" Wi Dung said before vanishing in the blink of an eye. Zhi Hao could only stare in awe at Wi Dung’s disappearing figure. "If only I had that kind of power," he murmured to himself. Moments later, Wi Dung reappeared, looking perplexed. "Why didn’t you follow me?" he asked. "I don’t have the ability to move as fast as you," Zhi Hao replied honestly. "Hmm," Wi Dung muttered, realizing his mistake. "Alright, get on Wi Rang’s back. Wi Rang, give him a ride." Wi Rang let out a low growl before turning with a teasing glance. Zhi Hao hesitated but realized that Wi Rang’s body was enormous, as big as a fully grown bull. "Don't be afraid. He won’t hurt you," Wi Dung assured him. "Argh!" Zhi Hao screamed, startled by Wi Rang's lightning-fast movement through the air. His lips quivered from side to side with every sharp turn the massive tiger made. The wind whistled past them, slicing through the atmosphere until they landed hard on solid ground. "How was the ride?" Wi Dung asked with a sly grin, his eyes gleaming, knowing full well the terrifying speed of the great beast. "I never want to do that again," Zhi Hao gasped, still feeling his heart pounding wildly. "He completely ignored me!" he complained, feeling like a leaf caught in a storm. The massive tiger let out what seemed like an amused snort, though it was nothing more than a deep, authoritative grunt. Zhi Hao glanced around, still shaken. Surrounding them were many houses with pointed roofs towering into the sky. Some disciples were practicing martial arts in the vast courtyard of the Elder’s hall. "Greetings, Elder Wi Dar," Wi Dung spoke respectfully, snapping Zhi Hao out of his daze. "Pay your respects," Wi Dung whispered, his voice carrying an undeniable command. "Greetings, Elder!" Zhi Hao called out loudly, mimicking Wi Dung's posture. Wi Dar, the Elder, gazed at Zhi Hao sharply. His eagle-like eyes scrutinized him. "A human? How did you get here?" His voice shattered the silence. "Why did you bring a human child here? Did you abduct him?" Wi Dar questioned. Wi Dung responded, "I found him in the forest, Elder. He was resting against that haunted Great Tree." Everyone in Wi Village knew exactly what Wi Dung meant. "Perhaps this is fate!" Wi Dar murmured thoughtfully. With a firm hand gesture, he called out, "Come here, boy!" His voice echoed, carrying both authority and gentleness, silencing the murmurs of the curious onlookers. Zhi Hao, who had been confused from the start, felt a reassuring touch on his shoulder. Wi Dung, with an encouraging look, said, "Go on now." The touch, though light, seemed to break the shackles of hesitation binding Zhi Hao’s steps. With a heart still gripped by anxiety but now laced with a sliver of courage, Zhi Hao stepped forward toward Wi Dar. Wi Dar’s face softened into a gentle smile, an attempt to calm the boy who had clearly been cast into a world foreign to his own. Inside the dimly lit chamber, Wi Dar gazed at the reflection in the Grand Mirror with a profound look. "What do you see in this mirror?" he asked gently, though his voice carried an air of mystery. Zhi Hao, standing before the mirror, was momentarily taken aback by the question. "Myself!" he answered hesitantly, though deep down, he felt there was more to it than just his reflection. "A mirror is the reflection of the soul," Wi Dar spoke, his voice growing serious. "You can choose to become anyone, but remember, your true essence must never be lost." "Now, what do you see?" Wi Dar asked again, his intense gaze deepening. "I see a battle unfolding," Zhi Hao swallowed hard, his voice trembling slightly. "I see a figure standing tall atop a mountain of corpses, gripping a sword tightly." Wi Dar nodded as if he had already anticipated the answer. "That is the Destroyer God who once united countless worlds under his power and wisdom. But he changed drastically after losing the one he loved most. You bear a resemblance to him, and within you lies a hidden power yet to be discovered."