" So, how did we even end up like this?"
Ragnar looked at himself which was covered in mud while his siblings were also covered in the mud as they struggled to train the method to learn qi from the warriors of the east.
1 hour before this incident
" I can't believe you bribed Uncle Wong to your side."
Ragnar clicked his tongue, admiring his witty sister who was bragging about her achievements while he struggled to go with this fox. She was still eyeing him as she spoke with James in a friendly tone.
" Talent, brother. I learned it from Aunt Eliza and Mom. You should look at yourself, a big dude that is similar to a late teenager."
Alexia spoke with a grin, poking his solid muscles with admiration. The muscles on his arm were even bigger than those that came from Asgard and other regions that honed their bodies from a young age.
" I am practically a god in the end. Sister Vera, you look pale."
Ragnar asked with a worried face, looking at Vera who was still having after effect of the poison which was nasty diarrhea. Her glossy black hair blocked her eyes as she waved her hand to say she was alright.
" We are almost there, guys. Please keep your temper to yourself because we can't mess this up."
James rubbed his temple, looking at his siblings with despair. He knew he was screwed up in this mission but he wanted to keep damages to a minimum.
" Welcome, children of the knight and fox of the Korea."
An elderly woman welcomed them outside the forest and they entered the forest with different thoughts.
" First of all my name is Ying Nan. I met your father when he visited China to see our mysterious places, including our village. He was impressed with the scenery and promised us to support and he kept his word. We are greatly indebted to him and his friends."
Ying Nan smiled softly, recalling Arthur who was a young and kind man. He didn't lust after their things and he chose to help them because he friended the creatures in this dimension, including its guardian.
" Your last task would be learning the art of qi from us. Unlike Kunlun and Shaolin, we aren't that exclusive, but remember that doesn't mean anyone can learn it."
Ying Nan opened the bush, revealing a beautiful village behind it as spiritual creatures flocked around them.
The children never seen a place like this beautiful place anywhere in their lives because Arthur forbade them from visiting other dimensions. Especially, beautiful places like this were deadly to strangers.
" Qi is everywhere, including yourself. I shall impart you that knowledge and test you."
Her hand moved gently along with the wind, but they could feel the air swirling around her fist.
" Listen me well, children. You have gifts that were gifted to you by your parents, you can become the greatest heroes. But before that, you have to learn."
Her fist suddenly hit Ragnar who was caught off guard as he stumbled on the rock. He fell to the ground, looking at her with shock on his face.
" Listen to your heart and move along with it."
She spoke gently, extending her hand to Ragnar.
The onlookers smiled in their direction, showing them encouragement to continue despite their language barrier.
Now
The children looked around themselves, wishing to wash themselves before the dinner as James asked in Chinese.
" Oh, you can wash in the bathhouse over there. We have installed a new equipment that came from outside. It is very convenient to use."
The villager smiled warmly, pointing at the plain wooden house which they immediately headed toward.
The house was nice clean with aesthetic of the China and east where they felt comfortable.
They continued to wash themselves for a half hour as they entered the house where they would dine.
" Please, enjoy."
They were presented with dishes that they would normally eat outside and they took it as a gesture of kindness.
The lady who cooked them learned outside food from the book and she was trying to make them comfortable.
This training continued for 2 weeks as they reached their enlightenment.
" Now, I will test you whether you are ready or not."
Ying Nan held a staff in her hand, looking at the children with a satisfied face