Amidst the sprawling landscapes of ancient China, where the boundary between the human realm and the mystical world was thin, a small, tranquil village nestled at the foot of a sacred mountain. The villagers of Xilin knew the tales well; they were protectors of an ancient secret. For centuries, they had watched over a hidden portal to the mystical realms.
On a clear morning, the first rays of the sun painted the village rooftops in a golden hue. The air was filled with the aroma of burning incense, and villagers bustled about their daily tasks. A sense of serenity enveloped Xilin, but a foreboding presence loomed on the horizon.
At the heart of the village was a vast courtyard, surrounded by traditional homes adorned with intricate woodwork and curved rooftops. In the center stood a massive, gnarled tree, known as the Eldertree. Its thick roots ran deep into the earth, tethering the village to the mystical realms beyond.
