Elrian felt the atmosphere shift as he asked the question that lingered in his mind. "Why did the village have more resources and the opportunity to spar with other villages in the past?"
The room fell silent, weighed down by the heaviness of collective memories and unspoken concerns. Elder Calyx sighed, exchanging glances with Doren and Selene before finally speaking.
"Times have changed, Elrian. Several factors have led us to where we are today," Calyx began, choosing his words carefully. "Firstly, we had more Qi cultivators in the past. With greater numbers came increased capabilities, not just in defense but also in hunting and gathering resources."
Doren chimed in, "The neighboring villages weren't as strong in Qi cultivation as they are now. So, the balance of power was more in our favor. We could afford to engage in friendly spars and exchange techniques, fostering goodwill."
Selene added a darker tone, "Unfortunately, conflicts escalated between villages over the years. These confrontations resulted in the loss of many skilled cultivators. It's not just us; this cycle of strife has weakened all surrounding communities."
"And then there are the creatures," Calyx continued, his eyes narrowing. "For some reason, stronger creatures have started appearing in our hunting grounds. It's become more dangerous for us, and especially for younger cultivators, to venture far."
Doren's face hardened, "These stronger creatures demand more from us, both in terms of skill and strategy. The Qi cores they provide are valuable, but the risk has soared exponentially."
Elrian listened, absorbing the gravity of their words. He felt like he was peering into a timeline, witnessing the village's peaks and troughs, its days of glory and periods of decline. This was more than history; it was a cautionary tale filled with lessons.
"In essence," Selene concluded, "the landscape has changed, both figuratively and literally. We're doing what we can to adapt and survive, but it's a hard path, fraught with challenges."
Elrian nodded, his young mind taking in the complexities of the situation. He was now a part of this tapestry, a new thread that could either strengthen it or let it unravel further. The silence returned to the room, but it was a different kind of silence this time— one laden with reflection and a shared understanding of the challenges that lay ahead.
Elder Calyx looked at each person in the room, making eye contact to gauge their readiness for what he was about to share. He sighed deeply and began, "There is a legend, absurd to many, yet carried down through generations of village leaders and Qi cultivators. It's our unspoken duty to remember and pass it on."
The atmosphere in the room grew tense, each person shifting in their seat, even the experienced Qi cultivators. Elrian felt a sudden heaviness in the air; his senses told him that whatever was coming next was serious.
"The legend speaks of an Overlord creature, an entity born out of the very Qi of this land," Elder Calyx continued. "Every million years or so, this monstrosity rises, uniting all creatures under its dominion. Its singular purpose: to eradicate humanity from this land."
Elrian's eyes widened. He looked at his parents, Arlan and Lysandra, and could see the concern etched on their faces.
"The stories vary, but one thing remains constant," Calyx added. "Somehow, they never succeed in wiping us all out, but they come terrifyingly close. Countless lives are lost, villages are razed, and the landscape becomes a nightmare."
The room remained silent. Doren finally spoke up, "Why are we discussing this now? Is it because we see more and more powerful creatures appearing in our hunting grounds?"
Calyx nodded gravely, "Exactly. It could be a sign, or it could be mere coincidence. But given Elrian's unprecedented cultivation progress, one wonders if fate is setting the stage for something monumental."
Selene added, "That's why it's crucial that we train him well. We may not be strong, but our collective wisdom and experience can serve him."
Elrian felt a mix of excitement and a heavy burden settling on his young shoulders. If the legend was true, the danger it foretold was unimaginable. And yet, his rapid cultivation, this meeting of the village's Qi cultivators, it all seemed too orchestrated to be mere coincidence.
His father, Arlan, clasped his hand reassuringly and spoke, "Legends are lessons, son. They give us a reason to be vigilant and remind us of the responsibilities we bear, not just for ourselves, but for our community and, perhaps, for all of humanity."
His mother, Lysandra, smiled warmly at him, "Remember, legends also speak of heroes. Maybe, just maybe, you're one of them."
It was a lot for Elrian to take in. As he looked around the room, seeing the faces of the only Qi cultivators in his village, he realized that whatever the future held, they were all part of it. Whether legend or reality, a new chapter was about to unfold, and Elrian was right at its heart.
Selene turned her gaze towards Elrian, her eyes gentle but filled with the wisdom that came from years of life and experience. "Elrian, has anyone in your family or this village ever explained to you about the village ranking system and what it is meant for?"
The room fell silent once more, everyone looking at Elrian, awaiting his response and realizing that another layer of complexity was about to be added to his understanding of the world.