The sun always shines brightly over the village, with a small river meandering gently around it. Though life here isn't wealthy, it's peaceful. Since my parents went missing, I've been living with my grandfather. He always takes me to the fields, teaching me about herbs, farming, and how to work the land. I've gradually grown up on this very soil.
Grandfather is old now, his back slightly hunched, but he never rests. He always says, "This land has been passed down for generations. Guarding it means guarding our home." Every time I hear this, I feel a twinge of sadness and cherish this land even more.
However, a storm was quietly brewing in this tranquil village.
One day, several luxury cars drove into the village. The villagers curiously gathered around, and I stood among them. The car doors opened, and out stepped several men in suits, wearing sunglasses, exuding an air of arrogance. They strode towards the village's ancestral hall.
Leading the group was a pot-bellied middle-aged man who introduced himself as the boss of a real estate company. Standing in front of the ancestral hall, he pointed at the village and said, "Our company has taken a liking to this land and plans to develop it into a resort. If you're wise, you villagers should move out early. We'll compensate you."
The villagers erupted in anger. Someone shouted, "This land is our home. How can you just take it away?" Another asked anxiously, "How much compensation?"
The developer waved dismissively, unwilling to elaborate, "The exact amount will be told by your village chief. But I must say, this place will soon become a bustling area, and you'll thank us then."
The villagers began to murmur, clearly unhappy with the developer's proposal. Some started to protest loudly, and a few even prepared to take action.
Watching all this, I felt deeply unsettled. Grandfather had always told me that the village was our root, and we couldn't let outsiders take it away. But these developers were clearly well-prepared, with a few bodyguards standing behind them, glaring at us menacingly.
Just as tensions were about to boil over, grandfather stepped forward. Leaning on his cane, he walked slowly to the front of the crowd and calmly said, "We will not easily give up this land. This is our home, our root."
The developer sneered, "Old man, you country folk know nothing about development. You're just wasting this land."
Grandfather said nothing more, standing firmly like an ancient tree, unyielding.
At that moment, I felt a burning sensation in my chest, as if something was igniting inside me. I instinctively walked to my grandfather's side, a surge of nameless anger welling up within.
"You can't bully us like this!" I shouted.
As soon as the words left my mouth, a strange power surged from within me. I felt my body grow stronger, and my vision sharpened. Raising my hand, it seemed as though the forces of heaven and earth were at my command.
The villagers were stunned, and even the developers were intimidated by my presence. They took a few steps back, seemingly deterred by the power within me.
"This... this is..." Grandfather was also taken aback, his eyes flashing with surprise before becoming resolute, "This is our home, what we must protect."
I felt the power continuously flowing from within me, as if it were a blessing from our ancestors, a response from the earth itself. I knew this power belonged to the land, to the village. I had to use it to protect our home.
Seeing my transformation, the villagers also rallied. No longer fearful, they stood together behind grandfather and me, showing their resolve through their actions.
Realizing the unfavorable situation, the developers quickly packed up and fled, leaving behind a harsh warning, "This isn't over."
The villagers cheered, but I knew this was only the beginning. More challenges awaited us in the future. Yet at this moment, I felt immense pride. I had found my power, and with it, I had found our home.
Grandfather patted my shoulder, smiling, "Child, you are the hope of the village. Remember, this land will always be our home."
I nodded, resolute in my heart. No matter what the future holds, I will do everything in my power to protect this home, using the power of the dragon to guard our roots.