“Little Hong, are you in pain?” Little Rascal finally managed to say after holding back for quite some time. The bird, completely covered in brilliant red feathers, opened her wide eyes, glaring at him furiously with only the whites showing—clearly very angry.
From the skies above fell a tiny red bird, stunning a group of children into disbelief. Could this be the same little bird Little Rascal once followed all alone out of the village? Yet those truly aware—elders like the chief and others with long years behind them—stood frozen in fear, while warriors such as Shi Lin Hu and Shi Fei Jiao felt their hair stand on end. They didn’t dare even move, afraid of angering this crimson creature.
They’d once glimpsed from afar an image etched into memory forever: a flaming scarlet bird battling across mountainous wilds so fiercely that it ignited half the sky, an unforgettable spectacle too terrifying to describe. Now again, as the blood-red phoenix plunged downward, the heavens glowed crimson, as if sunset itself had spilled across the sky. Without much imagination one’s skin crawled just witnessing—it surely was indeed that mighty ancient spirit reborn.
“My boy, come here,” whispered Shi Yun Feng softly, cautious not to provoke Redbird, calling Little Rascal back carefully.
“Grandpa, it’s okay; I know Little Red’s might, yet I feel no malice within her heart towards our village,” explained the boy with large sparkling eyes.
Prostrate upon the ground, fierce-eyed and opening its mouth, the bright red bird expelled forth a feeble gleam—an energy-light which settled upon a massive rock. With a soft “plop,” smoke rose; the boulder melted entirely, transforming into bubbling molten magma that flowed dangerously beneath, scorching all nearby until faces burned from the heat. All present quivered. Merely a slender shaft of radiant light—not actual flame—yet already hot enough to terrify! Remembering vividly how firestorm engulfed weeks on end back then evoked unimaginable divine fury.
Everyone tensed, worried about Little Rascal’s safety. Men like Shi Fei Jiao edged forwards warily hoping to pull him away from danger’s edge.
“Now now Redbird—don’t let your feathers bristle up too much! Careful or else they’ll singe off, what a shame that’d be…” urged Little Rascal sweetly amidst rising tension around.
Indeed atop Little Red’s head, several glowing plumes lifted high defiantly—her rage clear—but oddly moments later she quietened down altogether, fixing a strange lingering stare full of curious intensity onto the small child.
“Look Grandpa? She’s calm again. See how kind-hearted my Redbird really is!” The young boy grinned joyfully—his smile both pure and warm—the wish blooming within to gently cradle her in palms held tender.
The fire-hued sparrow fluttered feebly before rising up once more—a trail of glyph-flashes flickering from wound marks across chest-belly, each pulsating disruptively through fragile vitality coursing inside:
“I know… You’ve come seeking Willow God, right? Once before perching safely along its trunk—you must want healing help, don’t you?”
“Hmph!” came the crisp sharp chirp back—an indignant tone clearly voiced by being found so transparent. Ignoring further questions, the bird redirected focus fully upward toward the blackened branch watching silently ahead.
Thick scorched bark remained still at first. The limp branch overhead hung quietly in air until suddenly descending downward slowly as green luminescence began shimmering from tip-ends alive anew.
Crimson-feathered chirps answered gently. Struggling forward, exposing the injured side toward this budding sprig—last remaining ember-like flames fading entirely under its approach.
Droplets emerged along twig edges—shining like dewdrops encased jewels. Their radiance shimmered with fragrance wafting warmly across all Stone Village dwellers granting feelings of renewed refreshment throughout weary bones.
Lowered ever so gently—new leaf tips met Redbird’s body as translucent juice dripped seamlessly directly into open wounds—causing eruptions of burning lights flaring wildly accompanied by continuous glyph-flashing.
Redbird sang gently yet trembled hard beneath the pain, barely standing resilient amidst suffering endured.
Willow branch swayed gently once again—several additional shining pearl-like drops gathered atop delicate verdant bud ends—all glowing vibrantly like heavenly pearls exuding sweet aromas.
Upon descent, symbols faded gradually until piercing torso injuries vanished completely—a weight lifted easing much discomfort borne.
Next came gentle caressing motions against her head where claw gouges had marred—each mark disappearing steadily beneath soothing liquid touch. In total, devastating damage erased utterly!
Then erupted fiery bursts swirling wildly around her frame—an ethereal blaze dancing dazzling brilliance so intense it overwhelmed the vision. Radiance unbounded enveloped every inch transforming her form brilliantly lit unlike prior dullness shown.
Villagers stunned stood gawking—this miniature bird emitted awe-inspiring majesty overwhelming all witnesses as though beholding true Ancient Sky Deity itself. All would have collapsed were it not for shielding rays extended generously outward protecting hearts and minds by protective elder tree’s grace.
Further afield near pondlands colorful avian flocks alongside unicorns turned reverent postures prostrating humbly facing directionally towards epicenter—paying silent devotional homage instinctually without prompting.
Joyful calls broke free next from energized Redbird—hopping merrily about cheerfully conversing aloud saying:
“I owe you a big favor today!” A musical voice ringing clear, chiming sweetly akin to crystal bell notes resonated profoundly.
Charred willow stirred naught—merely extending tender leaves outward indicating entire village crowd collectively.
Renewed life crackled vividly anew—once-dejected wings gleamed freshly refueled—resplendently radiant vibrant glory rebirth achieved fully rekindling youthful vigor lost previously.
Tink—a falling red feather descended floating gracefully earthward emanating lightning-mana aura mystically sparking midair—a mystical glow charged powerfully beyond ordinary comprehension.
Flickering rapidly downward, embedding itself forcefully into nearby stonewall cracking deeply:
“Keep this handy should anyone bring trouble—show them proof of alliance freely.” Melodious speech continued echoing charm reminiscent of chimes.
Yet the spot impacted erupted instantly lava-style boiling outward violently. People fled quickly—the temperatures unbearable close proximity unleashed uncontrollably.
Redbird hesitated glancing amongst anxious villagers. Then summoned effort sucking forcibly upwards drawing radiant essence back into her maw—draining divinely potent energy stored momentarily away—only leaving behind a single perfectly intact crimson quill. Gazing knowingly once more at towering wooden sentinel beside her—nodding gratitude briefly before ascending airborne swiftly soaring distant heights soon obscured among clouds far beyond sight.
“Won’t you visit often again dear Redbird?” Standing proudly waving arms broadly skyward shouting goodbye stood brave Little Rascal anchoring emotional farewell sentiments shared silently.
Above paused abruptly—a falter mid-air narrowly avoiding plummeting unexpectedly. Glancing back crossly flashing warning signs, Redbird burst anew with renewed blazing speed flying onward never looking back retreating fast beyond horizon’s reach.
“Secure well this sacred feather,” warned Chief Shi Yun Feng gravely—such a slender plume bearing immense significance none viewing trivially anymore.
Silence gradually returned eventually restoring normalcy allowing folk gradually acclimatize newer surroundings becoming daily routines familiar once more.
Groups cried aloud together jubilantly dashing across emerald meadowy lakeshores discussing fishing adventures for Dragon Whisker fish famed enhancing muscular development—with youth craving growing powers fervently embracing challenges eagerly.
Colorfully winged Xioaluan flew gracefully two meters lengthwise across waters unconcerned passing closely near children playing merrily below.
Meanwhile dozens unicorns showed mild caution strictly reserved exclusively toward grown male figures whereas regarding kids almost indifferent disregard.
Once everything normalized—Little Rascal retreated alone lakeside curled comfortably legs embraced tightly chin resting knee-high seated motionlessly staring blankly into depths cerulean waters seemingly forever entranced.
“What thoughts occupy your mind child?” asked old Chief Shi Yun Feng taking seat likewise alongside grassland edging shore.
“Grandpa, share stories hidden deep within past memories,” replied young Shi Hao glancing earnest attentive expression alit with innocent curiosity awaiting response.
“Yes… Everything I know shall flow unhindered.” Nodded the Chief solemnly—for intellect sharpened early deserved respect accorded adults rather than dismissal as mere clueless toddler needing nothing told.
Cool breezes drifted carrying fresh soil scent mingled naturally perfumed flora surrounding. Golden-finned leviathans frequently breached splashing rhythmically adding peacefull ambiance tranquil scenery offered serenely calming effects upon all spirits gathered here.
“The origins of our Stone Hamlet seem grand indeed—even startling when recalled. Time has dulled recollections passed down sparingly via ancestral whisperings mostly forgotten…” murmured Chief.
Stone Clans possessed long histories stretching far backward into antiquity said ancient elders who passed long ago—tracing roots deep into mythological ages beyond measure.
“But over endless stretches, everything erodes—including confidence once held strongly. We stopped believing in old tales ourselves.”
“Wooahhhh amazing huh?” responded wide eyed fascination expressed sincerely surprised.
A somber sigh exhaled slowly: “So many fragments vanish now irretrievably beyond retrieval, our legacy severed entirely from living continuity. That changed however when couple seekers discovered ancestral records leading back precisely henceforth—we learned truth possibly preserved correctly after all!”
Shi Hao widened eyes further: recognizing possibility implied.
“They arrived seeking family connections. Saying Stone Village served birthright homeland of powerful lineage they belonged to—a kingdom spanning civilization glorious yet unable trace way home anymore…”
An immeasurable strength governed that realm ruled under iron laws forbidding unrestricted returns preventing vengeance-seeking enemies tracking lineages left vulnerable. Thus generations passed without knowledge rediscovered anew ensuring survival safeguarded elsewhere safely untouched.
Those originally left behind kept noble dignity though weakened overtime due various setbacks faced. Knowledge spiritual cultivation diminished gradually over epochs leaving current descendants unaware path reconnection sought desperately.
“These youthful parents stumbled upon forgotten trails navigating dense wilderness spanning endless horizons reaching finally Stone Hamlet destination weary yet hopeful.”
“But they found decayed shadows lacking former prestige described legends promising mighty ancestral bastion instead finding impoverished isolated village.”
“And carried within mother’s arms, there nestled you weak newborn seeming months but spoken already one-year-old,” finished solemn narration ending stroke tousling fondness atop child’s affectionately grinning head despite tears building silently reflecting unexpected resilience overcoming grave odds predicted death looming imminent certainty.
Emotion welled deep stirring inner mistiness vague images surfacing faintly—though rational minds deny infants retaining babyhood impressions yet soul imprint runs deeper than logic understands.
“Mother… father… helped save me…” Hesitation filled voice thickening with sorrow breaking forth tears sliding gently cheekwards unbidden realization flowing painfully beautiful clarity washing through his being wholly awakened anew emotionally stirred awakening echoes slumbering within timeless recesses heartspace forever touched deeply connecting familial love undying bonds transcend spatial-temporal dimensions eternally lasting eternal ties unbroken despite earthly separations experienced temporarily perceived present absence overshadowed radiant enduring presence cherished everlasting remembrance dwelling safe sanctuary treasured within beating core heart chamber always loved remembered cared eternal guardian angels guiding silently forevermore smiling unseen loving watchful celestial presences eternal parental blessings blessing forevermore shower blessings shower grace shower warmth shower peace shelter solace eternal hug wrapping hugging enfolding endlessly enwinding wrapping wrap wrap hugged forevermore beloved child never ever alone anymore cradled securely cosmic embrace universe’s warm hug infinite divine maternal paternal energies entwined nurturing nourishing forevermore comforting console console console consoles consoles(console(Console.(console( forevermore.console; forevermore)))))
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