Chapter 28: The Winds and Clouds Stir

Deep within the mountains, a fierce battle erupted, as if the stuff of myth. Every sweeping descent of the colossal golden claws shattered entire ridges into dust. A fiery little sparrow proved no less formidable, reducing countless peaks to molten rivers that spewed into the heavens like crimson bridges between earth and sky—yet those were mere aftershocks. The true clash raged in the celestial expanse above.

The scarlet bird, barely palm-sized with feathers like liquid ruby, darted fearlessly into thick storm clouds to duel an unimaginable horror. The villagers of Stone Village watched, frozen, spines tingling with dread. Legends spoke of ancient remnant breeds so powerful they could blot out the sky, annihilating entire dynasties like deities—now they witnessed it firsthand.

“Pity we can’t see more…” muttered someone as leaden clouds, dense with strange energy, veiled the heavens, obscuring the celestial war.

“So Little Red is this strong,” murmured the holy terror, chin propped on tiny hands, eyes wide with awe.

Half an hour later, silence reclaimed the mountains, though the sky remained stained with lingering fire-clouds, as if painted in divine blood.

“Troubled times indeed,” mused Shi Yunfeng, the village chief. “What manner of mountain treasure could provoke such strife for two whole years?”

“It must defy the heavens themselves!” declared Shi Linhu.

None from Stone Village had ever dared tread the range’s heart, where whispers of eldritch secrets and unfathomable relics stirred. For the next fortnight, peace held—yet distant lands soon stirred anew.

### **The Great Tribes Awaken**

#### **1. The Golden Tide of War**

Across fertile plains and undulating rivers, armored riders surged like a metallic tide, their mounts—scaled steeds—roaring like crashing waves. This was the domain of a tribe spanning millions, its legacy unbroken since antiquity.

Before a golden pavilion, a scout vaulted from his steed and knelt. “Chieftain! The southern wastes tremble—a legendary treasure stirs!”

“Two years of carnage, and still it lies unclaimed?” boomed a voice from within. Emerging was a titanic elder, eyes crackling with golden lightning. “Then its worth must eclipse even the heavens.”

Shadows of other warriors loomed nearby, each radiating bestial ferocity. “Shall we march?”

The elder’s gaze turned molten. “Take the young elites. Observe—but *do not strike* without my command.”

#### **2. Isles of the Azure Dragon**

A sapphire lake stretched endlessly, dotted with emerald isles. Upon its waves, children rode a flood dragon, scales glinting as they pierced the clouds.

“Enough play,” called an indulgent voice from a palace. “Today, you’ll test your mettle against outsiders.”

A youth scoffed. “Last ‘prodigy’ fled into a volcano on his flaming qilin. Hardly worth our time.”

#### **3. Thunder and Shadow: The Warring Kings**

In a gargantuan capital, obsidian walls loomed like a dormant leviathan. Within a silver hall, a figure wreathed in violet radiance—a human sun—spoke from his throne:

“Two years, and the ancient beasts still fight?”

A kneeling subordinate trembled. “The relic’s power must be divine.”

A prince stepped forward. “Father, let us scout this wilderness. Fortune favors—”

“Go,” the king interrupted, his aura quaking the palace. “But spill blood without my word, and none shall spare you.”

Elsewhere, thunderous laughter shook a rival kingdom. “So the Violet Mountain whelps dare stir? *Crush them* on sight!” roared a voice wrapped in black lightning.

#### **4. The Hidden Snowborn**

Amidst glacial peaks, a secluded clan watched from their frost-veiled citadel.

“For barren woods to birth a holy artifact…” mused an elder.

“We’ll join this hunt,” declared silver-haired girls, flanked by eager youths.

### **Stone Village: The Awakening**

Back in the humble village, Shi Yunfeng cupped the holy terror’s face. “Your gift for glyphs is rare. Now, you’ll learn to *own* their power.”

“Not just copying symbols?” The child’s eyes sparkled.

“True mastery turns borrowed might into your birthright.” The chief’s voice lowered. “And soon—the baptism. Lion-dragon sinew, crimson horn, demon-ape blood… A trial even men might not endure. Will you?”

**Epic’s Note:**

The world trembles as ancient powers converge. From divine sparrows to thunderous kings, the hunt for the mountain treasure ignites a storm that will shake the foundations of the wilds—and perhaps, unveil the destiny of one small, extraordinary child.

*(Style: Mythic grandeur with lyrical intensity—every line thrums with the weight of impending legend.)*