area51novel Chapter 20 Storytelling at the Village Entrance
Chapter 20 Storytelling at the Village Entrance
Yan Zu sat down on the ground and opened the first page of the book in his hand. It was the adapted version of "One Thousand and One Nights" that he had copied last night—he had replaced the characters in the story with soul beasts and changed the background to the Star Dou Great Forest.
"Today I'll tell you a story about a 'wise fox' and a 'greedy wolf king'," Yan Zu cleared his throat and began to speak.
He told the story vividly and with lively language. The fox in the story was clever and resourceful, using his wits to overcome the wolf king's difficulties time and time again; the wolf king was greedy and cruel, and ultimately reaped what he sowed. The children listened with rapt attention, and even the adults passing by couldn't help but stop and watch.
"...Finally, the fox said to the wolf king: 'Strength is not for bullying the weak, nor is wisdom for scheming against others. Every life in the forest has a reason to exist.'" Yan Zu slowly concluded, "From then on, the soul beasts of that territory learned to coexist peacefully, and the forest became even more lush."
After the story was finished, the children were still immersed in the plot, discussing it animatedly.
"The fox is so clever!"
"The wolf king is so evil!"
"From now on, I want to be like the fox, using my wisdom to solve problems!"
Yan Zu's heart stirred. He sensed that as he recounted this story, the phantom of the Xuanyuan Sword in his spiritual world trembled slightly, and the golden patterns on its blade seemed to brighten a little. Although the change was minuscule, he definitely felt it—it was the coalescing power of civilization!
"I see..." Yan Zu said thoughtfully. "Stories that spread wisdom can resonate with the audience, thereby generating aspirations. Although it is still very weak now, this path is feasible."
He decided that after enrolling in Notting Academy, he would find a way to formally publish these adapted stories. Although the Douluo Continent had a Soul Master culture, popular literature was almost nonexistent. Using novels as a medium to spread civilized ideas was both subtle and efficient.
"Looks like I'll have to find some time to write a few more articles," Yan Zu thought to himself.
Over the next few days, Yan Zu trained Xiao Wu and told stories to the children during the day, and at night he and Xiao Wu would train together in the simulated training ground. Their tacit understanding grew at a visible rate, and their martial soul compatibility also steadily improved.
The story time each night became a fixed expectation for the children of Wuhun Village. Yan Zu told adapted versions of stories such as "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves" and "The Adventures of Sinbad," each time captivating the villagers.
Seven days later, at dusk, the family sat around the stone table in the courtyard for dinner. However, the atmosphere was not as relaxed as usual.
Yan Hu put down his chopsticks and said in a deep voice, "Auntie, Xiao Wu, your father and I have discussed it. You two are about to go to Notting Academy to register, and we... are not comfortable letting you two go by yourselves."
Su Qing continued, "Notting City is more than 60 miles from the village. You'll have to live at school and can only come back once a month. Your father and I have thought about it and decided to go to the city with you."
Xiao Wu looked up in surprise: "Really? Aunt Su and Uncle Yan are going too?"
"Mm." Su Qing smiled gently, "We're planning to rent a small courtyard in the city. Your Uncle Yan can take on some escort and guard jobs, and as for me..." She took out a wooden plaque from her bosom, on which were engraved the four characters "Su's Medical Clinic," "to practice as a doctor. Who from our Five Souls Village doesn't know a few herbs? Treating minor ailments shouldn't be a problem."
A warm feeling welled up in Yan Zu's heart. His parents were giving up their relatively stable life in the village to accompany them to a strange city to start over. He understood that this was the best solution his parents could think of—it would allow them to take care of them nearby, make a living, and remain inconspicuous.
"Mother, opening a clinic requires a lot of capital, doesn't it?" Yan Zu asked.
Su Qing smiled and said, "I've saved up some money over the years, and with the good price I got from selling the materials from that wind wolf last time, it's enough. Besides..." She blinked, "Your father is now a Soul Master, so the rewards for taking on missions are much higher."
Yan Hu scratched his head sheepishly: "Actually, it's all thanks to the cultivation technique you gave me, Ancestor. I feel my soul power has improved recently, and maybe in another year or two, I'll be able to break through to level thirty-three."
Level 33 was already considered a high level in a small place like Notting City. Yan Zu was finally relieved.
"When do we set off?" Xiao Wu asked impatiently.
"Three days from now," Yan Hu said. "I've already asked around and found out the admission dates for Notting Academy. There are still two weeks left. Let's go early so we can familiarize ourselves with the environment."
Over the next two days, the Yan family busied themselves packing. There wasn't much to bring; most of their belongings would remain in the village, so they only took essential clothing, bedding, and some daily necessities. Yan Hu carefully wiped and sealed away the hunting tools, while Su Qing sorted and packed the dried herbs.
On the eve of their departure, Yan Zu and Xiao Wu entered the simulated training ground for the last time. This time, Yan Zu simulated a complex environment: a dense forest, dim lighting, and three well-coordinated Soul Master teams.
"It's the graduation exam tonight," Yan Zu said with a smile. "If you win, I'll reward you with two packs of spicy strips on the way tomorrow."
"It's a deal!" Xiao Wu declared, full of fighting spirit.
The battle began. Three Soul Masters attacked from three directions: one pressed forward with a shield, one provided ranged harassment, and one launched a sneak attack. If it were Xiao Wu seven days ago, she would probably have been overwhelmed.
But at this moment, her footwork, the "Wind God Leg" technique, was exquisite, and her figure moved through the trees like the wind. She no longer blindly rushed forward, but patiently waited for the opportunity created by Yan Zu.
Yan Zu did not disappoint her. He first used the terrain to restrain the shield-wielding Soul Master, and then used the hidden weapon techniques from the Nine Yin Manual to interfere with the ranged Soul Master—although they were just pebbles, they accurately hit the opponent's wrists and eyes, which were weak points.
Xiao Wu immediately seized the opportunity, her figure shooting out like an arrow. Her first spirit ring lit up, "Waist Bow" was activated, and she completed an incredible turn in mid-air, her right leg kicking heavily into the back of the attacking spirit master.
"Bang!" The phantom disappeared.
The remaining two Soul Masters were too late to come to their aid. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Yan Zu charged forward, and with Xiao Wu's harassment, quickly "dealt with" the other two as well.
The battle was over, and Xiao Wu, panting, exclaimed excitedly, "Little brother Azu, we won!"
Yan Zu smiled and nodded, his eyes full of satisfaction. The progress over the past seven days was real—Xiao Wu's combat awareness, movement techniques, and timing had all made a qualitative leap. And the tacit understanding between the two of them had reached the point where they could understand each other's intentions with just a glance.
[Detected that the host and the bound object 'Xiao Wu' completed a high-difficulty coordination in a complex environment; Martial Soul Compatibility +5%. Current Compatibility: 58%.]
[Hint: Only 2% away from initial Martial Soul Resonance.]
"It'll be soon," Yan Zu thought to himself.
As their consciousness returned to reality, the moonlight shone brightly outside the window. Xiao Wu, clutching a pillow, snuggled up to his bedside and whispered, "Brother Azu, I'm a little reluctant to leave the village..."
Yan Zu ruffled her hair: "We'll be back. And Nottingham City has even more delicious food and fun things to do."
"Really?" Xiao Wu's eyes lit up.
"Really," Yan Zu said with a smile. "Go to sleep, you need to get up early tomorrow."