The peaceful village of Luofeng lay like a pearl forgotten in the valley, wrapped in an atmosphere of tranquility and laziness all year round.
Villagers worked at sunrise and rested at sunset, living simple, regular lives.
The only ripples might be whose chicken lost an egg, or which child mischievously broke a clay pot.
For Luo Ling and Eve, life was even more so—ordinary yet warm.
Every day, Luo Ling learned hunting skills from the village’s Old Hunter, helped Eve tend the small herb garden in their spare time, or sat on the wooden steps in front of the cottage at dusk, listening to Eve hum ancient songs.
Yet, this peace was shattered completely on a clear afternoon.
That day, the sky was blue as if washed clean, with a few white clouds drifting lazily by.
Under the old locust tree at the village entrance, several children chased and played.
Suddenly, an unusual sound of hooves approached from afar.
The sound was not from the village’s usual draft horses, but carried a steady and dignified rhythm.
The villagers curiously put down their work and gathered toward the village entrance.
Through the swirling dust, they saw a procession of knights escorting an ornate carriage slowly enter the village.
The knights wore gleaming silver armor, held long spears, and their faces were solemn, eyes sharp as eagles, sweeping over the humble village with an innate sense of superiority.
The carriage was crafted from fine ebony, with intricate carvings on its sides and a flag standing atop.
On the flag was embroidered a golden cross, surrounded by a sacred halo—that was the emblem of the Saintlight Church.
Beneath the flag, a crown insignia could be faintly seen, indicating this group not only represented the church but was also deeply connected to the kingdom.
The entire village fell silent in an instant.
Even the children stopped playing, hiding timidly behind the adults.
Such an imposing scene—let alone the common villagers, even the oldest elders had only heard tales of such things from their ancestors.
The carriage stopped.
A middle-aged man in a white priest’s robe embroidered with gold stepped down slowly, escorted by knights.
His face was lean, his gaze deep, with a faint, hard-to-detect smile at the corner of his lips, and in his hand he held a gem-inlaid scepter.
His bearing was regal and holy, as if born to be revered.
“By order of the Saintlight Church and the King of Aisonia, I, Apostle Samuel, have come to this place to conduct the ‘Hero Ritual.'”
Samuel’s voice was not loud, yet it carried a strange penetrating power, reaching every villager’s ear clearly.
“The ancient Prophecy foretells that darkness is about to descend. The world needs a chosen hero to protect it. Saintlight will guide us to find the hero hidden among mortals.”
“Hero Ritual?”
The villagers whispered among themselves, faces full of confusion and a trace of inexplicable excitement.
The legendary hero—would such a person really come to their remote little village?
The Village Chief, an elderly man with white hair, trembled as he stepped forward, bowing respectfully.
“Honorable Apostle, welcome to Luofeng Village. It’s just… we are but a small place, I fear…”
Samuel waved his hand, interrupting the Village Chief.
“No need for excessive humility, Village Chief. The guidance of Saintlight never errs. The ritual is simple—all eligible young people in the village need only come before me, one by one, to receive the sensing of the ‘Saintlight Crystal.'”
As he spoke, a servant behind him brought forth an exquisite tray, on which rested a dove-egg-sized crystal, pure white and radiating a soft glow.
That was the Saintlight Crystal—said in legend to sense the soul of a hero and divine power hidden within the human body.
The news spread through the village like it had grown wings.
Eligible young people, both nervous and excited, tidied their clothes and lined up in a long queue.
Their parents waited anxiously on the side, eyes full of hope.
If their child was chosen, it would be the highest honor for their family, even for the whole village.
Luo Ling and Eve also heard the commotion and came to the edge of the crowd.
Seeing the scene, Luo Ling frowned, a nameless sense of rejection rising in his heart.
He disliked such clamor, even more so the feeling of being disturbed.
“Eve, let’s go back.”
Luo Ling said softly.
Eve gently shook her head, a trace of worry in her eyes.
“Let’s watch, Luo Ling. They seem to be looking for someone.”