A Song For The Ages

The following morning, Feiyin followed Elder Fjord through the giant clan's inner grounds, the air still crisp with the lingering chill of winter. Their destination was a towering structure at the heart of the valley, built of massive stone blocks carved with ancient marks, its roof braced by beams so large they could have been entire trees. Even before entering, Feiyin felt the aura of solemnity radiating from within.

The office of Drakar, the clan leader, was everything Feiyin expected of giants and more. The doors alone were taller than any gate in Xu Capital, opening to a chamber that felt more like a hall than a study. A massive desk carved from a single slab of dark stone dominated the center, while shelves laden with tomes the size of small boulders lined the walls. The ceiling arched so high that Feiyin had to crane his neck, and windows cast broad squares of golden light across the floor.

As he stepped inside, he could not help but feel utterly small. His head barely reached the height of the carved chairs, his figure almost lost in the vastness of the space. Yet he stood tall and composed, refusing to let his stature diminish the weight of his presence.

Drakar sat behind the desk, broad-shouldered and imposing, his black hair streaked with silver and his gaze sharp with quiet authority. The giant leader's eyes fixed on Feiyin as he entered, and though his expression was calm, the sheer pressure of his aura pressed like a mountain. Fjord remained standing to the side, respectful but clearly relaxed.

Drakar's voice rumbled like distant thunder. "So, I heard you've made quite a feat while climbing the Heavy Mountain. Tell me, how did it feel?"

Feiyin bowed slightly, smiling while his tone remained respectful. "It was unlike anything I've experienced. The suppression forced me to refine my circulation and dig deeper into my foundation. I felt as though every step tested both body and will. It reminded me that cultivation is not just a race, but a long run where each step matters."

A glimmer of approval flickered in Drakar's eyes. "Good. Then the mountain served its purpose. Only those who endure its weight can truly grasp the meaning of strength."

After a brief silence, Drakar leaned back in his colossal chair. "Now, Elder Fjord tells me you wish to continue your training with us. But nothing is free, Feiyin. What will you offer in return?"

Feiyin nodded with confidence. "Alchemy. I am confident my skills can be of use to the clan. You train your bodies and cultivate incredible strength, but alchemical products can support that growth, enhance your aptitude, and ease the transitions of cultivation. What does your clan lack most?"

The leader folded his hands, considering. "Our people already rely on our alchemists, but there are gaps we cannot ignore. Runic pills remain a precious commodity, even in our clan, since we have but one runic alchemist in this generation. Any pill that can enhance foundations, strengthening flesh and marrow while harmonizing essence flow will be welcomed. If you can craft such runic works, then your worth will not be questioned."

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Feiyin's mind raced through ingredients, formulas, and what he could refine with the supplies at hand. "I can make these. Some may take time to perfect, but if you provide the ingredients, I can guarantee results. But in exchange, I will need more than the mountain alone. I want access to the deeper methods of your clan, the kind of training that only your bloodline guards."

Drakar's eyes narrowed, his tone calm but firm. "You bargain high."

Feiyin's expression remained steady, though beneath he spread his oscillation sense, faintly picking up the clan leader's restrained amusement and testing edge. Feeling the moment, he pressed softly. "I bargain fair. You know as well as I do that strengthening foundations ensures your youth rise higher and last longer. If I can give you that, then deeper training is a worthy exchange."

A long silence stretched, then Drakar's mouth curved slightly, almost a smile. "Very well. You will provide the pills in measured batches- enough for our younger generation to prove their worth. In return, you will be allowed not only the mountain, but guidance and access to our archives."

Feiyin inclined his head. "That's something I can agree on."

Negotiation had been careful, respectful, but beneath it all ran the current of strength and trust. Both nodded in agreement, a mutual respect forming between them.

As the discussion wound down, Feiyin grew thoughtful. He hesitated briefly, then spoke. "Clan Leader, if I may… I wish to ask something unrelated. Has your clan had encounters with a race known as the insectoids?"

In the back, Fjord's eyes narrowed slightly at the mention, while Drakar's expression darkened just a fraction. "Insectoids. It has been some time since that name was spoken here. Why do you ask?"

Feiyin's gaze was steady. "They are stirring again in the lands outside. I have seen their traces with my own eyes. In a trial spaces of the Jade Celestial Dynasty, I faced visions of their endless armies, swarms without number, and commanders whose presence alone weighed heavier than mountains. Later, in the Greenwood Kingdom, I found one of their parasites festering inside the body of the Killerbear Empress. I believe that was no accident- it was proof they are already creeping into this world."

The chamber grew quiet. The weight of Feiyin's words pressed heavier than stone. Drakar's massive fingers tapped once on the desk, his tone grave. "Parasites… even among the beasts? Then the threat is closer than we thought." His eyes sharpened. "Our ancestors warned of swarms that devour worlds, and if you speak true, perhaps their prediction nears."

Fjord crossed his arms, his voice grim. "No wonder our forebears ordered seclusion. They foresaw calamity, and it may indeed be this. The time we bought must now be turned into strength."

Drakar leaned forward. "But why bring this to us, Feiyin? You are young, yet you speak with the weight of a leader."

Feiyin drew a breath, then answered with calm resolve. "Because I am preparing. Step by step, I am gathering strength and allies- like with the Greenwood Kingdom, like with Red Demon clan, and what I hope to achieve with your clan here- so that when the tide comes, we can stand together. No single power can resist such swarms. But united, perhaps the story can be different."

Drakar's frown softened slightly, his gaze lingering on Feiyin with something like respect. Fjord gave a slow nod. "Then perhaps your arrival is no coincidence at all."

The room fell silent again, but this time with the weight of shared purpose.