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The Sunstone Village buzzed with a quiet energy after the return of Elder Huan and the others from Stonegate. News of the grand auction, and especially the Grade 1 Body Strengthening Fruit Elder Huan had acquired, spread quickly. Alongside it, word of the incident on the road—the bandit attack and the sudden appearance of Commander Lin Fei—was already being spoken of across the village.
That evening, the villagers gathered at the communal fire pit, a rare assembly, their faces reflecting a mixture of hope and apprehension. Elder Huan stood before them, holding the small wooden box containing the luminous red fruit.
"This fruit," he announced, his voice carrying the weight of his decision, "is a rare opportunity. It has the potential to help someone enter the cultivation path, to strengthen their body beyond what is naturally possible. This is not a gift to be given lightly."
The villagers began to speak, one after another.
Auntie Mei leaned forward. "Young Bao is quick. He could protect the village if he grew strong."
Old Man Li shook his head. "Bao is wild. Hua would be better. She's steady, hardworking, never complains."
From the back, Farmer Chen called out,
"Hua has always been dependable. She works tirelessly for the village and would be a worthy choice."
Another voice, Weaver Lin, added, "Brother Tian is already strong. His body is forged by years of labor."
Blacksmith Zhou grunted. "He's loyal. Brave. Always puts the village first. If anyone can use the fruit, it's him."
Gradually, the talk circled back again and again to Brother Tian.
Finally, Elder Huan raised a hand, bringing silence to the gathering. He looked at Brother Tian, who stood a little apart, his usual boisterous demeanor softened by the gravity of the moment.
"Brother Tian," Elder Huan's voice resonated with finality, "the village has spoken. Your strength, your dedication, and your character have made you our choice. We believe this Body Strengthening Fruit will allow you to grow into a protector even more formidable for our community."
Brother Tian stepped forward, accepted the wooden box from Elder Huan, and with a calm smile said simply:
"I accept it."
A cheer, soft but heartfelt, rose from the villagers.
Wu Ken smiled quietly, genuinely happy for Brother Tian. The village had gained a potential future protector, someone who could stand against the growing dangers of the outside world. And for Wu Ken, it was another milestone on his journey—another fellow villager stepping onto the path.
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