"Damn, this meat is so delicious!"

  "Yes! I feel like I'll be full for a week after eating this ape meat!"

  "Jin Hu, bring me more meat!"

  "Coming, coming!"

  The hustle and bustle of the kitchen hall still echoed with the clatter of pots and dishes. The villagers were thoroughly enjoying the incredibly delicious Fire Roaring Ape meat. The aroma of meat roasted with strong forest spices filled the air, mixing with the sweet scent of fermented honey drink.

  At the long tables set in the middle of the hall, laughter and chatter welcomed the hunters back. In the corner, Grandma Hua, the oldest medicine maker in the Village, exclaimed to her husband, "I told you, this Fire Roaring Ape meat contains a little jade essence! Feel it, husband, the pain in your back is gone!"

  "I agree! Just smelling the steam, I feel ready to work in the fields twice as hard!" a farmer chimed in, chewing a large, steaming piece of meat.

  Zhi Xuan walked into the hall, letting the warmth and bustle of the celebration soothe the remnants of the emotions that had spilled over in the square. He smiled, greeting several small children who were busy tasting the ape broth. The jade bottle containing the Spirit Shaping Pill felt cold and heavy in his robe pocket.

  He walked towards the busiest table, where Mingling, Tang, Bashan, and Zhuwei were seated, surrounded by village girls, including Lin and Yun Xiao.

  "Hey! The Wild Boar is awake!" Mingling shouted, bursting into laughter, his mouth full of meat. He pointed to the empty plate in front of him. "Sit down, Zhi! This meat is truly incredible! My Aunt Lian is indeed the greatest cook! It feels like spiritual essence is flowing into my intestines!"

  Tang, who was chewing with his eyes closed, only nodded in agreement. "Eat, Zhi. You missed the best part."

  Zhi Xuan sat next to Bashan. "I'm sorry, I fell into a very deep sleep," he said, picking up a fork and a piece of tender ape meat. The jade essence from the meat did feel warm and comfortable in his stomach, but much weaker than Ginseng essence.

  Across the table, Zhuwei was still engaged in a philosophical-structural debate with Yun Xiao.

  "You are wrong, Yun Xiao!" Zhuwei hissed, in a serious tone, although his plate was already full. "Strength is not always rigid! True strength is an impenetrable foundation. The Coiling Dragon Knot is a representation of a solid foundation!"

  Yun Xiao, whose hair was neatly braided, smirked. "If a foundation is impenetrable, it cannot adapt. If your knot is rigid, it will break at the first storm. Look at Zhi Xuan. He is the most relaxed, but he is the one who returned with the biggest treasure."

  Zhuwei immediately turned to Zhi Xuan, his face red. "That... that was just reckless luck, Yun Xiao! He did not follow proper cultivation principles!"

  Lin, the sweet girl next to Mingling, chuckled softly. "Zhi Xuan, don't listen to Zhuwei. We are all proud of you. You and Mingling, you are heroes."

  Mingling, whose face was beaming from Lin's compliment, nudged Zhi Xuan. "Hear that, Zhi? Even Lin acknowledges my heroism! Tonight, we will make history!"

  Bashan, who had been silently enjoying his food, patted Zhi Xuan's shoulder. "Grandfather Wu is very proud. He said your Spirit Shaping Pill is a treasure of Star Village. Do not waste it. Tonight, we will become the new Golden Foundation."

  Zhi Xuan smiled. The warmth of Aunt Lian's words, Grandfather Wu's recognition, and the friendship of his friends filled his heart. He felt his determination strengthened—he had to break through to the Divine Wheel, not just for himself, but to prove Aunt Lian's belief was true.

  "Of course, Bashan," Zhi Xuan replied, clutching the jade bottle in his pocket. "I will not disappoint anyone."

  The celebration lasted until sunset. The plates were clean, the laughter subsided, and the youths, now filled with energy from the ape meat and their stabilizing pills, returned to their huts to prepare.

  Zhi Xuan returned to his hut. He sat on his coarse cot, while Mingling and Tang were busy tidying their robes and washing their faces in the basin.

  "I'm going to wash my hair," Mingling said enthusiastically. "I have to look perfect when I break through to the Divine Wheel in front of Lin!"

  Tang only snorted. "Focus on your breath, Ming. Not on your hair."

  Zhi Xuan looked at his reflection in the water basin, his dark black hair long and untied, his heart beating steadily even though tonight everything would change for him.

  "Divine Wheel..." Zhi Xuan whispered, his voice barely audible amidst the clinking of water and Mingling and Tang's preparations.

  He looked at his reflection in the water basin: those sapphire eyes were now calmer, but there was a burning fire in them—the fire of new determination. Outside, the sky had turned a rich dark blue, and the almost perfect moonlight began to flood Star Village.

  Mingling and Tang, busy with their preparations, were unaware of the tension enveloping Zhi Xuan.

  "Why are you sitting there doing nothing, Zhi?" Tang asked, turning around. "You should purify your mind! Grandfather Wu said we must have a clear mind before swallowing the Foundation Opening Pill."

  Zhi Xuan only smiled faintly. "I'm just enjoying my last moment of peace, Tang. After this, we will be busy with cultivation."

  Mingling sighed softly and stepped closer to Zhi Xuan. "Buddy, we are all brothers. You are indeed the youngest of us, but you are still our brother, Zhi."

  "Thank you, Ming," Zhi Xuan replied, his tone gentle. He patted Mingling's shoulder, who now looked much more confident.

  He knew he couldn't wait. The Spirit Shaping Pill was a gift, but also a time bomb. And, he needed definite serenity to dispel his doubts.

  "Mingling, Tang," Zhi Xuan called, standing up. "I'm going behind the hut for a moment. I need some fresh air and to clear my mind."

  "Alright," Tang said indifferently. "But don't be too long! We have to go to the square in half an hour!"

  Zhi Xuan nodded, then hurried out. He walked quickly to the back of the hut, a dark place hidden from the view of the square, accompanied only by the faint light of the moon. He touched the jade bottle, its coldness spreading through his fingers.

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  "Actually... What does 'catastrophe' mean?" Zhi Xuan frowned, staring straight at the wet ground beneath his feet.

  The rustling of the night wind was like a song in his ears, the bustle of the ceremony preparation and the sound of the stone altar being finished seemed to move away from his hearing senses.

  Hmm...

  The sound came back, but this time, it sounded... Like a beast seeing a small shepherd growing up, filled with a desire that made Zhi Xuan's spine shiver, a woman's voice echoing in his ears. Zhi Xuan looked up and stared around to find the source of the sound.

  "That voice again..." Zhi Xuan muttered, he was no longer too surprised, the woman's mumbling continued to appear out of nowhere.

  Suddenly, the voice came closer, not from outside, but from within. It was a cold, distant, and majestic murmur, as if the entire universe was speaking through his soul.

  Zhi Xuan froze. He was not surprised by the voice, but by its familiarity. He felt as if he had heard it for years, deep within his dreams. It was the voice of something inside his body.

  Zhi Xuan clenched his jaw, his eyes filled with a burning determination. "If you enjoy acting so mysterious, then I will find out what is inside my body."

  Zhi Xuan turned, ignoring the cold voice that now felt excited in his chest. He had no time to analyze runes or 'catastrophe'. Tonight was the night of the new Golden Foundation, and he would not miss it.

  He stepped out of the shadow of the hut, and was immediately greeted by the sight of the transformed Star Village.

  The path leading to the square was now illuminated by hanging lanterns made of red and yellow oiled paper, casting a warm light that danced on the rough stones. The villagers, wearing their best clothes, moved with hurried yet solemn steps, carrying mats, pure water pitchers, and offerings. The atmosphere was no longer one of celebratory laughter, but a sacred ceremony.

  Zhi Xuan walked slowly, savoring the sight. In every corner, he heard whispers full of hope.

  "Look at our young men," an old woman whispered to her husband. "Tonight, some of them will reach the Divine Wheel. We will be safe from Fire Roaring Apes and shadow tigers for another generation."

  A bow hunter, who was arranging his wife's seating, nodded. "Yes. These young men are the Village's Golden Foundation. Without them, we would crumble. May Heaven bless them with strong foundations."

  When Zhi Xuan arrived at the square, the solemn atmosphere reached its peak.

  The Opening Stone Altar stood majestically in the center of the square, made of five large black basalt stones placed in a five-star formation. The stones felt ancient and cold, and at its peak, a large white jade stone was placed, reflecting the moonlight that now shone almost perfectly over Star Village.

  On the sides of the Altar, senior hunters stood in a protective circle, their leather robes neat and their expressions serious. Uncle Chen and Fourteen stood at the very front, acting as guardians. In the row behind them, Aunt Lian stood, her hands twisting her new and clean apron, her eyes focused directly on Zhi Xuan.

  Grandfather Wu, the Golden Foundation of Star Village, now stood in the center of the Altar. His grey robe seemed to blend with the shadows, only his sturdy staff was visible, emitting a faint glow. In front of him, on the white jade stone, lay an ancient bronze bowl containing pure water and sprinkled with Pure Forest Ginseng dust—the final preparation before the ceremony began.

  The youths who would break through to the Divine Wheel had already gathered, sitting on straw mats in front of the Altar. Mingling, Tang, Zhuwei, and Bashan sat in the front row, their faces tense. They had swallowed their stabilizing pills and were now awaiting instructions for their Foundation Opening Pills.

  Zhi Xuan took his seat in the front row. Tang greeted him with a brief nod, but Mingling only turned and nodded, his eyes focused on the bronze bowl.

  Grandfather Wu raised his staff. The sound of wood clanking on the hard basalt stone ended all whispers and laughter.

  "Star Village residents," Grandfather Wu's voice resonated, carrying a spiritual authority that vibrated the night air. "Tonight is the night we have long awaited. Tonight, under the perfect Jade Moonlight, our youths will undergo the most sacred breakthrough: the Opening of the Mortal Divine Wheel!"

  Grandfather Wu turned towards the youths. "For years, you have washed your marrow and bones with hard work. You have practiced horse stance, hit grain sacks, and faced the dangers of the forest. Now, this Golden Foundation needs you more than ever!"

  Grandfather Wu pointed to the bronze bowl. "This Foundation Opening Pill will fuse with your blood and essence, breaking the mortal limit and opening the gate to spiritual essence. This is an opportunity, and also a test."

  "Remember my words!" Grandfather Wu exclaimed, his eyes staring intently at the moon. "Cultivation is patience. Do not be greedy, do not rush. Think about the Golden Foundation, think about this Village! If you feel rejection from your body, stop! It is better to be a living mortal, than a foolishly dead cultivator!"

  Zhi Xuan clutched his Spirit Shaping Pill bottle tightly in his robe pocket. He felt the heat of the pill and the coldness of the jade pulling at each other. He knew Grandfather Wu was talking about the dangers of cultivation for everyone, but the words felt directed straight at him.

  If you feel rejection from your body, stop! those words were embedded in the mind of every youth.

  Zhi Xuan looked at the sky, staring at the cold shining moon. He felt Aunt Lian's gaze from behind, a gaze full of conviction. He remembered his promise: "I will be a tough protector."

  He ignored the cold murmuring that tried to rise from the depths of his soul. He had made a decision. He would swallow this Spirit Shaping Pill and break through to the Divine Wheel, whatever catastrophe lurked.

  Grandfather Wu nodded to Uncle Chen. Uncle Chen stepped forward, carrying the processed Foundation Opening Pill bottles for the other youths.

  "Now," Grandfather Wu said. "All youths, take your pills. And Zhi Xuan..."

  Grandfather Wu turned and looked at Zhi Xuan, the gaze penetrating his soul.

  "Zhi Xuan," Grandfather Wu said, his voice softening, yet carrying the weight of countless years. "Your Spirit Shaping Pill is processed with the Thousand Year Jade Root. Never eat it before everyone else is finished. You are the last. You are the most special. You will be the test of the new Golden Foundation."

  Grandfather Wu did not ask, but commanded. Zhi Xuan nodded slowly, respect and dread filling his heart. He had to watch his friends break through to the Divine Wheel first, while his pill of destiny waited in his hand.

  One by one, seventeen youths rose from their seats. Among them, Mingling stepped with a slightly awkward courage, Tang with a sharp focus like a bow, Zhuwei with a perfect rigid posture, and Bashan with measured and calm steps. They all carried their pills distributed by Uncle Chen, pills that were only light blue, the mortal Foundation Opening Pills.

  Their faces were filled with a mixture of determination and hope that was almost painful. This was the moment they had prepared for for years. Some youths, like Lin Zi and others, had chosen to step back, leaving the stage for those who were truly ready to risk everything.

  "I hope they all succeed," said an old farmer staring emotionally at the youths.

  "Yes, they will become a strong golden foundation."

  "I hope so too, may our Village always be blessed by the ancestors."

  The seventeen youths walked towards the Opening Stone Altar. Around the basalt stones, seventeen round straw pads had been placed, arranged in a perfect circle surrounding the ancient bronze bowl in the center.

  Grandfather Wu raised his staff once more, and his tone changed. No longer commanding, but praying.

  "Ancestors of the Golden Foundation!" Grandfather Wu exclaimed, his voice now trembling, echoing across the silent square. "A new generation of the Golden Foundation has arrived! They have washed their marrow and bones, they have carried the responsibility of the Golden Foundation! Bless their purification! Bless their breakthrough! Let the essence of heaven and earth enter their divine wheel!"

  After the prayer, Grandfather Wu nodded to the youths. One by one, they sat cross-legged on the pads, placed their pill bottles in front of their knees, and closed their eyes.

  Mingling took a deep breath, a nervous smile creeping on his lips. Tang squeezed his hands, which were muddy yesterday. Zhuwei sat with his back straight as a stake. They were all now immersed in concentration.

  Grandfather Wu and Uncle Chen, who had shed their leather robes and were now only wearing simple purification clothes, stepped into the outer circle of the Altar.

  Uncle Chen, with a serious face, dipped his hand into the bronze bowl in the center. His rough fingers painted a series of runes on the first black jade stone. Immediately, the rune glowed faintly, and the aroma of jade essence spread.

  Grandfather Wu, on the other side, stamped his staff on the ground. Clang! The sound released an invisible wave of spiritual energy, flowing from the Earth and connecting to the White Jade Stone at the peak of the Altar.

  SZZT!

  The black stones began to glow with intertwining warm orange and jade white light. Energy from heaven and earth was drawn into the Altar. Grandfather Wu and Uncle Chen, facing each other, began to move in a series of rapid hand movements, directing the spiritual essence into the formation circle.

  The spiritual formation of the Golden Foundation has been activated!

  The orange-white light circled the youths, creating a rotating energy dome above their heads. The air in the square felt heavy, full of spiritual pressure that could not be withstood by mortals. Aunt Lian and the other villagers retreated further, their eyes filled with awe and fear.