The morning mist lingered over Green Mist Village, curling around the lantern trees and drifting lazily across the fields. The soil smelled rich after a night of gentle rain, sprouts glistening with dew as if bowing to their master.
Tian Yuan stood quietly in the center of the training field, Hoe planted firmly in the ground beside him. His golden-red eyes scanned the gathering villagers, his presence as calm as ever, yet carrying a weight that made even the air feel different.
The battle that had shaken the continent was already becoming legend. Stories of how he had crushed sect elders with mere roots spread like wildfire, but to the villagers, he was still the farmer who planted every spring.
But this morning, he was not a farmer. He was the Soilkeeper, and his words would shape the future.
---
The villagers stood in a loose circle, murmuring nervously. Children clung to their parents, and the elders whispered prayers. Tian Yuan raised one hand, and silence fell instantly.
> "The soil remembers balance, but the world has forgotten it," he began, his voice even and steady. "I alone cannot tend to all of it. So today, I will take seven disciples—seven roots strong enough to grow across this land."
He looked around the crowd, his gaze sharp yet kind.
> "This is not a path for glory. It will take decades of toil, discipline, and pain. If you seek power for yourselves, step back now. But if you wish to protect life—if you wish to nurture and balance the soil with me—step forward."
The crowd shifted uneasily. Then, slowly, seven figures stepped into the open, each with eyes reflecting something deeper than fear or ambition.
---
The Chosen Seven
1. Mei Lin – The Farmer
Mei Lin stood straight despite her small frame, her dark hair tied back, her hands clenched tightly. Barely twelve, she had spent her childhood helping Tian Yuan in the fields. Her voice was clear though trembling.
> "I don't want people to be hungry again. I want to grow things like you do, Master."
Tian Yuan nodded slightly, placing a hand on her head.
> "The soil already listens to you, Mei Lin. You will learn to make it sing."
---
2. Tian Long – The Swordman
Tall, stoic, and already respected in the village as a hunter, Tian Long stepped forward, his wooden practice sword strapped across his back. His calm eyes met Tian Yuan's without wavering.
> "I've watched you, Master. A sword can be a plow if guided by the right hands. I will learn to cut only when needed, as you do."
Tian Yuan's lips curved into the faintest smile.
> "A blade that cuts only to protect is the sharpest of all."
---
3. Shen Huo – The Spearman
Shen Huo bounced on his heels, his grin wide despite the seriousness of the moment. His unruly hair swayed as he spun his old spear lazily.
> "Master, I'm not good at sitting still, but I swear I'll grow fast if you teach me! Let me be the spear that clears the weeds for the others."
Tian Yuan chuckled softly, shaking his head.
> "Then grow wild, Shen Huo—but always in the right direction."
---
4. Wu Fang – The Emperor
Wu Fang, broad-shouldered and muscular, stepped forward last, his gaze steady but burning with determination.
> "The world is broken because no one strong enough tends to it. If you'll teach me, Master, I'll be the wall that keeps the balance standing."
Tian Yuan studied him for a long moment before speaking.
> "Strength without wisdom destroys the field. Learn first to hold the soil in your hands before you try to shape it."
Wu Fang nodded firmly.
> "Yes, Master."
---
5. Lan Xue – The Alchemist
Graceful and calm, Lan Xue carried a small basket of herbs even now. Her sharp eyes sparkled with curiosity as she bowed respectfully.
> "The soil grows not just crops, but medicines. If I learn from you, I can heal thousands—or kill those who threaten the balance."
Tian Yuan's golden-red gaze softened.
> "Every poison grows from a seed meant to heal. Learn to choose carefully, Lan Xue."
---
6. Ruo Ying – The Divine Doctor
Ruo Ying's steps were hesitant, but her eyes were filled with quiet resolve. Her hands, scarred from years of tending to the sick, trembled slightly as she bowed.
> "I've lost too many people because I was too weak to save them. If you'll teach me, I'll make sure no one dies when life can still be planted."
Tian Yuan nodded, placing his hand gently over hers.
> "A healer's hand is the strongest root of all. I will teach you."
---
7. Han Luo – The Scholar
Last came Han Luo, older than the others, his face lined with wisdom. He carried a notebook even now, his eyes calm and thoughtful.
> "Master, I may never be as strong as them, but I can learn the soil's language. I will write it down so others can follow your teachings long after we're gone."
Tian Yuan's gaze lingered on him, something like respect flickering in his eyes.
> "The strongest tree begins as a written seed. You will grow deeper roots than you know."
---
The Beginning of the Roots
The seven knelt before him, heads bowed. The villagers watched in reverent silence, the weight of the moment settling over them.
Tian Yuan lifted his Hoe, planting it firmly into the soil. The ground responded immediately, golden-red light spiraling outward in intricate patterns that encircled the seven.
> "From today, you are no longer just villagers," he said, his voice calm but carrying through the air like a vow. "You are roots of this soil. Grow strong, not for yourselves, but for the world."
The seven echoed in unison, their voices steady despite their nerves.
> "Yes, Master!"
The soil beneath them pulsed once, as if approving, and the training of the Seven Roots began.
End of Chapter 34