Lee Xian, Cultivator of Guyon

Dumpling Competition

The atmosphere of Qinglian village grew increasingly boisterous. The bamboo trumpet announced the news that had spread like wildfire: The annual Dumpling Eating Competition is about to begin! Children run around, carrying messages from one house to another, while mothers are busy preparing ingredients for their best dumpling.

At midday, the village square was filled with an appetizing scent of dumpling. The organizers had prepared a long table decorated with red and gold ribbons. On top of it, there are bowls containing dumplings that are still evaporating.

But this year something is different. The highlight is no longer on the competition itself, but on one of its participants: Xian.

"I heard Xian found the Qinglian Jade Stone," Xiao Ling whispered to her friends.

"really? Could it be that he would eat all the dumplings with his new strength?" xiao Feng asked with sparkling eyes.

Xian, who felt the center of attention, tried to act calm. He smiled at the other participants, even though in his heart he was nervous. However, just as he was about to take his place, a crowd sounded from the direction of the village gate.

A group of merchants with wooden carriages stopped in the middle of the crowd. A long-bearded man announced, "We brought a secret spice from the mystical mountains! Anyone who wants to add to his dumpling taste, come and buy it!"

Xian, who always liked to try new things, approached the merchant. With a few silver coins, he bought the condiment. However, instead of keeping it to himself, he distributed it to the villagers.

"Use this" he said with a smile. "Let's see how delicious dumpling we make with this secret spice."

The village is back boisterous. Everyone was busy mixing the secret seasoning into their dumpling dough. A distinctive new aroma soon spread, adding to the excitement of the competition.

As the competition began, Xiao Ling shouted, "Ready... Eat up!" and all the participants started eating dumplings quickly. But everyone's eyes were on Xian. With his new strength, would he be able to defeat all the participants?

However, instead of eating the dumpling quickly, Xian enjoyed each bite. He even gave praise to mothers who had cooked it.

Time passed, and as the bamboo trumpet sounded signaled the competition was over, the result was shocking: Xian won the competition, but not because of his new strength. He won the hearts of everyone with his humble attitude and his appreciation of village food.

When met by the villagers who wanted to congratulate him, Xian said, "This is not a victory for me, but for the entire Qinglian village. We've all made the best dumplings with that secret spice."

That day, in addition to the celebration of Xian's victory, the Qinglian village also celebrated togetherness and unity amid the excitement of the competition.

Qinglian Village seemed to be unable to stop talking about Xian. In tea stalls, in markets, and on the streets, all echoes with stories of how the young man surprised them all with his easy win in a dumpling-eating competition.

Sitting under a large tree in the village square, Lao Wang, an old man, muttered to his peers, "I've participated in this competition for so many years. But I've never seen anyone eat dumpling that fast."

His peer, Lao Chen, nodded as he sipped his tea, "Right. When we were young, we thought we were the fastest. But Xian. He's amazing."

Not far from there, a group of children played guessing Xian's secret. "Maybe he's got four hulls!" yelled Xiao Feng while laughing.

"Stupid! Maybe she practiced witchcraft to expand her stomach!" sahut Xiao Ling's.

The atmosphere of the village became increasingly boisterous as the sun began to set. Suddenly, Xian stood in the middle of the square with his wide smile. "Let's celebrate this victory together!" yells. Then, with quick footsteps, he began to dance with a thunderous rhythm. In an instant, people began to join him, including children, adults, and even the elderly.

Xian led the dance with energetic body movements. Every step, every leg beat, and every arm swing seemed so perfect. The dancing candlelight reflected the light from the cheerful faces, while their shadows moved together on the ground. Xian's black hair glittered under the moonlight, his eyes sparkling with happiness.

Xian simply laughed, "There are a lot of things you guys don't know about me, Lao Wang!"

As the music subsided, Xian took a deep breath, "Thank you all! It's not just a win for me, but for all of us. All of this is probably because of the jade I found. But, the most important thing is the spirit of our village."

A young boy shouted, "Come, tell me about the jade!"

With a mysterious smile, Xian said, "Maybe someday, but tonight, let's enjoy this celebration."

Everyone was cheering, and thus, that night, the Qinglian village was feasting on dances, chants, and of course, more dumpling. Compactness and joy enveloped the village, and all were grateful to Xian, the young man of the village who had brought shock and happiness.

Against the backdrop of a star-filled night sky, Xian sat by the riverbank, where he had first discovered the jade that was now in his hands. The glittering moonlight depicts the sharp details of the stone, reflecting the soft emerald green light. He felt a pulse of energy emanating from the stone, as if it had a pulse of its own.

Xian stared at the reflection of his face in the water, trying to figure out what had changed in him. "Is this my destiny?" mumbling slowly. "Is this just a coincidence?"

From a distance, footsteps approached. An old grandmother with a wooden stick in her hand walked slowly towards Xian. Her white hair glittered under the moonlight, and her deep eyes showed the wisdom of a long life experience.

"Xian," called out to him in a soft yet determined voice. Xian turned his head, looking at the face of the grandmother, whom he recognized as Granny Li, the oldest resident of Qinglian village.

Grandma Li sat down beside Xian, her eyes looking at the jade. "This rock." he said, "I've heard stories about it. A long lost story in the history of our village."

Xian looked at Grandma Li's face, curiosity filling him. "Tell me, Grandma."

Grandma Li took a deep breath, "Hundreds of years ago, there was a great cultivator living in our village. He had this jade, the source of his strength. But, he disappeared, and the stone disappeared with him. Legend has it that this stone will return when our village needs protection."

Xian gulped, feeling heavy in his chest. "Protection from what, Grandma?"

Grandma Li looked at Xian with serious eyes, "From the darkness to come, from an invisible enemy. This stone chose you, Xian. Maybe you're the next guard."

Xian pondered, understanding the burden of responsibility that might await him. "What am I supposed to do, Grandma?"

Grandma Li smiled, patting Xian on the shoulder gently. "Listen to your heart, and find out more about your strengths. And remember, you are not alone. This village will always support you."

Xian nodded, feeling a little relieved. They sat together in silence for a few moments, enjoying the silence of the night.

After a while, Grandma Li stood up, "Remember, Xian, true power comes not only from this stone, but also from the goodness of your heart."

Xian looked at Grandma Li with sparkling eyes, "Thank you, Grandma. I will always remember your words."

With a warm smile, Grandma Li slowly walked away from Xian who was now sitting looking at the jade stone, eager to live out the destiny that had been written for her.