Gods: Start with Goblins

Elder Luodan listened quietly to Elder Tianji's narration.

There was no trace of surprise or fear on his face.

Only deep sympathy and understanding.

He sat on the old, mottled stone bench.
The sun shines through the sparse leaves.

Sprinkled in his silver hair,

It added a sense of vicissitudes to him.

Elder Luodan gently patted Elder Tianji's shoulder. The action was gentle and powerful, as if conveying a kind of silent support and comfort. "Brother Tianji, we have all experienced such moments before." His voice was low and warm, like a gentle spring breeze, gently brushing Elder Tianji's heart.

Elder Tianji tilted his head slightly, and a complex emotion flashed in his eyes, with gratitude and bitter memories. He took a deep breath, as if he wanted to chew on that unforgettable experience again, and then slowly exhaled, accompanied by the flow of words: "Yes, Brother Luodan, it was really an unforgettable day. We originally thought that the mission deep into the demon territory would be the end of our lives. The traps set by the demons were too cunning, and we walked into their traps step by step. By the time we found out, we were already surrounded by enemies and had no way to retreat."

At this point, Elder Tianji's eyes became a little blurry, as if he had returned to that dangerous night. He continued, "We were surrounded by dense demon soldiers, and their eyes were full of coldness and murderous intent. We fought desperately, but we were outnumbered and our physical strength was gradually exhausted. Just when I was about to despair, an unexpected turn of events occurred."

Elder Luodan leaned forward slightly, his eyes flashing with curiosity and concern, as if he was also experiencing the thrilling escape along with Elder Tianji's narration.

Elder Tianji continued, "He was a seemingly ordinary demon soldier, blending in with the crowd and not very noticeable. But just when we were about to be completely surrounded, he suddenly signaled to us. The movement was so subtle and quick that it was almost imperceptible. At first I thought I was dazzled, but then he confirmed it with his eyes, which were full of determination and resolve."

Elder Luodan interrupted, "That's really a miracle, Brother Tianji. Under such circumstances, it is incredible that there are demon soldiers who can help us."

Elder Tianji nodded, a trace of emotion flashed in his eyes: "Indeed, I was also shocked. But I didn't have time to think too much at the time. I quickly conveyed this information to others, and we decided to seize this rare opportunity. So, while pretending to resist, we quietly moved in the direction indicated by the soldier."

At this point, Elder Tianji's tone became a little nervous, as if he had returned to that critical moment. "The process was thrilling, and every step was like walking on thin ice. Although the demon soldiers were somewhat lax, they were still very alert. We had to be very careful, for fear of accidentally exposing our whereabouts. Several times, I felt that we had been discovered, and my heart was beating so hard that it almost jumped out of my chest."

Elder Luodan tightly held Elder Tianji's hand, his eyes full of encouragement and support: "But you still succeeded, Brother Tianji. With your courage and wisdom, you finally got rid of their pursuit."

Elder Tianji smiled bitterly, with both relief and emotion for the past: "Yes, we succeeded. But that experience also made me deeply realize that life is so fragile, yet so tenacious. In desperate situations, we can not only rely on our own strength, but also on the trust and help of our companions. It is these experiences that make us stronger and more cherish our friendship."

Elder Luodan nodded heavily, his eyes flashing with determination: "That's right, Brother Tianji. No matter how many difficulties and challenges we will encounter in the future, as long as we unite as one, nothing can stop us from moving forward."

The two smiled at each other, their smiles full of expectations and confidence for the future. The sun still shone on them, as if cheering for their friendship and courage.

At this point, Elder Tianji showed a barely perceptible smile on his face. The smile was faint, but contained endless deep meaning. His eyes passed through the flickering firelight in the post station, looking at the unknown land shrouded in the night in the distance, but his heart was unusually calm. He knew that the hardships and challenges along the way, those thorny predicaments, and those pressures that almost made them breathless, would become an indispensable tempering on their growth path. These experiences, like sharp carving knives, have left deep marks on their hearts and forged their indomitable will.

"Brother Luodan, have you ever thought about why we have to go through so many hardships?" Elder Tianji asked softly, his voice was particularly clear in the silent inn.

Elder Luodan was slightly stunned when he heard this, then he laughed, his smile full of relief: "Brother Tianji, I often think that maybe this is our fate. As elders, we shoulder the hope and future of the tribe, so we naturally have to endure more than ordinary people. But it is these hardships that make us understand the importance of each other more and cherish this rare friendship even more."

Elder Tianji nodded, his eyes gleaming with wisdom. "That's right, Brother Luodan. I still remember that time when we were almost in despair under the siege of the demons, but it was your encouragement and support that rekindled my hope. Your existence is the most solid backing in my heart."

Hearing this, Elder Luodan felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He patted Elder Tianji on the shoulder and said with a smile, "Brother Tianji, you are the same. Every time I encounter difficulties, you are always the first to stand up and use your wisdom and courage to guide me. With you around, I think there is nothing we can't overcome."

The two smiled at each other, and the tacit understanding and trust flowed in each other's eyes. They continued to talk, sharing each other's stories and feelings. Elder Tianji talked about an adventure in his youth, when he was alone behind enemy lines and successfully obtained important intelligence with his wit and courage. Elder Luodan shared how he led his people to resist foreign enemies during a tribal crisis and finally protected the peace of his homeland.

Inside the inn, the firelight flickered, illuminating their resolute faces. The outside world was full of unknowns and dangers, but in this small inn, they found each other's support and warmth. The warmth from the heart, like hot tea in winter, not only warmed their bodies, but also moistened their souls. "Brother Tianji, do you think our future path will be as difficult as it is now?" Elder Luodan suddenly asked, with a trace of worry in his eyes.

Elder Tianji pondered for a moment, then shook his head firmly: "Brother Luodan, the road ahead may be more difficult, but as long as we move forward hand in hand, nothing can stop us from moving forward. We are elders and the hope of the tribe. We must be strong and brave."

Elder Luodan heard this and a hint of determination flashed in his eyes: "That's right, Brother Tianji. No matter how many difficulties and challenges we will encounter in the future, I will fight side by side with you until the end."

The two smiled at each other again, and their firm belief and deep friendship took root in each other's hearts. They knew that no matter how difficult the road ahead was, as long as they were together, nothing could defeat them. In this station full of unknowns and dangers, they found each other's reliance and warmth, and also found the strength and courage to move forward.

After saying this, Elder Tianji frowned, and the deep wrinkles seemed to be carved with a chisel, firmly embedded in his forehead. His eyes became extremely heavy, as if an invisible mountain was pressing heavily on his heart, making it difficult for him to breathe. Every time he inhaled, it was as if he had used up all his strength, and when he exhaled, he could only exhale a dull breath.

His eyes were filled with anxiety and confusion. The uncertainty about the future was like a dark cloud covering the sun, shrouding his mind in darkness. He clenched his fists, his nails almost digging into his palms, but he still couldn't seem to dispel the uneasiness in his heart. His fingers turned white from the force, and there was even a slight sound from the joints.

"Elder Luodan," Elder Tianji's voice was low and trembling, and every word seemed to be squeezed out from between his teeth, with an indescribable heaviness, "What should we do now? These demon soldiers are obviously suspicious of us. Their eyes are as sharp as knives, as if they can see through our carefully prepared disguises."

Elder Luodan's expression became serious when he heard this. He walked to Elder Tianji's side and gently patted his shoulder, trying to comfort him. "Brother Tianji, don't be too nervous. Now that we have come this far, we can't give up easily. Although our disguise may have some flaws, as long as we stay calm and don't reveal any flaws, it will be difficult for them to discover our true identity."

Elder Tianji shook his head, the anxiety in his eyes did not dissipate. "But, Brother Luodan, you don't know. These demon soldiers are different from the past. They seem to have undergone special training and are more sensitive to details than you can imagine. I'm worried that our every move is under their surveillance. If we are not careful, we will be exposed."

Elder Luodan pondered for a moment, then slowly spoke: "Brother Tianji, you are right. These demon soldiers are indeed not to be underestimated. However, we cannot just sit there and surrender. We must find a way to divert their attention or create some chaos so that we have a chance to escape."

A glimmer of hope flashed in Elder Tianji's eyes. He tightly grasped Elder Luodan's hand and said, "Brother Luodan, do you have any specific plans? We are in a time crunch and must act as soon as possible."

Elder Luodan nodded, his eyes became firm: "I have an idea. We can take advantage of the chaos in the post station and create some noise or fire to attract the attention of the demon soldiers. Then, we can take the opportunity to escape from another direction. Although this is a bit risky, it is our only option at the moment."

Elder Tianji heard this and a trace of determination flashed in his eyes: "Okay! Brother Luodan, let's act according to your plan. We can't hesitate any longer and must act as soon as possible. No matter what the result is, we must fight hard."

The two looked at each other and saw the firmness and determination in each other's eyes. They knew that the decision at this moment would determine their fate. So, they began to prepare quietly, waiting for the best time to come. The atmosphere in the post station became more tense, as if a storm was about to come.

After hearing what Elder Tianji said, Elder Luodan's expression became more solemn, his brows furrowed tightly, as if he could catch a wisp of breeze. His eyes were deep, like a deep pool of water, quietly settling all his thoughts and worries, and seemed to be able to penetrate the fog in front of him and see the distant and unknown future. His eyes flickered with complex light under the reflection of the fire, showing both a deep understanding of the current predicament and a firm attitude towards unknown challenges.

"Brother Tianji, I know exactly what you said." Elder Luodan's voice was deep and powerful, and every word seemed to be spoken after careful consideration. "I have also heard that a powerful Lord Long has come to the City Lord's Mansion. His arrival has undoubtedly made our situation even worse and more dangerous. We are like a candle in the wind, which may be blown out at any time."

Elder Tianji sighed, a hint of helplessness flashed in his eyes: "Yes, Brother Luodan. It is said that the strength of this Lord Long has reached an unfathomable level. His existence is like an insurmountable mountain, standing in front of us. And we are like being trapped in an invisible net woven by the demons, unable to find the exit, and unable to extricate ourselves."

Elder Luodan was silent for a moment, his eyes trembling slightly under the firelight, as if he was thinking about something. Then, he slowly said: "Brother Tianji, do you know why I am not afraid?"

Elder Tianji was stunned for a moment. He looked at Elder Luodan in confusion, waiting for his next words.

Elder Luodan continued, "Because we are not fighting alone. We share the same beliefs and support each other. In this invisible web, we may not be able to find a way out, but we can work together and use our wisdom and courage to tear open this path to survival."

Elder Tianji's eyes lit up when he heard this. He held Elder Luodan's hand tightly and said, "Brother Luodan, you are right. We are not fighting alone. We still have each other. As long as we work together, nothing can stop us from moving forward."

Elder Luodan nodded, his eyes flashing with determination and resolve: "Also, Brother Tianji, don't forget that we still have our people. They are our strong backing and the source of our strength. For them, we can't give up easily." (End of this chapter)