A/N: Hey there readers! Welcome to chapter 4, I hoped you all enjoyed the previous one.

We'll be seeing Owen start to get some weapon.

We will also get to see the Xinya Family Shrine! I wonder what lore awaits them…


Key:

'Thoughts'

"Whisper"

[Skills, Menu, Magic]

"Speech"

Sounds*


Chapter 4 "The Path to Najin Village"

It's been a day since he had left Jingyi and started following the road towards Najin Village, but there was something wrong…

'Fuuuccckkk….I forgot to buy food…but I don't want to head back to Jingyi since I think I'm close.'

Well, he had seen signs pointing in the direction he assumed was Najin Village. But even without proper meals, Owen still kept pushing.

Though the heat of the sun and the heaviness of his leather chest plate-!

"Wait a minute! I'm level 10! Can't believe I forgot…"

He could now equip the Iron Lamellar Armor. Quickly pushing the heavy, and sweaty, slap of leather on his chest off his body. Owen would drop it on the ground before pulling off the huge bag of armor on his back.

'Oh, it's not that heavier than last time? Is it because I'm level 10 now?'Or from my strength getting higher?'

He lifted the bag up and down to test its weight, and yeah it was definitely lighter.

Putting the bag gently on the ground, Owen untied it and looked at the 5 pieces of armor, as well as a belt, inside. Pulling out the shin guards first, Owen saw how it had a strap on the back of it and a top strap on the left and right side of his legs with a hook that led up to his waist.

"Ah, so I'm supposed to put this belt on first and hook the two straps of the shin guards onto the belt. Then strap together the backside," Owen said as he figured out how to put it on. Thanks to that, he had managed to equip both shin guards.

Moving onto the vam braces, he would only discover a strap to wrap around your forearms. It wasn't difficult to put that equipment on.

Next, he grabbed the chest plate and slid it into his torso. Once on, Owen twisted his body around to see how it felt.

'This is way better than that leather chest plate. Unlike what I wore before, this is much lighter and evenly spreads its weight around my body. The leather was all concentrated on my chest.'

He honestly couldn't wait to see what other type of armor he could get, though he preferred armor that allowed him to move freely like this one.

Now equipped in his new armor, Owen picked up the leather set and absorbed it into his weapon. Now when he checked it, he saw the armor but he wasn't able to pull it out again.

'Oh shoot, thank god I didn't put my money bag in there eariler...'

Sighing with that new piece of information Owen turned away from Jingyi and began following the road.

..

..

..

Whistling a random tune, Owen watched as the sun looked to be heading down for the day.

"The time's probably around 12 or 1 pm. That farmer I saw in the fields earlier told me that I'm pretty close to Najin Village now," Owen stated as he remembered that conversation before plopping a tofu cube into his mouth and shuddering.

So what happened was that after an hour of walking, Owen needed food badly and saw a nearby farm growing some crop he didn't know the name of. Thinking that someone might be willing to sell some of their produce, Owen made his way to the farmer's house and striked a conversation with them.

He had to use the 'Im the Shaolin Hero' card and offer to pay for some food the guy had. It resulted in the man praying in front of him and thanking Owen for blessing his crops with his presence…

Yeah worshiping him instantly like that made him obviously uncomfortable. Ignoring the worship, Owen asked again if there was anything he could buy from the farmer.

Which mostly consisted of really dry bread and a cup full of Tofu cubes. The farmer said it was something he could offer without starving himself as he told Owen of Mogwai's appearing recently and eating some of his crops.

Though Owen offered to extremists them, the farmer said that they had all moved north like they were after something else.

Perhaps it was like hunting patterns for them?

With that warning received, Owen thanked the farmer and generously gave him 1 Mon-Fif since he wanted the guy to go get some more food for himself.

So far on the road, he hasn't seen any goblin looking creatures. Maybe that had gone in a different direction?-

Clash*

Ping*

'Oh nevermind! I bet those Mogwai are ahead and harassing someone!'

Equipping his monkey fur bo staff, Owen ran down the road and towards the noise. The sight before him was pretty cool.

BAM!*

Woosh!*

Shplitch!*

There was someone riding a huge turtle that slammed itself into a pair of Mogwai, while a girl with a katana was defending their backs, slicing these monsters apart and stabbing them whenever she could.

He honestly wasn't needed but knowing he had to get stronger and level up…

'Alright even if they don't need help, I do need the exp!'

Rushing at the gathered group of Mogwai, Owen yelled out his skill to prepare a combo while looking at the monster's stats.

[Fire Mogwai]

Lvl 13

"[Leap Attack]!"

Owen leaped into the air slammed on the Mogwai with the increased damage from the stat boost.

The result caused at least one third of its health to go down before it turned its gaze on him.

'It looks like a gremlin from the movie!'

That was honestly the best way he could describe them. They were a bit hunchback with gray rubbery leather skin, red eyes surrounded by scales, and had long thin ears that dropped like an elephant.

Suddenly the Mogwai roared as its right hand flared with fire before swinging that arm and flinging a spell towards Owen. Attempting to move out of the way, Owen would suffer the spell grazing his waist unprotected by the Lamellar armor.

Cursing out loud, Owen charged as he zig zagged towards the Mogwai before slamming his weapon on its chest.

'Payback! I can't feel my side now because of you!'

The Mogwai would stumble back as Owen slammed his weapon onto its chest before kicking it into the road.

Now momentarily on the ground, Owen used those precious seconds to lift his Bo Staff and launch it down. The resulting hit leveled up to level 12.

[You are now Level 12]

A series of minor weapon forms were said to be unlocked but he would check them out after making sure there weren't any more Mogwai's.

Looking at the two other individuals that were fighting, he saw that they were staring at him with curiosity and shock.

Not understanding why, Owen made conversation with them.

"Uh, I'm not sure why you're looking at me shocked. I just killed this Mogwai, and you guys we're dealing with more," he then pointed out towards the dead group of Mogwai's surrounding the pair.

Then the women stepped forward and yelled with excitement, "Are you the Shaolin Hero!?!"

She wore a set of gray robes with yellow inscriptions and symbols on numerous parts of the uniform. However, she had rows of small steel plates that ran from the chest down towards the robe. Her arms had interconnected thin metal running down the shoulder and onto the hand before tightly wrapped around her arms. Short black hair with bangs that covered her forehead, she also had grey blue eyes.

A/N: If you're wondering what she's wearing, it's Hanfu Armor.

'I wonder if Zhou has a set like that, it probably allows me to do more jumping than the one I'm wearing.'

Owen thought to himself as he analyzed the girl's equipment. Unaware that because he wasn't responding, the girl had moved closer to him to punch his cheek.

The pinch would bring Owen out of his thoughts, "Ow, hey!"

'Too close!'

He took a step back and looked at the girl who seemed to be waiting for an answer to her question. He nodded as he put his Bo Staff on his back before having both free hands grabbed into an excited handshake.

Gasp~!*

"It's an honor to meet you sir! Words can't even describe how honored and blessed I am to meet the Holy Hero!" the girl said before turning around and walking Owen to the other individual on the turtle.

"You should meet Sir Cao Ma! He's a young trader from the Jia Marshlands-!"

'Ow ow ow, the pain on my side is starting to flare!'

Owen was about to yell at her to stop moving him but the now revealed Cao Ma spoke on behalf of him.

"Lady Xinya, you need to let him go. He's got a scorch mark on his waist, the pain will start to flare up right about now."

With a look of concern on her face, the girl apologized to Owen, "Ah! I'm so sorry for your holiness. Here let me heal you with my magic!"

Her hand would glow with energy as she spoke:

[As an individual born with the element of water, unleash the power of my tattoo and mana and heal my target! Apprentice Shû Alleviation!]

A gentle wave of energy came over Owen's body and soon the burned side returned to a healthy hue.

"Thank you for healing me, and u-uh it's okay now. You did stop the pain, so thank you." Owen responded before looking at the pair once again.

"Are you two heading to Najin Village? I'm going there to see the Xinya Family Shrine to hopefully get some materials to absorb."

The girl from before excitedly spoke at the mention of her family shrine, "Yeah! You'll be welcomed there, your holiness! My family has been waiting for 200 years for the next Shaolin Hero to arrive!"

Now that got Owen's attention as he looked at the girl, "Oh you're from Najin?"

Before the realization hit him, "ah…Sir Cao Ma said 'Lady Xinya'. Can't believe that I didn't realize that."

'Definitely not embarrassed or feeling idiotic right now.'

The Najin girl only giggled as she gave out her name, "it's alright! My name is Xinya Jìng! Though you can call me Jìng, I don't care that much about honorifics. I hope we can become friends, your holiness!"

'Well she seems nice, though a bit clumsy…'

"Yeah sure," Owen simply agreed before absorbing the dead Mogwai, unlocking a new weapon form and series.

[Mogwai Elemental Subspecies Weapon Series Unlocked]

[Fire Mogwai Gun Staff Unlocked]

Owen would check out the new weapon type to see if he could use his methods on it.


[Fire Mogwai Gun Staff] Tier 0

Tier Cultivation Requirements: 10 Fire Mogwai Bodies

Equip Bonus: Attack 1, Fire Resistance 2, Magic 2, Skill: Power Swing

Equip Effect: Inferno Disc

Skill Cultivation Requirements: 5 Fire Mogwai Cores


'Lets go! A new skill, Power Swing…by twisting your upper body when swinging, you can deal powerful blows towards your enemies.'

It was a decent skill and reading the next equip effect Inferno Disc, it allowed him to throw out a disc of fire towards his enemy.

But he rambled in his brain for too long so he turned to face the merchant on the turtle before greeting him and giving his name, "Hello Sir Cao Ma. My name is Jenkins Owen, I hope you didn't mind that I joined in the fight earlier?"

'I'm just gonna say Jenkins Owen so they will call me by my first name next time.'

The man known as Cao Ma was not really a man but a young boy, he looked to be 15 or 16 years old! His face was clean of any facial hair and his straight black hair was swiped nicely to the side as well as green eyes.

'Did anyone ever have green eyes in ancient China?'

"I don't mind, your holiness. In fact, it was an honor to see you fight. I have never seen a weapon that could switch forms, I've only read of it in legend!"

'So he's a merchant? Quite young to be one but it might be different here.'

"You are a merchant I take it, Sir Cao? Miss Xinya said you came from the Jia Marshlands? Also what is that giant turtle? I never seen anything like that before," Owen questioned, ignoring Jìng who was saying it was fine to call her by her given name.

Owen watched as Cao got off his leather seat on the giant turtle before sliding off and landing on the ground.

Cao answered as he stroked his hand against the turtle's head, earning a deep rumble from it.

"Yes I am, the first in my family name in fact. I'm from the Jia Water Guild's, it's a nation SouthEast of Pan Bo."

The Jia Water Guild's was something he never heard about. Is that one of the other major powers in this world? If so, then why did Ming Gúwén back when he was first summoned didn't mention them?

'Possibly rival nations. If so then I can see why he wouldn't tell me, he would rather have me stay in Pan Bo if he could…though I should also ask Jìng what her opinion of that country is too, since she's a native here.'

Suddenly Cao's turtle gently moves its head towards Owen's hand, obviously wanting to get pets too.

"Don't worry Yao! I'll pet you too!" Jìng stated as she walked over to Yao and scratched its neck.

Cao chuckled at the scene as Owen began to run the turtle's head.

"Her species are called Kuà Guī, they're domesticated monsters used for transportation. My home country is the main source of Kuà Guī breeding and distribution across the land, these creatures are loved by everyone. You should see the look on children's faces whenever I pass through a town."

'Yeah I bet they're in awe. This turtle is so cute and friendly, I can see why people love them'

But then Owen proceeded to ask another question, one regarding the numerous Mogwai attacking them. To that, Cao walked back to his turtle and opened a satchel on its shell and revealed a small seed.

[Hardwood Seed]

"This is a hardwood seed. When fully grown, they are harvested to make moderate equipment resistant to all sorts of melee attacks. This seed specifically is bred for resistance against bludgeoning and stabbing weapons. Though for Mogwai, they're nothing more than a delicacy," Cao explained.

"Huh, I would love to have a set of armor like that. But how do they stand against monsters?" Owen questioned. It sounded decent for fighting against people like bandits or enemy soldiers…

'I actually never fought anyone in their world either…one day there will be a day where I'll have to kill someone...'

"Hmm well this specific seed is decent for fighting against monsters typically larger than humans. Monsters that tend to have powerful arms or claws," the merchant finished before handing the seed to Owen.

"You should absorb this seed, it might provide a decent form?"

Accepting the gift, the hardwood seed was quickly absorbed into the Holy Bo Staff. The result was the Hardwood Weapon Series unlocking. Though the only thing Owen was missing was the leaf aspect.


[Hardwood Seed Gun Staff]

Tier Cultivation Requirement: 10 Hardwood Seeds

Equip Bonus: Gathering 2, Cultivation 1


[Hardwood Root Jo Staff] Tier 0

Tier Cultivation Requirement: 10 Hardwood Root

Equip Bonus: Defense 1, Skill: Root Capture

Equip Effect: Detection


[Hardwood Bark Monk Spade] Tier 0

Tier Cultivation Requirement: 10 Hardwood Bark

[Abilities Locked] Equip Bonus: Attack 3, Defense 3, Magic Defense 1

Equip Effect: Bludegoning Resistance (Small), Piercing Resitance (Small)


"I got some very good weapon forms out of that seed. Thank you Cao, if you don't mind me not using honorifics too?"

Cao simply said that it was alright to call him by his given name and was happy that the seed had managed to unlock many new forms.

However Jìng would walk up to Owen with an idea, "Hey? How about you, me, and Cao, form a party? Since we're all traveling to Najin Village, once we get there I can take you to my family's shrine!"

"Yeah that sounds good. I got a lot of weapon forms and stats that can be upgraded by you two just joining," Owen agreed. Before sending the two an invite to his party.

Owen also had a chance to see the levels of his new members, which included Yao, the friendly turtle.

'Huh? I didn't know you could have monsters as part of your party?'


Party:

Owen Jenkins Lvl 10

Xinya Jìng Lvl 20

Cao Ma Lvl8

Yao Lvl 28


Tada! Welcome to Najin Village, Sir Owen!" Jìng said as she made her way past the village guards looking at Owen with awe.

Owen smiled sheepishly as he walked alongside Cao Ma, and his turtle.

It had taken until sunset that they finally reached the village. On the way there, Owen had managed to fulfill the Tier Cultivation requirement thanks to Cao Ma, attracting more fire Mogwai to them. This got him to level 14, as a result, along with 3 new things.

First, He was able to get a 25% Stat Boost on the Fire Mogwai weapon thanks to it being Tier 1.

Second, was his new skill: [Root Capture]

Allowed his Jo Staff to shoot out a net of tree roots that is used to, well, capture enemies. So if he paired that and stopped enemies with it before attack with [Leap Attack] combo, he could do some good damage.

Third, was him now being able to use the [Hardwood Bark Monk Spade] and it basically replaced his [Basic Bo Staff] as his main weapon since it offered both defense and attack stats but slightly better.

The Monk Spade design was pretty cool. Essentially it was a Bo Staff with two new additions to the top and bottom. The bottom piece was a wooden crescent moon, while the top was a huge flat piece of bark with the weapon gem in beginning of where it started.

Overall, he was proud of what he got today. But back to Najin:

The village was situated between a small river that led into the one heading towards Lingyi, and it was a decently sized place.

There were really two parts to the village. The southern side of the riverbank, which was where the party was at. This place was where everyone outside of the Xinya Family lived.

On the other side was where the Najin Shrine was located and where Jìng lived. Her family were also the ones in charge as the lords of this area. Behind that side of the village however was mountainous terrain.

"So your family has been ruling this place for 200 years? How did that happen? Owen asked, wondering what history this village held.

Jìng brought her hand up to her chin to think for a moment before remembering.

"This place was founded by my family's ancestor, Lady Xinya Lì Lì! She was a companion of the previous Shaolin Hero and went there to create the Najin Shrine after she was rejected by him since he married the first Pan Bo Empress when the country was first created."

'Wait what? So the last guy became an emperor? And the girl he rejected created a shrine to worship him? Out of respect or obession?'

Though it seemed she moved on as Owen was talking to her descendant. But they eventually continued walking till they reached the wooden bridge that led to the other side of the river. Owen watched down below to see kids playing in the water before Cao's voice called out to both him and Jìng.

"Your holiness and Lady Xinya, I thank you for escorting me and Yao safely to Najin," he then slid off Yao and searched through his bags and pulled a handful of Mon-Coins.

According to Cao, the original reward for Jìng was 6 Mon-Fif's but because he had helped escort and helped deal with a Mogwai, he was going to split the reward between the two.

Owen started at the outstretched hand with the 3 coins in it before shaking his head.

Jìng protested while walking up to Owen and pushed her finger into his cheek, "don't turn down the reward Sir Owen! You'll need the money for your journey!"

'Yeah but all I did was basically spawn out of nowhere, hitch hiked with you guys for less than half the journey, and you're okay with splitting the reward?'

Owen thought, before turning to face Jìng, "look I got enough money from the princess, I didn't put in as much effort as you did transporting Cao across half of Pan Bo."

"So what? As part of the Xinya Family, it's my duty to help the Holy Hero!" Jìng exclaimed while now petting Yao, earning a deep grumble from the giant turtle.

Sighing, Owen knew it was going to lead to an endless argument, so he took his 'share' much to Jìng's delight.

"Look, eventually you'll run out of money since you said during our walk here, that this was all the princess could give you because they're preparing for the future wave back at the capital," the Najin girl continued talking, "I don't mind splitting because I want to help you."

"And I don't mind either, your holiness. While I understand being generous is a good thing, you'll need to be a bit selfish every once and a while or else you might find yourself in a terrible position one day," Cao stated as he began to lay out a small carpet in the ground, with Yao laying down on the ground.

Alright maybe they do have a point…

"Okay…thank you Jìng for splitting the reward for me," Owen said while giving a small smile to Jìng.

For the Najin girl, she would feel herself feeling a little hot but quickly shook her head as she realized what her duty needed her to do!

"Oh! I must tell Father that you're here! Please follow me sir Owen," Jìng requested, while dragging the Bo Staff Hero by the arm, causing him to yelp.

"Hey wait-!"

Cao watched the two running individuals as he yelled out towards the now crowded streets of Najin Village, "I have goods from the Jia Marshlands! Come if you wish to see my amazing products!"

The Najin Shrine was infact a huge house that, to Owen, looked similar to the one from the capital. The property was surrounded by stone walls with patrolling Shrine Guard's, who immediately allowed the two once Jìng told them who Owen was.

This world honestly amazed and scared him how people can worship a random dude like he's god.

'They shouldn't put that much faith and trust in me…I haven't even fougnt the first wave yet! Who says I'm like the previous wielders of the Shaolin Tools?'

Though Owen knew he shouldn't say stuff like that. So far, he knew that the people believed him to be capable of saying their world. So maybe he could put a bit of trust into himself…

Once the pair had arrive to the family house, Jìng told him to wait outside as she gathered the sleeping members of the shrine family.

Cao and Yao had left the party earlier when he was getting dragged to the shrine. It wasn't that bad to have Jìng in his party when they were traveling in a group.

'Maybe I can convince her to join my party permanently?'

As of right now though, Owen simply stood in front of the house. He kicked a few rocks here and there and was currently resting against his Bo Staff until his gaze wandered on a interesting looking tree.

'There's a lot of trees out here and they look completely different from the ones I seen so far. Are they Hardwood trees?'

Moving toward the tree, he would brush his free hand against it before hearing footsteps behind him.

Turning around, he saw a middle aged man with Jìng on his right side, and a male on his left.

Remembering what Jìng mentioned before, Owen assumed the others to be her father and brother.

The young man stepped forward and bowed before Owen as he introduced himself, "greetings, your holiness. My name is Xinya Wei Yue. 20 years old, just a year above my sister and I'm the heir to the Xinya Shrine Family. It is an honor to meet you."

'Huh, Jìng is as old as me but her brother look like someone from a Chinese drama! A lot of these people could be super models back on Earth!'

The young heir has long black hair, flawless skin and gray blue eyes. He was dressed in an outfit similar to Jìng but it was in white and blue while having a large crest of the Bo Staff on his chest armor plate.

The father next stepped forward and bowed, showing off his numerous tattoos on his body while wearing robes similar to the ones Owen got at the palace. He looked like an older version of Wei Yue, but with numerous battle scars littered across his entire form.

"My name is Xinya Chang Pu, I am the current Patriarch of this shrine. We have waited to serve and assist you in your quest to save our world. Welcome to our home."

The Xinya Patriarch then made grabbed onto Owen's shoulder and guided him into their house. When Owen tried to move out of his grasp, he couldn't.

'How strong is this guy? HUH?!?'

[Xinya Chang Pu]

Lvl 66

Yeah he definitely wasn't going to pick a fight with him.

'Not that I planned to anyways!"

Owen thought with sweat going down his forehead. Though wondering how strong the heir was, he turned to look at Wei Yue stats.

[Xinya Wei Yue]

Lvl 30

Seeing his shocked face earlier, Jìng gave out a simple giggle before giving Owen a hand wave that everything was going to be fine.

For Owen, he would discover more about this family. Whether what he found out was good or bad...


A/N: Okay, so this chapter was essentially too long to put within 5k words. So I'm putting the other half into the next chapter.

We might see other weapon forms in the next chapter

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, and I'll see you guys next time.

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, and I'll see you guys next time.