Lintong's Dilemma: The Dragon's Roar

In the remote mountains of Lintong, a legend whispered among the villagers: The Dragon of the Night would awaken every hundred years to claim a soul as its own. This year, the centennial anniversary arrived, and the villagers were in a state of panic. Lintong, a young farmer with a quiet demeanor and a penchant for solitude, was no exception.

As the moon climbed into the sky, casting an eerie glow over the village, the villagers gathered in the central square. Elders spoke of ancient prophecies, while the youth whispered fearsome tales of the dragon's past victims. Lintong, however, felt a strange calm wash over him. He had always been drawn to the dragon's tales, fascinated by the tales of bravery and sacrifice.

That night, as the villagers sought shelter in their homes, Lintong ventured out into the forest. He had a feeling, an inexplicable urge to confront the beast. The forest was alive with the sound of rustling leaves and distant howls, but Lintong pressed on, driven by an inner force.

Hours passed, and the forest grew darker. Suddenly, a roar echoed through the trees, so powerful it shook the very ground beneath Lintong's feet. He turned to see a massive dragon, its scales glistening like emeralds, rising from the shadows. The dragon's eyes, like burning coals, fixed upon Lintong.

The beast spoke, its voice a deep rumble that seemed to resonate in Lintong's chest. "You have come seeking death, young man. But I offer you a choice. You may choose to die, or you may become my sacrifice, ensuring the prosperity of your village for another century."

Lintong's heart raced, but his mind was clear. He had no desire to become a sacrifice, but he also knew that the village's prosperity was more important than his own life. He looked into the dragon's eyes, seeing not a creature of fury, but a being of power and wisdom.

"Then I choose the prosperity of my village," Lintong declared, his voice steady despite the trembling in his hands. "But I have a condition. You must not take any life, and you must not harm the land. Only then will I submit to your will."

The dragon's eyes softened, and a smile, if such a thing could be ascribed to a beast, appeared on its face. "Very well, Lintong of Lintong. Your courage and wisdom have impressed me. I accept your terms."

The dragon descended, its wings casting long shadows across the forest floor. It spoke again, "But remember, your choice will bring prosperity, but it will also bring great responsibility. The power I grant you must be used wisely, or it will bring ruin."

Lintong nodded, understanding the gravity of his decision. He would become the guardian of the village, the one who must ensure that the dragon's promise was kept.

As dawn broke, Lintong returned to the village, the villagers awestruck by his return. He shared his encounter with the dragon, and the villagers were filled with a newfound hope. Lintong was no longer just a young farmer; he was their protector, their savior.

Years passed, and Lintong's reputation grew. He faced numerous challenges, from droughts to pests, but he always found a way to protect the village. The dragon's roar was a constant reminder of the burden he carried, but also of the power within him.

One day, as Lintong stood atop the hill, watching over the village, he heard the distant sound of a roar. He turned to see the dragon soaring through the sky, its wings casting a golden glow over the land. The dragon landed before him, and they exchanged a knowing look.

"I have watched over you, Lintong," the dragon said. "Your village has thrived, and you have been a wise guardian."

Lintong smiled, feeling a sense of fulfillment. "Thank you, great dragon. I have done my best."

The dragon nodded and took to the skies once more, leaving Lintong alone with his thoughts. He knew that his journey was far from over, but he also knew that he had found his purpose.

And so, Lintong of Lintong became a legend, a guardian of the land, and a man who had chosen not just his own path, but the path of his entire village.