Re-birth: The Beginning after the End - Chapter 127

Chapter 127: THE KEEPERS

The keepers, a diverse group of men and women steeped in wisdom and power, regarded the siblings with solemn warmth. Their gazes held not just curiosity but a profound affection, as though the spirit of the siblings’ parents lingered in the air, bridging the past and present. These were no ordinary parents, after all—they had been legends, admired and respected by all who knew them. That admiration now extended effortlessly to their children, even as the keepers assessed them with discerning eyes.

“How much time will we have with these children?” A woman with flowing white hair and striking, alluring features rose to her feet. Her beauty was undeniable, yet it was tempered by an air of timeless grace and the poise of centuries of refinement.

“That will depend on how quickly the siblings can learn,” Grandmaster Yu replied. “Their goal is to join the sects, where they hope to refine their skills and progress along their cultivation path.”

The keepers nodded thoughtfully.

“They look promising. It might take them three months, maybe less, depending on their dedication,” one keeper remarked.

Grandmaster Yu bowed deeply, his hands clasped in respect. “Thank you,” he said sincerely.

The siblings followed suit, their thanks echoing in the chamber that seemed both vast and impossibly intimate.

Old Xiao stood, his robes rippling with patterns. “We’ll begin tomorrow morning. First, introductions, then we’ll show you to your quarters.”

He glanced at the group and added, “Let’s start with the siblings. Introduce yourselves first.”

Li Wei stepped forward, his bearing straight and proud. “My name is Li Wei, eldest at twenty-three. I control water essence, and my cultivation paths are beast tamer and array formations.”

The keepers nodded, approval warming their ancient faces. Several exchanged glances at the mention of array formations—such knowledge would serve well in a realm of ever-shifting geometries.

“I am Li Hao,” her second eldest brother continued, “twenty-one years old. I control both water and fire. My cultivation paths are blacksmith and combat.”

Several keepers leaned forward at this, their interest palpable.

“Ah, like the ancient forge masters,” one of the female keepers murmured, her eyes bright with interest. “They too balanced water and fire, though few survived the learning.” Her words carried both praise and warning.

Then Li Hua spoke, her voice steady despite the weight of so many gazes. “My name is Li Hua, nineteen years old. I control all essences, though my strongest are light, wind, and wood. My current paths are healing and combat.”

The white-haired woman arched a perfect eyebrow—a reaction Li Hua caught before the keeper’s face returned to its serene mask.

Old Xiao stepped forward, his movements deliberate and calm. Out of the six keepers, Li Hua noticed he was the only one who looked as though he was in his fifties, a stark contrast to the others who appeared to be in their Thirties.

“As you all know, I am Old Xiao,” he began, his voice carrying the weight of centuries. “I oversee the Eastern Quarter of the realm, where the paths spiral like autumn leaves in wind.” He gestured to his fellow keepers. “Each of us guards different aspects of this place—its knowledge, its paths, its very stability.”

“I am Lady Wei,” the white-haired woman said, inclining her head gracefully. “I maintain the balance of power that flows through our realm like blood through veins. Those who would abuse such energy…” Her smile carried edges sharp as broken glass. “Well, they find themselves quite lost.”

A keeper with a confident stance and a sharp gaze spoke next. “I am Old Guo. I guard our borders against those who would breach them uninvited.” His deep voice carried a quiet intensity. “Beasts, rogue cultivators, forbidden entities—they all learn quickly why the Sixth Realm remains untouchable.” A faint smirk appeared as his eyes settled on Li Wei. “Your father and I had many interesting conversations about the nature of barriers.”

“I am Old Tang,” spoke a handsome middle-aged man whose bearing carried centuries of wisdom. “The deeper mysteries of our realm fall under my watch.” His eyes met Li Hua’s, and he offered her a subtle wink before continuing, his voice carrying that same measured authority she remembered from their previous encounter. “Some knowledge demands careful guardianship, lest it fall into hands unprepared for its weight.”

“I am Lady Xu,” spoke the next keeper, her movements flowing like water through ever-changing channels. “The stability of our realm’s geometries is my domain,” she continued, gesturing to the impossible architecture around them. “I ensure our paths remain true, even as they shift and wind through dimensions beyond normal comprehension.” The air around her seemed to bend slightly, as if reality itself acknowledged her authority.

“And I am Lady He,” announced a stern-faced woman whose robes bore patterns of interlocking gates. “None enter or leave these halls without my knowledge.” Her voice carried the weight of absolute authority. “Every permission granted, every passage allowed—all must flow through proper channels, lest we invite chaos into our ordered realm.”

Each keeper’s introduction wove a new thread into the intricate fabric of the Sixth Realm’s defenses, their united presence a testament to why this sanctuary had remained concealed for centuries. Li Hua and her brothers bowed again, their gazes lingering as they took a closer look at the keepers who would be guiding them during their stay, studying the faces of those who held the keys to their training.

“Will you be joining us during their training, Grandmaster Yu?” Old Tang inquired, his eyes carrying a hint of knowing amusement.

“Yes, please prepare a room for me as well.” Grandmaster Yu responded with a slight nod.

Old Tang waved a hand toward Lady Wei, who rose gracefully from her seat. “Of course. Lady Wei, if you would show them to their quarters?”

The siblings’ faces lit up at the news of Grandmaster Yu’s stay. Li Hao, brimming with excitement, spoke up eagerly, breaking the reserved atmosphere. “Grandpa, you’re really staying with us?”

Li Wei’s eyes glimmered with curiosity, a hint of a smile softening his typically serious expression. “You won’t be too busy?”

Li Hua stepped closer to Grandmaster Yu, her usual guardedness melting into a warm smile that reached her eyes. She gently linked her arm through his, the gesture both seeking and offering comfort. The prospect of having him nearby made this strange realm feel more like home than hostile territory.

Grandmaster Yu’s stern face softened as he looked at his grandchildren, his arm shifting slightly to match her movement. “There are some things more important than business,” he said simply, then followed Lady Wei as she guided them from the chamber, her movements as fluid as morning mist.