Re-birth: The Beginning after the End - Chapter 128

Chapter 128: THEIR QUARTERS

The siblings followed closely behind Grandmaster Yu, their steps steady as they navigated the surreal landscape of the sixth realm. The air hummed with an unspoken energy, and the faint glow of the surroundings seemed to pulse gently, as though the realm itself was alive.

Li Wei, ever the scholar, observed their surroundings with a mix of awe and curiosity. “The architecture here is fascinating,” he said, his tone bordering on reverence. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Li Hao glanced around, his stance relaxed but his eyes sharp. “It’s strange, but it doesn’t feel threatening,” he noted, his gaze following the twisting paths. “More like it’s just… watching.”

Grandmaster Yu nodded thoughtfully. “You’re correct, Hao. The sixth realm has its own nature. It observes and adapts, but it isn’t dangerous—at least, not here. Stay mindful, but there’s no need for fear.”

As they walked, the path beneath their feet seemed to shift slightly, like a ripple in a pond disturbed by a gentle breeze. Li Hua paused, her body tensing at the unexpected movement. She looked down, her breath catching for a brief moment. “What’s happening?” she asked, glancing toward her grandfather.

Grandmaster Yu remained composed, his voice calm and steady. “The realm is adjusting to our presence. Keep moving and stay steady. It’s simply settling, not threatening.”

Li Hua nodded, adjusting her stride. She exhaled slowly, regaining her composure. “It feels like it’s testing us,” she remarked, her eyes scanning the shifting ground with renewed determination. The group continued their journey in silence, their footsteps echoing faintly as the intricate carvings on the distant structure grew clearer with each step.

As they approached the main structure, the faint outline of a smaller, yet equally ornate building came into view off to the side.

Grandmaster Yu gestured toward it. “These will be our quarters during our stay.”

Li Hua and her brothers exchanged glances, their earlier apprehension replaced with quiet appreciation. The building had a welcoming atmosphere, its wooden doors carved with intricate patterns that seemed alive with stories of their own. As they stepped closer, the air felt warmer, the energy shifting from watchful to inviting.

Inside, the interior was simple yet elegant, with neatly arranged furniture and warm light from paper lanterns glowing softly in the corners. The scent of fresh wood and faint incense greeted them, calming their senses.

Lady Wei walked in behind them, her presence commanding yet reassuring. With a polite smile, she turned to address them. “Make yourselves comfortable. This space has been prepared for your stay.” Her tone was firm but kind, carrying an understated authority.

Li Hua bowed slightly, her expression calm. “Thank you, Lady Wei.” She glanced around the room, her earlier tension melting away as the group settled into their newfound refuge in the heart of the sixth realm.

Lady Wei nodded, her gaze sweeping over the group. “We’ll see you all tomorrow morning in the meeting hall.” With that, she turned and exited, her robes flowing behind her like water.

Their quarters were simple but well-maintained, designed for focus and study. Four spacious bedrooms lined up side by side, each furnished minimally to avoid distractions. A small common area connected them, featuring a low wooden table carved with intricate patterns. Beyond the common area, a narrow path led to a peaceful courtyard.

Li Hao darted eagerly from room to room, his excitement palpable as he inspected every corner. Suddenly, his voice rang out, echoing through the hallway. “This one’s mine!” he declared. From the first room, they could hear him rummaging through drawers and peeking out the window, already claiming his territory.

Li Hua chuckled softly. “Grandpa, which room catches your eye?” she asked, her tone light and warm.

Grandpa stroked his beard, his gaze drifting thoughtfully down the hallway, a glimmer of nostalgia in his eyes. “Hmm,” he mused, “I think I’ll choose the one overlooking the garden.”

Her smile widened. “A perfect choice, Grandpa. It gets plenty of sunlight too.”

From Li Hao’s room, his voice broke through again. “Hey, does anyone know where the blankets are? The bed’s great, but it could use some extra comfort!”

Li Wei let out a sigh, shaking his head. “I’ll go help him out,” he muttered, heading in the direction of his brother’s voice.

Li Hua leaned closer to Grandpa, her expression soft but curious. “Are you sure you want to stick around?” she asked quietly.

Grandmaster Yu chuckled, his laughter warm and reassuring. “I’m sure.”

The kitchen stood apart from the main house, connected by a short stone path. Li Hua stepped inside, the soles of her shoes clicking softly against the cool tiles. She filled the ceramic teapot with water and set it on the stove, the soft hiss of the flame breaking the stillness.

As the water began to boil, she glanced out the small window above the sink. The garden beyond stretched before her—shades of gray chrysanthemums and lavender swaying gently in the breeze. Grandpa’s laughter echoed faintly from the house as Li Wei reprimanded Li Hao, their voices blending into the muted, colorless world.

Li Hua carefully prepared the tea, the soft clink of the spoon against the ceramic cup bringing a sense of calm. Her mind wandered to the months ahead, wondering how much stronger the siblings would grow. She felt a quiet satisfaction knowing they had come to the sixth realm, the same place their parents had once visited. Did her parents stay in this very quarter? Her thoughts lingered on the warm nostalgia she often saw in her grandfather’s eyes.

Carrying the steaming pot, she stepped back into their quarters where Grandmaster Yu sat at the low wooden table, her brothers on both sides.

She poured four cups and settled beside Li Wei, breathing in the calming scent of jasmine. For a moment, none of them spoke, simply appreciating the rare peace of being together. Even Li Hao, usually bubbling with energy, seemed content to sit quietly.

“Tomorrow will be challenging,” Grandmaster Yu finally said, his voice gentle but firm. “The keepers’ training is not easy, but is necessary.” He lifted his cup, studying the steam rising from it. “Your parents underwent the same training.”

The siblings nodded.

“It can’t be worse than sister’s training,” Li Hao muttered, rubbing his shoulder at the memory.

Li Hua’s lips curved into a mischievous smile as she glanced at him. “Tell me you didn’t enjoy the burn.” Her eyes glinted with playful challenge. “Besides, you needed the practice. Your defense was full of holes.”

Li Wei cleared his throat, though amusement flickered in his eyes. “Perhaps we should focus on tomorrow’s training rather than reminiscing about Li Hua terrorizing Li Hao.”

“Terrorizing?” Li Hao straightened indignantly. “I held my own!”

“Is that what you call falling into the river three times?” Li Hua asked innocently, taking a sip of her tea.

Grandmaster Yu watched their banter with quiet satisfaction, a small smile touching his lips. It was good, he thought, that they could still find joy after everything they had been through. They were strong, indeed.

Finally, he set down his cup with a soft clink that drew their attention. “You should all get some rest. Lady Wei will begin your training at dawn, and she’s not known for her patience.”

“Yes, Grandpa,” they all said in unison and finished their tea.

The siblings stood and gave a slight bow. “Good night!” they said before heading to their rooms, their footsteps fading softly down the quiet hall.

Li Hua hesitated, hanging back for a moment. “Grandpa, didn’t you initially say we’d spend a year here? Why did you change it to ‘it depends on how quickly we learn’?”

Grandmaster Yu stroked his beard, his expression thoughtful. “Ideally, a year would be best, but each sect has its own rules. I heard they’ll be holding a disciple selection soon, though the exact date hasn’t been set yet. If you can’t make it by then, you’ll have to wait another year. When I first came to bring you three here, I thought a year would be necessary, but seeing how quickly you’ve progressed, you should be ready in time for the selection.”

Li Hua nodded, considering that staying for a year might not be so bad if it meant they could grow stronger, though finding their individual paths was just as crucial. After a moment of hesitation, she glanced at Grandmaster Yu. “Thank you, Grandpa. Good night,” she whispered, lowering her head respectfully. His warm smile and subtle nod offered quiet reassurance, and with that, she turned and made her way to her room.

Li Hua slid the door shut behind her and took a moment to survey the room that would be her room, at least for now. Modest yet carefully arranged, the space featured a simple bed nestled against one wall, a low desk positioned beneath the window, and a wooden chest awaiting her belongings. She slipped into bed, closed her eyes, and retreated to her inner space.

There, she checked on Little Firefly before resuming her physical training and cultivation.