Re-birth: The Beginning after the End - Chapter 169

Chapter 169: REQUEST TO CHANGE SCHEDULE
Golden morning light spilled through the floor-to-ceiling window of Li Hua’s quarters as she stood in contemplative silence, her gaze tracing the misty silhouettes of distant mountains.

“Master, what’s wrong?” Little Firefly asked from her consciousness.

Li Hua pulled the jade slip from her sleeve, studying the schedule they’d received yesterday. After their talk with Li Hao, she and Little Firefly had spent the night cultivating in her inner space, giving her time to think about her situation.

“Nothing is wrong,” she answered. “It’s just that the schedule doesn’t quite fit what I need right now.”

“What do you mean master?”

“Well, the cultivation sessions are done with an elite sect elder and other members of this class, but that’s not where I need to focus. And the communication practice and combat training…” she paused, weighing her words. “They all require a spirit beast bond. Although I have you, Little Firefly, we can’t risk exposing your true nature. Besides, your priority should be cultivating and recovering your memories.”

“Hmmm, master what about talking with the Vice Sect Leader?”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” Her gaze drifted to the window again, but her thoughts were on the vast library waiting in her inner space. “I wonder if there’s a way I can just learn on my own. I still have yet to read any of the manuals in your library.”

“I think that’s a great idea, master!”

“Ok, then I’ll go look for Elder Sun.” Li Hua said, her decision made.

Following Elder Sun’s instructions from yesterday, Li Hua made her way to the main hall. The morning air was crisp, and other disciples were already moving about the sect grounds, some heading to early training sessions while others walked with their spirit beasts.

The main hall was a bit noisier than it had been during yesterday’s tour. Sunlight filtered through high windows, creating patterns on the polished floor. A few disciples stood consulting the large crystal board that displayed available tasks and rankings, while others spoke in hushed tones with senior members about cultivation matters.

Li Hua approached one of the hall attendants, a young woman whose jade pendant marked her as part of the administrative staff. “Excuse me, is Elder Sun available?”

The attendant looked up from her desk, her eyes focusing on Li Hua’s inner disciple robes. “Yes, you’re in luck. Elder Sun hasn’t left yet. Would you like me to notify him that you wish to speak with him?”

“Yes, please.” Li Hua nodded.

The young woman activated a small communication formation on her desk, her essence flowing into the delicate patterns. After a brief moment, she looked back up at Li Hua. “Elder Sun will see you in his study. Please, follow me.”

Li Hua trailed behind the attendant as they walked through the main hall’s eastern corridor, passing rooms where scrolls and documents were neatly arranged on shelves. They stopped before an ornate door decorated with carvings of various spirit beasts.

The attendant knocked softly before opening the door. “Elder Sun, Inner Disciple Li Hua is here to see you.”

Elder Sun sat behind a broad desk of dark wood, various jade slips and scrolls neatly arranged before him. His eyes held the same warmth they had yesterday as he gestured for Li Hua to enter. “Please, come in. Thank you, Ming Xia,” he nodded to the attendant, who bowed and quietly closed the door behind her.

“What brings you here so early?” Elder Sun asked, setting aside the document he’d been reading.

Li Hua straightened her posture, choosing her words carefully. “”Elder Sun, I’ve been reviewing the schedule, and I have some questions about the training arrangements…” Li Hua began, maintaining a respectful tone. “The schedule focuses heavily on spirit beast communication and bonding, but as I haven’t formed a bond yet, I was wondering if I could arrange my time differently.”

Elder Sun leaned back slightly, studying her with knowing eyes. “You wish to pursue a different path of study?”

“Yes,” Li Hua nodded. “I would like to focus on independent research and cultivation first. Perhaps spending more time in the library and medicine hall, learning about different spirit beasts and their characteristics before attempting to form any bonds.”

Elder Sun stroked his beard thoughtfully. “Quite unusual for a new disciple to take such an approach. Most are eager to form their first bond immediately.” He paused, considering. “However, your grandfather did mention you possess a rather… unique perspective on cultivation. And your test results yesterday certainly proved that you have an innate understanding of beast resonance.”

Elder Sun reached for a blank jade slip on his desk. “Very well. I can arrange for you to have unrestricted access to the library’s advanced sections, including some of our more… specialized texts on beast characteristics and resonance theory.” His fingers traced patterns across the slip’s surface, recording the necessary permissions.

“However,” he continued, looking up at her, “you’ll still need to demonstrate your progress regularly. Perhaps a monthly assessment of your theoretical knowledge? And of course, you must maintain the minimum cultivation requirements expected of an inner disciple.”

He handed her the newly inscribed jade slip. “This will grant you the access you need. The library’s restricted sections are on the upper floors—texts that most disciples don’t see until their second or third year. Use them well.”

Li Hua accepted the slip with both hands, bowing slightly. “Thank you, Elder Sun. May I ask what the minimum cultivation requirements are?”

“Ah, yes,” Elder Sun nodded approvingly at her question. “Inner disciples must maintain a consistent cultivation rhythm—at least four hours daily of focused practice. You’ll also need to demonstrate essence control improvements during monthly evaluations, at least until you reach martial rank four. The sect provides cultivation resources, of course: spirit stones, cultivation caves, and access to essence-enriched springs. You can find all the details in your jade slip’s schedule section.”

Li Hua reached down at her jade pendant and thought, Elder Sun can’t see my true cultivation rank so he must not be above me. Oh well, I’ll just play along—for now.

“Thank you for your guidance, Elder Sun,” she said respectfully, tucking the new jade slip safely away. There would be time enough to reveal her true strength when necessary.

After leaving Elder Sun’s office, Li Hua made her way back to the main hall where the large crystal board dominated one wall. Other disciples moved aside respectfully as she approached.