Re-birth: The Beginning after the End - Chapter 215

Chapter 215: BEYOND THE RIDGE
Li Hua and Mo Xing maintained their positions at the formation’s right flank, their established rhythm of movement and communication requiring fewer words with each passing day. Their connection developed in small moments—shared glances when Elder Fu described upcoming challenges, fingers brushing during meal preparations, occasional quiet conversations beneath the stars when they were finally able to rest.

The other disciples gradually accepted this unspoken pairing as natural, even expected—with the notable exception of Mei Lin, whose narrowed eyes followed their interactions with calculated assessment. Whatever conclusions she drew remained unvoiced, but her frequent whispered conversations with certain senior disciples suggested she hadn’t abandoned her interest in their unusual dynamic.

Days stretched into weeks, the expedition’s course following ancient pathways that spiraled gradually deeper into the Forbidden Zone. The composition of the forest itself evolved as they progressed—trees growing increasingly massive and time-worn, vegetation displaying more pronounced spiritual adaptations, ambient essence becoming so thick it occasionally manifested as visible currents in the air.

The changes accelerated during their fourth week of travel. The path narrowed, then widened unexpectedly into clearings filled with plants bearing luminescent flowers that pulsed in rhythm with nearby heartbeats. Crystalline formations jutted from tree trunks, refracting spiritual energy into prismatic displays that danced across the forest floor.

Elder Fu’s pace had quickened subtly over the past two days, his usual measured stride giving way to a more purposeful gait that the elite disciples recognized as anticipation.

Then, as they crested a small rise just as the day’s final light filtered through the canopy, Elder Fu suddenly raised his hand, signaling the group to halt. The fading sunset painted his weathered features in amber hues, and something rare flickered across his usually stoic expression—satisfaction.

“Our destination lies just beyond that ridge,” he announced, his finger indicating a gentle elevation ahead where ancient pines stood as silent sentinels against the darkening sky. “From its crest at dawn, the Eternal Lake reveals itself to those worthy of beholding its waters. We will make camp here tonight and complete the final day’s journey to its northern shore tomorrow.”

The disciples received this news with mingled relief and anticipation. Their supplies remained adequate but not abundant, and the constant vigilance required by Forbidden Zone travel had taken its toll even on the elite members.

As the group established their final camp before reaching the lake, Li Hua found herself drawn to the ridge Elder Fu had indicated. Standing at its base, she studied the looming darkness beyond, sensing something vast and ancient awaiting their arrival. Even at this distance, the spiritual pressure emanating from the lake’s location felt distinctly different from anything they had encountered thus far.

“Curious?” Mo Xing’s voice came from just behind her, his approach deliberately audible though he could move with perfect silence when he chose. “We could venture up for a preview if you’d like. The stars provide enough light for those with proper perception.”

Li Hua considered his suggestion, weighing curiosity against prudence. “Elder Fu said the lake is best viewed at dawn.”

“He said it becomes visible at dawn,” Mo Xing corrected, golden eyes gleaming in the gathering darkness. “For ordinary cultivators with limited spiritual sight. You and I…” He left the implication hanging, his smile suggesting confidence in abilities beyond the typical expedition member.

The temptation tugged at Li Hua’s usually disciplined mind—to see their destination first, to prepare herself for whatever awaited them at the legendary Eternal Lake. After a month of measured progress and careful adherence to expedition protocol, the prospect of a small adventure held surprising appeal.

“You two better not even consider it,” Elder Fu’s voice came from behind them, his tone carrying both authority and the slightest hint of amusement.

Mo Xing’s lips curved into a knowing smile as Li Hua suppressed a soft chuckle.

“Absolutely not, Elder Fu,” Mo Xing replied smoothly as he turned to face him. “We were merely admiring the view.”

The elder studied them with eyes that had witnessed centuries, then nodded once. “See that you keep to the camp’s perimeter. We’re close to our goal, but proximity doesn’t guarantee safety.”

Li Hua and Mo Xing nodded respectfully. As they watched Elder Fu return to the center of camp, Mo Xing caught Li Hua’s eye with a subtle tilt of his head, indicating a small clearing just visible at the edge of their designated area. Without exchanging a word, they drifted in that direction.

The spot proved perfect—close enough to maintain connection with the expedition yet secluded enough for conversation. Mo Xing unfurled a simple mat from his storage ring, spreading it over the carpet of soft moss before gesturing for Li Hua to sit.

“Not quite the luxury of your pavilion,” he remarked, arranging a few embroidered cushions and a light silk blanket he’d extracted from his storage ring, “but the view compensates, wouldn’t you agree?”

Li Hua settled onto the mat, breathing in the complex bouquet of forest scents—ancient wood, lavender, and the distinctive tang of concentrated spiritual energy. Despite the dangers they had faced and those still ahead, she found unexpected contentment in this moment.

“I actually prefer this,” she admitted, pulling out a few steamed buns from her inner space, their surfaces still emanating warmth. She followed these with a delicate ceramic tea set, the white porcelain etched with cloud patterns. “There’s something about being outdoors, surrounded by living things…” She paused, her gaze traveling upward to where the sunset painted the canopy in brilliant hues of amber and crimson, dappled light filtering through leaves like liquid gold. “It feels more real.”

She filled the ceramic teapot with hot water and added white tea leaves, allowing them to steep for a moment before filling two cups with the fragrant liquid. She handed a cup to Mo Xing and the two settled into a comfortable silence, the warmth of the tea contrasting pleasantly with the cooling evening air.

In these rare moments of rest during their expedition, Li Hua thought about those closest to her. She had maintained her connection to her brothers through the transmission technique, updating them about her journey and sharing her experiences. She missed them with an ache and wished they were here too. Then there was Little Firefly, who remained in closed-door cultivation following his consumption of the Spirit Essence Condensation Pill. His silence worried her, though she understood its necessity.

She looked up at Mo Xing, who sat gazing at the sunset-painted sky, his golden eyes reflecting the amber light. She wondered if he had anyone waiting for his safe return, anyone he sent messages to during quiet moments like this.

“Where is Mo Tao?” she asked suddenly, the question emerging before she could consider its abruptness.

Mo Xing lowered his gaze from the sky, meeting her eyes with an expression she couldn’t quite decipher—something between caution and curiosity. After a moment, his lips curved into a small smile.

“He’s on a mission at the moment.”

“A mission?” Li Hua echoed, curiosity evident in her tone.

Mo Xing nodded but offered nothing more. The silence that followed wasn’t uncomfortable—they had established an unspoken agreement to share in measured portions, each revelation given its proper time.

Li Hua didn’t push for details, acknowledging his reticence with quiet acceptance.