Re-birth: The Beginning after the End - Chapter 34

Chapter 34: NEW ROBES & SHOES

Li Hua nodded, walking towards the crystal-clear river that flowed beside the jade pavilion, Little Firefly’s warm glow trailing close behind her. She settled onto the bank, crossing her legs beneath her small frame. The ethereal light of her spiritual space cast dancing reflections across the flowing water, creating patterns that seemed to hold secrets in their depths.

“Little Firefly,” she began, her young voice soft but steady, “when our connection was cut off… I experienced something strange. What felt like days to me passed in less than a breath for you.”

The spirit’s light dimmed with concern, hovering closer to her shoulder. “What happened, Master?”

“I met someone—or something. An ancient being called Bai Feng.” Li Hua’s fingers absently traced patterns in the air as she spoke. “Its presence… it was unlike anything I’ve encountered before. Like standing before an ancient mountain that had somehow gained consciousness.”

Little Firefly’s light flickered anxiously. “Bai Feng? I’ve never heard of such a being, Master.”

“It questioned my choices,” Li Hua continued, her gaze fixed on the flowing water. “About the mercy I showed in my past life, about the decisions that led to my death. It seemed to find human emotions… puzzling.” A small smile crossed her face. “But there was something else. It called me ‘child of three worlds.'”

The spirit’s glow pulsed with surprise. “Three worlds? But Master, even with your reincarnation, that would only account for two…”

“Exactly.” Li Hua nodded; her expression thoughtful. “And there’s more. It warned me that this new life might demand even greater sacrifices than my last. That the path ahead could be more dangerous than the one I left behind.”

The spirit’s light dimmed slightly in thought, hovering close to her shoulder. “Ancient beings rarely reveal themselves without purpose, Master. But what truly concerns me is how our connection was severed. To have the power to break our bond, even for a moment… this Bai Feng must be an incredibly powerful entity.”

Li Hua hummed in agreement, her small fingers trailing patterns in the air above the water’s surface. Despite the being’s overwhelming power, she hadn’t sensed any malicious intent from Bai Feng—just an ancient curiosity, perhaps even concern.

The river’s song seemed to carry whispers of prophecy, though its meanings remained just beyond her grasp. She could feel changes stirring in her spiritual space, subtle shifts that spoke of greater transformations to come.

“We’ll need to train harder,” she said finally, her child’s voice carrying the weight of her warrior’s resolve. “Whatever paths lie ahead, we must be ready.”

Little Firefly’s light brightened in response, a warm glow of loyalty and determination that matched her own.

Li Hua began another round of stretching, her young body following the familiar cool-down routine that had prevented countless injuries in her past life. Each careful movement helped ease her worked muscles, preparing them for the next day’s activities.

Finally, she cupped her hands and dipped them into the crystalline river, bringing the spirit water to her lips for a rejuvenating drink.

The next morning, Li Hua woke to the gentle movements of her brothers, both quietly sliding off the bed in the pre-dawn darkness. Her instincts registered their presence instantly, but she deliberately softened her reaction to match her apparent age.

“Mmm, where are you going?” She pitched her voice sweet and childish, though still hoarse from sleep. Even after a few days in this life, she still found it strange to hear such innocence in her own voice.

Both brothers jumped at the sound, and Li Hao leaned over, his face barely visible in the dim light. “Sister, you’re awake? Did we wake you?”

“Yes, don’t leave without me.” She let a pout color her voice—there was no way to make such a childish plea sound mature in a four-year-old’s body, so she committed to the role fully.

“Sister, you weren’t feeling well yesterday so we thought you might sleep more,” Li Wei answered, concern evident in his voice.

“No, I’m going too.” She sat up quickly, forgetting her usual caution in her eagerness to join them, and smacked her head against Li Hao’s chin. Even an assassin’s grace, it seemed, could be forgotten in moments of childish excitement.

“Ow!” He shouted before groaning.

“Sorry, big brother!” She reached up with her chubby hands to soothe his injury with one hand while the other rubbed her own head, gentling her touch as she’d done countless times before, though now with much smaller fingers. Playing the role of an innocent little sister felt strange, but she knew it was necessary—and besides, there was no dignified way for a four-year-old to do anything.

A soft chuckle came from both brothers as a warm hand also reached for her head and rubbed it.

“It’s fine, sister. Big brother is strong, he was just surprised and shouted. Did I scare you?” Li Hao said gently.

The familiar warmth spread into her heart, her brother, though still young and immature, could be so gentle and caring when it mattered most.

She shook her head, “I’m ok, big brother.”

“Well, since you’re already awake let’s go see if Māmā and Bàba are awake.” Li Wei said, reaching his hand out to her.

“Ok.” She responded, taking her brothers’ hands.

As the three siblings walked out of their rooms, they saw that both their parents were already in the common area, holding a few coarse linen clothes in their hands.

Concern flashed in her mother’s eyes when Li Hua’s eyes met hers. “Hua’er, you’re not feeling well. Why don’t you-.”

But before she could continue, Li Hua shook her head firmly, her small voice filled with determination. “Māmā, I want to be strong too.”

Her mother’s expression softened, a mix of worry and pride crossing her features. With reluctance she said, “Ok, my little Hua’er will be strong too.”

Her father’s weathered face broke into a gentle smile as he watched the exchange. He had always known his youngest had a spirit that burned brighter than her small frame might suggest.

Walking over to his daughter, he knelt and placed a calloused hand on her shoulder, his eyes reflecting the same mixture of concern and pride as his wife’s. “The path to strength isn’t always easy, my little poppy,” he said softly, his voice carrying the wisdom of years. “But if this is what your heart truly desires, then we will help you find your way.”

Li Hua felt warmth spread through her chest at her father’s words, knowing that despite their worries, both her parents would support her choice.

“Now, let’s get you changed into these.” He held up the coarse linen cloths and a pair of cloth shoes with rope soles, smiling. “Your practice robes and training shoes.”