Re-birth: The Beginning after the End

Li Hua laughed at his reaction, genuinely delighted by his amazement. "I can teach you, Brother," she replied, deliberately understating the complexity of what she'd done. "I have a scroll that would be of value to you!"

Li Wei's eyes widened further, unmistakable fire igniting in his gaze—the pure hunger for knowledge that had made him the most promising scholar. "Please," he said, the single word carrying emotion that Li Hua was all too familiar with when he gets excited.

She nodded, adding this to her growing list of ways to help her brothers. "But what about Second Brother? He could benefit even more than you, given his struggles with cultivating."

"Let's check his schedule," Li Wei answered, practical considerations immediately taking precedence over his own desire for knowledge—a testament to his character. Without hesitation, he retrieved a harmonizing talisman from his robes, activating the three-way transmission technique that would connect them to their middle brother.

The talisman glowed briefly before their Second Brother's distinctive spiritual signature resonated through the connection. Big Brother! Little Sister! Li Hao's energetic essence practically burst through the spiritual link, his natural exuberance evident even in this non-verbal communication. What perfect timing! I was just thinking about both of you!

Li Hua and Li Wei exchanged a smile.

Brother, Li Wei responded with measured dignity that barely contained his excitement. We have something important to discuss. When can you receive visitors?

The response came immediately, vibrating with characteristic impulsiveness. Now! Right now! The elders granted me three days of independent study starting this morning. Are you both coming to visit?

We'll need to arrange proper leave from the sect first, Li Wei responded through the spiritual connection, his mental voice carrying the formal structure that characterized his communication even in private. Leaving the sect requires an elders permission and appropriate documentation. We'll notify you once the arrangements are complete.

Great! Li Hao's spiritual energy pattern vibrated with unmistakable joy. I've missed you both terribly! The cultivation regimen here is effective but absolutely dull without family.

We've missed you too, Second Brother, Li Hua answered, allowing genuine warmth to flow through their connection. Despite the recovery of her celestial memories, the bond with her brothers remained precious—connections unique to this incarnation that she treasured deeply.

Sister! Li Hao's mental voice brightened further, if such a thing were possible. You must tell me everything about the Forbidden Zone expedition! And more importantly— his tone shifted to barely contained excitement, —did you collect any blacksmithing materials? The Heavenly Smith Sect is excellent for refinement techniques but woefully lacking in exotic metals.

Li Hua laughed, her amusement transmitting clearly through their connection. I've collected some specimens you might find useful, though perhaps not as precious as you're hoping.

Anything is valuable for experimentation! Li Hao responded immediately, his pragmatic approach to craft momentarily overriding his usual exuberance. Even failed combinations provide important data.

Then I'll bring you a selection, Li Hua promised, making a mental note to sort through her warehouse for items that would delight her craft-obsessed brother without raising questions.

Maintain your cultivation discipline until we arrive, Li Wei added, automatically shifting into his elder brother role. We simply wanted to confirm your availability before requesting formal visitation permits.

Yes, yes, Li Hao responded with characteristic impatience. I'll be a model disciple until you arrive. The elders won't have a single complaint to report!

As the spiritual connection faded, Li Hua and Li Wei exchanged knowing glances—both well aware that their Second Brother's definition of "model disciple" often diverged significantly from expectations.

"He hasn't changed," Li Hua observed with a smile.

"Thank the heavens for small mercies," Li Wei replied dryly. "One dramatic transformation in the family is quite enough."

Li Hua's mouth dropped open in genuine surprise—had her transformation been that obvious to him? She had underestimated her eldest brother's perceptiveness. Li Wei chuckled at her reaction, pulling her into a rare display of physical affection.

"Your changes are positive ones, Sister," he murmured, his voice carrying the gentle reassurance that had comforted her through childhood. "Whatever you encountered in the Forbidden Zone has brought out something... essential in you. Something that perhaps was always meant to be."

She laughed softly and wrapped her arms around her brother, squeezing him tight with carefully restrained strength. For all his formal demeanor with others, this was the true Li Wei—observant, accepting, and unfailingly supportive. In that moment, she silently renewed her commitment to protect this incarnation's family bonds with all the power at her disposal.

When they finally pulled apart, Li Wei straightened his robes with characteristic precision. "Let's go meet with Elder Sun about the travel permissions," he said, voice returning to its usual measured tone. "The sooner we complete the formalities, the sooner we can visit Second Brother."

Li Hua nodded and quickly activated the Void Cloak technique to exit her brother's quarters discreetly. After confirming the coast was clear, she materialized outside the male disciples' residence area, the transition so smooth that passing disciples noticed nothing unusual. Her brother followed the conventional path, emerging several minutes later. Once he rejoined her, they walked together toward the main hall.

They spotted Elder Sun on the stone steps, already departing for his afternoon duties. Li Wei called out with appropriate respect, "Elder Sun, might we have a moment of your guidance?"

The Vice Sect Leader turned, his weathered face showing mild curiosity at the unexpected approach. Though known for his strict adherence to cultivation protocols, Elder Sun had always shown particular favor toward the Li siblings, appreciating both Li Wei's scholarly dedication and Li Hua's focused intensity.

"Elder Sun," the siblings greeted in unison, bowing with precise formality—neither too deep to suggest servility nor too shallow to suggest presumption.

"We apologize for interrupting your departure," Li Wei continued, "but we wished to request permission to visit our brother at the Heavenly Smith Sect. Would it be possible to arrange leave for today?"

To their surprise, Elder Sun's expression shifted to one of mild amusement. "You are both inner disciples," he reminded them, his tone carrying unexpected warmth. "The formal leave permissions apply only to outer disciples and absences exceeding three days or journeys beyond the sect's territories. For same-day visitation to affiliated sects, your identity tokens already carry sufficient authorization."