Elder Fu leaned forward, scholarly interest overtaking his previous concern. "Remarkable... Such perfect integration with natural energy. I've never seen this technique before."
"The level of control..." Elder Sun murmured, studying the space where Li Hua seed to both exist and not exist. "You've clearly mastered whatever thod this is."
Li Hua allowed herself to gradually reappear, her form solidifying like morning mist taking shape. She caught Mo Xing's gaze—heavy with understanding of exactly what she'd just revealed, though his expression remained carefully neutral.
"Then it's settled," Elder Sun declared, his earlier reservations replaced with approval. "Though I must admit, I'm curious about where you learned such an unusual technique."
Li Hua offered a respectful smile that revealed nothing. "One picks up various skills through dedicated practice, Elder Sun."
"Or perhaps special artifacts," Mo Xing suggested smoothly, his voice carrying just the right blend of casual certainty and helpfulness. "The market in Cloudrest City is known for concealnt talismans that create similar effects." His eyes t Li Hua's briefly, the subtle shift in his expression offering her a convenient explanation she hadn't thought to provide.
"Ah, artifacts would explain it," Elder Fu nodded, his scholarly interest montarily diverted as he rose from his seat. "et us here ten days from now, before dawn." His eyes held a mixture of admiration and lingering concern. "The journey to the Forbidden Zone requires careful timing, and we'll need to brief all chosen disciples on the specifics of the mission."
Li Hua inclined her head in acknowledgnt, her mind already racing through preparations. Ten days was a generous window—more than she typically received for missions in her past life.
"Don't be late," Elder Sun added, his smile grandfatherly beneath his stern beard.
Li Hua rose with fluid grace, offering a perfect bow that concealed both her eagerness and the calculating gleam in her eyes. "This disciple will be prepared," she promised, her voice carrying just the right asure of respectful determination.
As she reached the door, she could have sworn she heard Elder Fu mutter sothing about "young disciples these days," but she was too focused on ignoring Mo Xing's knowing gaze boring into her back—to pay it much attention.
When she walked out of the hall, her thoughts drifted to the six ceramic bottles nestled safely in her space—particularly the blood-replenishing and stamina-restoration pills. Her brother's cultivation path would benefit from those, especially given his intensive training schedule. The breakthrough aids might prove useful too, though she'd have to carefully explain their proper use.
Satisfied with her decision, she used the transmission techniques to reach her eldest brother.
"I have sothing for you."
"Sister, I'm out by the training grounds."
Li Hua made her way over, the morning air carrying the sounds of clashing weapons and shouts of exertion. The training grounds spread before her, a dozen or so disciples engaged in serious combat practice. Spirit energy crackled through the air as techniques collided, creating brief flashes of light against the morning sky.
"Over here." Li Wei's voice drew her attention. She found him standing at the edge of the practice field, two other disciples at his side. Their robes bore the marks of recent training, suggesting her brother had been practicing with them before her arrival.
"Eldest brother," She greeted with a smile.
"Sister," Li Wei returned her smile with a equally warm one. "This is Disciple Chen and Disciple Zhang. They've been in the sect for two years now." He gestured to his companions, who had been helping him adjust to the training routines.
Both disciples bowed politely—the standard greeting between sect siblings. Li Hua returned their greeting with a courteous nod, noting how they carried themselves with the easy confidence of experienced inner disciples. Her attention quickly returned to her brother though, her mind already on the ceramic bottles waiting in her space.
She gestured him closer with a subtle movent of her fingers. Understanding flickered in his eyes as he stepped forward, a motion so natural it wouldn't draw attention from others. With practiced ease, Li Hua reached for his pendant, using the brief contact to transfer all six bottles into his pocket space. "dicine," she whispered, her voice barely a breath. "Each bottle is marked, and I've included texts explaining their usage."
"Sister—" Li Wei's eyes widened as he registered the quantity and quality of what she'd just given him. The protest in his voice was so characteristically him—always worried about her doing too much.
"It's fine," she interrupted with a small smile, already anticipating his concerns. "I'll make more."
He pursed his lips but nodded.
"How is practice?"
"Good," Li Wei nodded, his scholarly eyes brightening with genuine interest as he watched a spiritual tiger rge with its master's sword technique. "The sect's integration of spirit beasts with combat is fascinating. Each disciple approaches it differently." He gestured toward where two cultivators were sparring, their spirit beasts creating intricate patterns of synchronized energy.
"Brother," Li Hua's voice drew his attention from the sparring disciples. "I'll be leaving in ten days."
"Ten days?" Li Wei turned sharply, his previous enthusiasm about cultivation techniques forgotten in the face of this unexpected news.
Li Hua nodded, watching his expression carefully. "Yes, I spoke to Elder Fu and I've been approved for the special request." She kept her voice low, aware of the other disciples nearby, though she couldn't quite hide the satisfaction in her tone.
"Sister," Li Wei's voice softened with a mix of pride and worry, "I'm excited for you, truly, but you must be careful and take care of yourself." His eyes held that familiar protective gleam. "I wish I could go with you."
"Next one, elder brother. Just focus on getting stronger, ok?" Li Hua comforted, understanding his need to protect her.
Li Wei straightened, determination settling over him. "I'll be ready." His eyes showed the sa focus he brought to his studies. "Did they tell you how long you'll be away?"
"Not yet, but I'll let you know. We could still reach each other. I'll keep you updated." The reminder of their ability to communicate seed to soften the edges of their impending separation.
He patted her head, the familiar gesture carrying years of affection and protection.
"Brother, I won't be joining you for dinner for the next ten days," she whispered, leaning slightly closer to avoid being overheard. "I'll be focusing on cultivating and making dicine in my inner space."
Li Wei nodded, understanding the determination in her eyes. She had always been like this—thorough in her preparations, leaving nothing to chance. "Then prepare well," he said softly. His deanor couldn't quite hide his pride. "Let know if you need any help."
"Thank you, brother." Li Hua nodded.
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