Re-birth: The Beginning after the End

When they finally reached the front of the line, a young woman in sect robes sat behind a table covered in scrolls and registration materials. Her hair was tied neatly back with a silver pin, and she processed each new arrival with practiced efficiency. The siblings presented their jade tablets, and her eyes widened dramatically as she traced the ancient inscriptions carved into their surfaces. Without a word, she leaped up from her seat and took off running toward the inner courtyard, her robes billowing behind her as she disappeared through an ornate archway, leaving Li Wei and Li Hua staring after her in confusion.

The other disciples in line began to whisper among themselves, casting curious glances at the siblings. Even their spirit beasts seemed to sense something was different, shifting restlessly and sniffing the air. Moments later, the sound of urgent footsteps drew their attention. Through the parting crowd came an elderly man in elaborate robes adorned with beast patterns that seemed to shift and move of their own accord. Golden threads woven into the fabric caught the morning light, creating an almost ethereal effect. His presence carried an authority that made even the spirit beasts in the courtyard grow still and attentive, their keen eyes following his every movement with instinctive respect.

"Elder Sun," several nearby disciples murmured, bowing their heads respectfully.

The elder's eyes fixed on their jade tablets, then moved to study Li Wei and Li Hua with keen interest. A smile spread across his weathered face. "Ah, you two must be Master Yu's grandchildren. We've been expecting you. Please, come with me—we have much to discuss."

Li Wei and Li Hua exchanged a questioning glance, but years of proper upbringing kept them from voicing their curiosity. With measured steps, they made their way around the registration table and fell into step behind the elder's commanding presence.

Through the grand gates they walked, Elder Sun leading them away from the gathered disciples and their spirit beasts. The path wound through courtyards where trees stretched their branches toward the sky, their leaves rustling with spiritual energy. Each step took them deeper into the sect's heart, past training grounds where senior disciples worked with magnificent spirit beasts, and through corridors adorned with murals depicting the history of beast taming.

Finally, they arrived at a secluded pavilion. The space inside felt alive with essence, and through the windows, Li Hua could see a private garden where spirit herbs grew in carefully tended beds.

"Please, sit," Elder Sun gestured to cushions arranged around a low table, where steam rose from freshly poured tea. "Your grandfather has told us much about you both."

The siblings nodded politely, though uncertainty flickered in their eyes as they studied the mysterious elder before them.

"Ah, I've been remiss in my manners," the elder said with warmth in his voice. "May I know your names?"

Li Wei and Li Hua both introduced themselves with practiced courtesy, bowing slightly as protocol demanded.

"I am Elder Sun, Vice Master of the Cerulean Beast Tamer Sect," he replied, his bearing both dignified and kind. "Our Sect Master is currently in closed-door cultivation, though we expect his emergence soon."

Li Hua and Li Wei nodded and greeted, "Elder Sun."

He chuckled lightly. "Even though your grandfather's word carries great weight, and your positions as inner disciples are assured, we would still like to test your Beast Affinity. As inner disciples, you'll serve as examples to others, so these basic assessments are more a formality than a true test."

"Of course, Elder Sun. Please." Li Wei responded.

Li Hua nodded, not having any concerns about demonstrating their abilities.

Elder Sun pulled out a crystal and placed it in front of them. The transparent stone pulsed with a faint inner glow, its surface etched with ancient formations that seemed to shift and flow like living things. This measurement crystal was far more sophisticated than the basic one their parents had used to test their early aptitude—this one could gauge one's affinity for communicating with spirit beasts.

Elder Sun gestured toward the crystal. "Place your hand over it—don't touch it directly. Let your essence flow naturally, as if you were communicating with your spirit beasts."

Li Wei went first, his essence creating subtle ripples in the air as he extended his hand. The moment his energy touched the crystal, it blazed with brilliant blue light, its formations spinning faster and faster until they created intricate patterns that danced across the pavilion's walls.

"Impressive," he murmured, making notes on a jade slip. "Your essence control is remarkably refined, and your connection to spirit beasts..." He paused, studying the patterns. "You show potential for forming bonds with multiple beast types—a rare talent indeed."

When Li Hua's turn came, the crystal's reaction was even more dramatic. As her essence touched it, the stone's light shifted through multiple colors, each one corresponding to a different elemental affinity, creating patterns Elder Sun had never seen before.

Elder Sun's eyes widened. "Now this... this is extraordinary. Your spiritual wavelength not only adapts to different types of beast energy but seems to harmonize with them instantly. These readings..." he traced one of the formations with a trembling finger, "suggest you could form profound bonds with any spirit beast type, regardless of their elemental nature. Even among those rare few who can bond with multiple beasts, this level of compatibility is unprecedented." He set down his jade slip, looking at both siblings with new interest. "It seems your grandfather's confidence was well-placed. These results would qualify you for inner disciple status even without his recommendation."

The siblings smiled and nodded.

"Master, you're not going to forget about me right?" Little Firefly's voice called out in her consciousness.

"I won't ever forget about you, Little Firefly," she reassured, feeling his warmth pulse briefly against her core.

"Excellent," Elder Sun rose from his seat. "Let me show you to your dormitories. The sect separates male and female disciples, but you'll have plenty of opportunities to train together." He gestured for them to follow. "Senior Disciple Ming," he called out to a young woman waiting respectfully by the door, "please show Li Hua to her quarters. Senior Disciple Chen," he nodded to a tall young man whose spirit beast, a dark-scaled serpent, coiled loosely around his arm, "please escort Li Wei to the male dormitory."

Both senior disciples bowed. Ming's silver-winged falcon perched regally on her shoulder as she stepped forward. "Of course, Elder Sun."

He turned to the siblings and said, "If you ever need me you are most welcomed to search for me in the main hall."

"Thank you." The siblings said in unison as they bowed.

Then Elder Sun walked away, returning to his other matters.

"We'll take you to your quarters first and then we'll meet at the central courtyard for a proper sect tour." Senior Ming said.