Re-birth: The Beginning after the End

As they watched, different candidates displayed varying levels of aptitude. Some could barely make the crystal glow, while others showed promising resonance with multiple beast types. None, however, demonstrated anything close to the profound compatibility that had marked Li Hua and Li Wei's tests.

Senior Chen's serpent familiar followed each test with keen interest, its tongue flicking out to taste the varying spiritual energies. "The sect particularly values those who can form stable connections with multiple beast types," he explained.

Li Wei observed each test with scholarly attention, his own rare talent for forming multiple beast bonds giving him unique insight into what the candidates were experiencing. Li Hua, meanwhile, found herself studying the subtle differences in how each candidate approached their connection with the test beasts—some tried to force it, while others achieved better results by allowing their essence to flow naturally.

After watching several more tests, Senior Ming turned to them. "These trials will continue until the line dies down, which won't be until evening. Tomorrow, they'll face the Illusion and Heart-Demon Tests, followed by the Character and Morality Tests on the third day. The Final Selection and Ceremony will take place on the fourth day." She paused, her gaze briefly following another candidate as they stepped up to the crystal. "You could walk around the sect if you'd like and come back tomorrow. Tomorrow would be more interesting!"

"How many disciples will the sect accept?" Li Wei asked.

"The sect usually accepts thirty inner disciples and seventy outer disciples from each recruitment cycle," Senior Chen explained.

Li Hua did a quick calculation as she watched the long line of hopeful candidates below—with so many competing for so few positions, the competition would be fierce.

"Sister, I would actually like to go look at the combat training. Would you like to go?" Li Wei turned to her.

"You go, I want to return to my room and settle in more," Li Hua replied, thinking of the quiet space where she could let Little Firefly out.

"Ok. Then I'll let you know when I'm heading to the dining hall, if you'd like to join," he said.

"Sure!" Li Hua nodded.

The siblings stood from their seats and bowed to both Seniors before heading out. "Actually, I'll go with you, Li Wei," Senior Chen said with a slight smile. He walked over and accompanied Li Wei to the combat arenas, while Li Hua retraced the path to her quarters, each step bringing her closer to the privacy she needed.

Back in her private quarters, Li Hua made sure to activate all the privacy formations before closing the door. She walked to the large floor-to-ceiling windows and ran her essence through the small formation - the glass darkened immediately, ensuring complete privacy. Find adventures on My Virtual Library Empire

Around the room small, dimmed lights came on automatically which surprised Li Hua. She looked around the room and saw that the lights were lit near the bed, one near the desk and one near the bathroom. On closer inspection Li Hua noticed that an even smaller light array formations were drawn on the flat surfaces to automatically trigger when it was dark. Impressive, she thought.

"Want to come out and explore our new home, Little Firefly?" She asked in her conscious.

A moment later, a golden sparrow materialized in front of her, his feathers catching the dim light. He hopped excitedly from one foot to another, taking in their new surroundings with bright, curious eyes.

"Master! It feels so good to finally be out of the inner space!" Little Firefly chirped, fluttering between her bed and desk. "And the room is so spacious!"

Li Hua chuckled, she felt so happy. Truly happy. Little Firefly can now be outside to explore and taste all kinds of treats in the future. She crawled onto her bed and lay on her stomach as she watched Little Firefly hop around.

Petting him, she said "Little Firefly. Do you follow the same Hierarchy as a cultivator or the spirit beasts?"

"Master, it seems in this world I would follow the spirit beasts but I'm different. My essence is unique - not quite spirit beast, not quite cultivator. From what I can remember, I'm something else entirely, though those memories are still hazy."

Li Hua nodded, "Then based on your powers now, what would you be?"

"Hmm...My current abilities seem to align with higher-ranked spirit beasts," Little Firefly hopped thoughtfully on the bed. "I can change size, manipulate my form -even if its currently limited, and sense spiritual fluctuations. But unlike normal spirit beasts, I own an inner space, plus I have these fragments of ancient knowledge. I think..." he paused, his golden feathers shimmering slightly, "I might be closer to what the ancient texts call a Divine Spirit Beast, though I'm not sure yet. As I recover more memories and grow stronger, we'll understand better."

"A divine spirit beast..." Li Hua whispered and thought back to her parents lesson.

"Spirit beasts are ranked on a different hierarchy system. Ranking from one through nine with the ninth rank being able to level entire mountains. Then there are divine spirit beasts," her father's voice echoed in her memory, "which transcend even that power structure. They're said to possess abilities that can alter reality itself. Divine spirit beasts are beings of legend, each one unique and unfathomable in their true capabilities."

"Bàba, what kind of divine spirit beasts are there?" Li Wei asked, his eyes shimmering with curiosity.

"There are many legends," their father had explained, his voice taking on the tone he used for important lessons. "The Divine Phoenix of the South, whose flames could purify the world and grant rebirth. The Celestial Dragon of the East, whose very breath could create storms and reshape mountains. The Nine-Tailed Fox of the middle realm, whose illusions could blur the line between reality and dreams. But these are just a few that we know of through ancient texts. Most divine spirit beasts are beyond our understanding, each with powers that defy explanation."

"Master?" Little Firefly called out to her, his gentle voice bringing her back to the present.

"Hmmm?"

"I said my goal will be to cultivate hard and earn back my memories." Little Firefly's feathers glowed with determination.

"I know you will." Li Hua said with a soft smile, gently stroking his golden plumage.

"What are your goals in this new life, master? Besides gaining enough strength to get back your parents, of course."

"Hmm, goals?"

"Yes master. Wasn't there anything you would've loved to do?" Little Firefly tilted his head, his bright eyes full of curiosity and care.

"Ah, I never thought about it." Li Hua responded honestly, her voice growing tender. "I mean, I have an amazing Family - which was something more than I could've ever wished for..." She paused, considering her words carefully. "I guess, maybe in this life...I just want to live. Be free, be happy, be loved and enjoy every moment. Make memories worth treasuring."

"Those are beautiful goals, Master," Little Firefly hopped closer, nestling against her hand. "And I'll be here to help you achieve them all."

Li Hua smiled at his earnestness. After all, Little Firefly wasn't just a companion or a spirit beast—he was her family.

"But first," he chirped, his tone becoming more playful, "we should explore all the wonderful things this sect has to offer! Just think of all the cultivation techniques we could learn, the spirit beasts we could meet..." He paused, his golden feathers quivering with excitement. "And Master, you didn't see it earlier, but some of those disciples were eating spirit-infused pastries in the dining hall. They smelled amazing!"

**URGENT NOTE**

Hello Readers, Please skip the chapter 166 as it was added twice. Continue to chapter 167. I'm experiencing some technical issues and will have this chapter deleted soon!