A week had passed since Yoriichi and Qian Renxue were born, their tiny lives settling into a gentle rhythm within the grand walls of Spirit Hall. Yoriichi's days were simple, as befitting a newborn. Sleep consumed most of his time—sixteen hours a day, his toddler body demanding rest to grow.
When awake, he and Renxue were fed liquid nourishment by the maids, a blend of nutrients carefully prepared for infants. The head maid, with her calm efficiency, and the junior maid, with her eager warmth, ensured the twins were well cared for, their trays always ready with warm bottles.
After feeding, Yoriichi played with Renxue, their tiny hands grasping at soft toys—rattles and plush figures—in a corner of Bibi Dong's chamber. Bibi Dong would then breastfeed them, her loving gaze soothing their hungry cries. Yoriichi, despite his reincarnated soul, felt a quiet contentment in these moments, his mother's warmth a steady anchor.
Yoriichi noticed Bibi Dong often reading thick tomes while they played, her brow furrowed in focus as she pored over texts on soul power, Spirit Hall's history, and ancient cultivation methods. She's learning, preparing, he thought, his maroon eyes observing her. Though he sometimes grew bored with the toys, he continued, mimicking Renxue's enthusiastic grabs to give their mother a moment's rest.
I want her to have peace, and I want to know my sister, he mused, watching Renxue giggle as she shook a rattle. Her joy was infectious, and he mirrored her smile, though his calm nature often made him seem more reserved.
In the afternoons, Bibi Dong would carry the twins through Spirit Hall's sprawling castle, a delight for Yoriichi. The towering corridors, adorned with golden tapestries and intricate spirit beast carvings, fascinated him. The architecture—grand arches, glowing chandeliers—felt alien compared to his past world's simple dojos and shrines.
This place is vast, ornate, he thought, his tiny eyes darting to every detail. Servants and spirit masters they passed bowed deeply to Bibi Dong, their voices reverent. "Greetings, Saintess," they said, heads lowered. Yoriichi noted their respect, realizing, Mother holds great power here, a high status. The realization stirred pride in him, though he kept his face calm, unlike Renxue, who beamed at every passerby.
After these outings, the twins grew tired, napping for four hours in their cradles. Yoriichi mentally noted the routine, his warrior's mind already cataloging patterns. Upon waking, Bibi Dong would tell them stories—tales of spirit beasts, ancient heroes, and the glory of Spirit Hall. Her voice was melodic, but the words confused Yoriichi and Renxue, their infant minds unable to grasp the complex narratives.
Renxue tilted her head, blinking, while Yoriichi stared, trying to piece together meaning. I'll understand someday, he thought, content to listen to her voice. The maids then helped feed them again, their gentle hands guiding bottles to tiny mouths, and the twins played briefly before Qian Xunji's evening visits.
Yoriichi observed his father's brief appearances, noting the man's hurried demeanor. He's busy, always rushing, he thought, sensing Qian Xunji's high position from the deference others showed him.
Xunji would hold Renxue gently, his eyes softening at her blonde hair and purple eyes, but his gaze on Yoriichi was cooler, tinged with the dissatisfaction Yoriichi had sensed at birth. He favors her, but that's fine, Yoriichi thought, unbothered, preferring to stay unnoticed for now, his peculiar nature better hidden.
Occasionally, a handsome middle-aged man with blonde hair like Renxue's visited, his features echoing Qian Xunji's but carrying a calmer, more commanding aura. A grandfather, perhaps? Yoriichi wondered, catching Qian Daoliu's faint smile as he played with the twins. The resemblance and his powerful presence suggested a close relative, though Yoriichi knew he'd learn more later. This world holds many mysteries, he thought, his curiosity growing.
Unlike Renxue, whose face was a constant smile, bubbling with joy, Yoriichi's calm expression stood out. He sometimes mimicked her giggles or playful grabs, pretending to be an ordinary child to blend in. I was peculiar even in my old world, he thought, cautious of drawing attention.
The maids, ever attentive, doted on both twins, their care gentle during feedings and play. "Such sweet children," the junior maid cooed, tossing a soft ball to Renxue, who squealed. Yoriichi joined in, rolling the ball back, his heart warmed by their kindness.
Yoriichi: This world is strange—its grand halls, its soul power, its people bowing to Mother. She's important, powerful, and her love is my strength. Renxue's smiles light my days, and I'll protect her always. I feel Father's distance, his favor for her, but I'm content to watch, to grow. My Sun Breathing awaits, but for now, I'm just a baby, learning this new life.
At night, the twins slept beside Bibi Dong, her arms wrapped around them in bed. Her face bore a constant smile, even in sleep, dreams of her children banishing the darkness of her past. Yoriichi and Renxue nestled close, their tiny forms content, the trio's warmth creating a cocoon of love. The maids, watching quietly, whispered of the Saintess's devotion, their hearts touched by the sight. Bibi Dong's lullabies lingered in the air, a soft promise of protection, as the three slept comfortably, their bond unbreakable.
As Yoriichi drifted to sleep, he reflected on his new life. This routine—sleep, eat, play—it's simple, but Mother and Renxue make it enough. He felt the soul power in the air, tantalizingly out of reach. In a few years, I'll train, refine my Sun Breathing, explore this world. His thoughts turned to his mother's hatred for Qian Xunji, sensed in her tense glances. There's a reason, but I'll learn it in time. For now, he was grateful for her love, Renxue's giggles, and the promise of a future where he'd test his limits, fight, and protect those he cherished.
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