One year had passed since Yoriichi and Qian Renxue entered the world, their tiny lives weaving a tapestry of discovery within Spirit Hall's grand walls. Yoriichi, his maroon eyes sharper now, had begun to notice the subtle rhythms of life around him—the hum of soul power in the air, the flicker of lanterns casting shadows, and the way his mother's presence commanded respect.
This world pulses with energy unlike my old one, he thought, his reincarnated soul absorbing every detail, from the ornate carvings on the chamber walls to the faint echoes of spirit masters training in distant courtyards. Each moment sparked curiosity, a hunger to understand this new existence and his place within it.
A few days ago, Yoriichi had learned to stand, his wobbly legs holding him up as he gripped the cradle's edge. Renxue, still crawling, pouted at the sight, her tiny face scrunching in determination. Brother stands... I will too, her infant mind resolved, pushing herself up under the blanket, only to tumble back.
Bibi Dong, watching, arranged soft blankets, pillows, and covers on the floor—a safe space for Renxue's practice. "That's it, my angel—keep trying," she encouraged, her voice warm. Yoriichi observed, amused. Children are so competitive, he thought. She'll stand in a few days if she persists. Bibi Dong smiled at their interactions, her heart lightened by Renxue's effort, clapping when her daughter rose briefly before falling with a giggle.
Yoriichi, now aiming to walk, practiced in short bursts, his small steps tentative but determined. This is my goal—master this body, he thought, pushing forward. Over the year, he'd learned much: the language of this world, its flowing syllables now clear to him, and some characters from Bibi Dong's books, which he studied during quiet moments.
Renxue, competitive as ever, mimicked him, her eyes focused when he traced shapes with his finger. She's driven, just like me, he noted, surprised by her progress in understanding speech and symbols, underestimating her infant mind's tenacity.
Weeks earlier, Bibi Dong had taken the twins on an outing through Spirit Hall's perimeter—lush gardens with vibrant blooms, a cascading waterfall sparkling under the sun, and elders' grand houses adorned with spirit beast motifs.
Yoriichi absorbed every detail, the vivid colors and flowing water fascinating him. Renxue's face lit up with excitement, her happy expressions fixed on each new sight—a fluttering bird, a shimmering pond. Elders greeted Bibi Dong with deep bows, some waving at the twins with warm smiles. Yoriichi sensed their soul auras—strong, commanding—and judged their power.
Those with grand homes hold high rank, he thought, piecing together Spirit Hall's hierarchy. The adventure thrilled him, the outside world's scale far grander than his old life's sparse villages.
Bibi Dong, her concealment technique now effortless, walked with quiet confidence. She could sustain it without constant soul power, deceiving low-level Titled Douluos into underestimating her strength. I can mask my power, appear weaker, she thought, though tricking higher ranks remained challenging unless they were distracted.
Having reached level 83, her progress pleased her, her combat style sharpened through relentless study of her twin martial souls—Soul Devouring Spider Emperor and Death Spider Emperor. Level 85 by next year, she vowed, setting new goals. She consistently rebuffed Qian Xunji's advances, her voice firm with threats. "No more of your delights," she'd declared once, her tone cutting, leaving him frustrated yet compliant, mindful of his father's warnings.
As winter neared, Bibi Dong announced a market trip to buy clothes for the twins. "A special outing for you two," she said, her smile warm. The twins' excitement was palpable—Renxue clapped her tiny hands, Yoriichi's eyes widening with curiosity.
Their bond with Qian Daoliu had strengthened through his frequent visits, playing with them when Bibi Dong was cultivating or handling Spirit Hall duties. He'd arrive with small gifts—wooden carvings, soft dolls—his voice gentle. "For my grandchildren," he'd say, his presence calming. Bibi Dong tensed inwardly during his visits, maintaining a neutral expression, relieved when he remained unaware of her growing strength.
Qian Xunji visited weekly, his time brief due to his papal duties and Bibi Dong's firm boundaries. He doted on Renxue, holding her with a rare smile, but barely glanced at Yoriichi. Renxue, sensing the imbalance, pouted inwardly, her infant mind resolving to shower Yoriichi with extra playtime later.
Brother deserves love too, she thought, her competitive spirit extending to their bond. Yoriichi, observant, noted his father's distance but remained unbothered, preferring his mother's warmth.
Monthly health checks brought the healers—two women at levels 79 and 76, and a man at level 84—who couldn't resist the twins' charm. The level 76 healer, especially, adored Renxue, holding her gently during exams, her laughter echoing. "Such a darling," she'd coo, earning a giggle.
The maids remained steadfast, feeding and playing with the twins daily, their care nurturing. Yoriichi marveled at it all. This life—its people, its care—is a treasure, he thought, his small mind buzzing with new lessons, from language to the soul auras he sensed in passing spirit masters.
One evening, as the twins played, Bibi Dong caught Yoriichi's gaze, his maroon eyes thoughtful. He's different, observant, she mused, then turned to Renxue's radiant smile. My angel, so full of light.
The sight grounded her, pushing back the faint whispers of dark thoughts that lingered less each day. Progress, she thought, hopeful. She joined them, tossing a soft ball, laughing as Renxue squealed and Yoriichi crawled to chase it, his determination evident.
AMV
Yoriichi: Renxue's efforts, Mother's strength—they drive me. This world's wonders unfold, and I'll walk soon, learn its ways, grow strong for them.
Bibi Dong: My twins' growth fuels my resolve. Level 83 is a start; I'll climb higher, protect them from Xunji's shadow. Their joy is my shield.
At night, Bibi Dong nestled between the twins in bed, her arms around them. The chamber glowed faintly with lantern light, and the three slept peacefully, their bond a quiet fortress. The maids, watching briefly, smiled at the Saintess's devotion, their whispers soft as they left the family to rest.
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