Two years had woven their magic since Yoriichi and Qian Renxue entered the world, their tiny steps now echoing through Spirit Hall's grand chambers. At nearly two years old, the twins had mastered walking, their wobbly gaits turning confident, and they babbled simple words—sometimes clear, sometimes a jumble of sounds.
Yoriichi, his reincarnated mind sharp, had grasped the complex language of this world, decoding intricate words and characters with ease. Renxue, though occasionally puzzled, caught on quickly, her bright eyes flickering with understanding or playful confusion.
Bibi Dong, watching their progress, felt her heart swell with pride. "You're both so clever," she murmured, her voice warm as she ruffled their hair, delighting in their small victories and the joy they brought her.
With the twins' second birthday two days away, Bibi Dong resolved to make it special. Last year, the maids had baked a cake, but this time, she wanted to craft it herself. She'd been taking cooking lessons from the head maid, learning to knead dough and whip cream in stolen moments between cultivation.
Now, she busied herself decorating her chamber with balloons and colorful ribbons, her hands deft as she tied bows to the bedposts. Their happy faces will be worth it, she thought, imagining their delight. She planned to bake the cake by tomorrow noon, surprising the twins at midnight in her decorated room.
To keep it secret, she prepared a separate sleeping room, smiling mysteriously when Renxue tilted her head, confused. "Just sleep there tonight, my loves," she said. "It's a special night." Yoriichi, who'd been counting days on the calendar, guessed her plan but stayed silent, eager to see Renxue's surprise.
The day before the birthday, the family followed their routine: waking, eating breakfast served by the maids, and listening to Bibi Dong's stories—tales of spirit beasts and heroic battles that captivated Renxue's giggles but left Yoriichi piecing together their deeper meanings.
Afterward, the twins raced across the rug, their laughter echoing as they chased each other. Renxue tired quickly, flopping onto a pillow, while Yoriichi turned to a simple book, tracing characters with focus.
Bibi Dong, meditating nearby, opened one eye and smiled. He's so determined, she thought, her cultivation deepening as she watched. Renxue, bored, tossed a toy at Yoriichi, who grinned and tossed it back, keeping the peace.
This year, Bibi Dong hadn't been idle. Knowing high soul levels demanded more than meditation, she'd cultivated a rare clone technique, crafting a low-level doppelgänger with her personality to watch the twins during their afternoon naps.
I need power to control Spirit Hall, she thought, her ambition burning. Using her perfected concealment technique, she ventured out alone, invisible, to seek opportunities—auctions in bustling cities, or forests like Sunset Forest and Star Dou Forest, where natural treasures boosted her soul power.
Her battles against soul beasts honed her combat, far surpassing her past self's prowess. Just that morning, she'd faced a 10,000-year-old Titan Giant Ape in Star Dou Forest, its strength rivaling a 60,000-year beast.
Her fighting spirit ignited, and after a fierce clash, she subdued it but spared its life, sensing a dangerous aura nearby. No time to kill, and my twins shouldn't see a mother stained with blood, she thought, hurrying home by noon, still invisible.
AMV
Yoriichi: This world's words flow clearly now, and Renxue's learning fast. Mother's secret plan excites me—I'll play along for her smile. Soon, I'll test my strength, explore beyond these walls.
Bibi Dong: My twins' growth lights my path. Level 84 soon, my clone technique a triumph. Each forest battle sharpens me, but their birthday will be my true joy.
Back home, Bibi Dong merged with her clone, who'd been feeding the twins. She ate lunch, then retrieved the hidden birthday gifts—soft cloaks embroidered with spirit beast patterns—and placed them in her decorated chamber.
By evening, she led the twins to her room, unveiling the surprise. Balloons floated above, ribbons gleamed, and a creamy cake sat on a table, candles flickering. "Happy birthday, my loves!" she exclaimed. Renxue squealed, clapping, while Yoriichi's eyes sparkled, his calm smile wide. They ran to her, jumping and hugging her legs.
Together, they blew out the candles, Renxue giggling as frosting smeared her cheek. Yoriichi cut a slice with Bibi Dong's help, his small hands steady. The room filled with laughter as they ate, the twins' joy infectious.
The day had been full—morning play, an afternoon walk through Spirit Hall's gardens, where the twins marveled at snow-dusted flowers, and a market visit where Bibi Dong bought them tiny scarves.
Qian Daoliu had stopped by briefly, his warm laughter filling the air as he tossed a ball to Renxue. "Growing so fast," he'd said, patting Yoriichi's head. Qian Xunji's weekly visit was brief, his focus on Renxue, leaving Yoriichi unbothered but Renxue pouting slightly, her loyalty to her brother fierce. The maids and healers, ever present, doted on the twins, the level 76 healer sneaking Renxue an extra hug during her checkup. This life is vibrant, Yoriichi thought, savoring the love around him.
As midnight passed, Bibi Dong tucked the twins into bed, their new cloaks draped over their cradles. She nestled between them, her arms a protective cocoon.
The chamber glowed softly, the celebration's warmth lingering. "Sleep well, my sun and angel," she whispered, her voice a lullaby. Yoriichi and Renxue drifted off, their small faces content, dreaming of cake and their mother's love.
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Dear readers, u can check my new novel "Twin Blades of the Apocalypse" ⚔️- where Reincarnation meets Doomsday and one man's choice could redeem or doom the world♥️.