Re-birth: The Beginning after the End-Chapter 193: DEPARTING THE SECT

Li Wei stepped away from the group and stood to the side, his scholarly demeanor returning as he prepared to observe the official briefing.

"I believe everyone is here," Elder Fu announced after a quick assessment of the gathered disciples. His voice carried the quiet authority of someone who had led countless expeditions into dangerous territories. "I'll explain our plan of action. First, I want to remind you that you're all representing our sect in this endeavor. Your conduct reflects on all of us."

He paused, his experienced eyes scanning each face. "I trust you've all made your preparations. If not, the dining hall has prepared travel rations you can collect before departure."

With a flourish of his sleeve, Elder Fu produced an ancient scroll. As he unrolled it, spiritual light spilled forth, coalescing into a three-dimensional map that hovered above their heads. Mountains rose and fell in miniature, forests spread their canopies, and rivers flowed with glimmering spiritual essence. At the center of this ethereal display pulsed a dark region, its boundaries shimmering with prohibition formations—the Forbidden Zone.

"We'll travel by spirit beast to the outer boundary here," he said, his finger tracing a path that left golden light in its wake. The map zoomed in, revealing the massive wall of spiritual mist that marked the zone's edge. "Once we cross this threshold, flying will become impossible—the restrictions there still hold firm after all these centuries."

The map shifted again, revealing a dense forest where trees seemed to whisper even in this miniature form. "We'll proceed on foot through the Whispering Forest," Elder Fu continued, his finger cutting a path through the illusory woods, "until we reach the Eternal Lake. Those with compatible spirit beasts may ride them for greater speed, but—" he looked pointedly at the elite disciples who might be tempted to race ahead, "—everyone must remain within sight of the group. The forest has ways of separating those who wander."

The display transformed once more to show a vast lake whose waters reflected stars that weren't visible in the daytime sky. Along its northern shore, tiny crimson flowers bloomed and faded in rhythmic pulses.

Visit fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm for the best novel reading experi𝒆nce.

"According to our research, the Crimson Lotus should be blooming along the lake's northern shore," Elder Fu explained, his voice taking on a reverent quality. "These flowers bloom only once every hundred years, and their essence is crucial to the requestee."

His tone became more precise as the map zoomed in on the flowers, showing their intricate structure. "We need to collect at least seven mature blossoms. Anything less would be insufficient for the requestee's purposes." The map expanded again to show their entire route. "The journey to the Eternal Lake, gathering the lotuses, and our return is expected to take at least two months."

Li Hua glanced toward her brother. Li Wei's brows had drawn together, concern etching deep lines across his usually composed features. Two months was longer than she expected. His eyes met hers briefly, and she could read the unspoken worry there—not just for the dangers of the Forbidden Zone, but for the time they would be separated.

"I'll be ok," she mouthed to her brother, her eyes conveying confidence she hoped would ease his worry. Then, with a subtle tilt of her head toward Mo Xing, who was lazily leaning against a pillar with characteristic nonchalance, she added a silent, "Very strong." The words carried multiple meanings—both that she had grown in power, and that she wouldn't be facing the dangers alone.

Li Wei followed her glance to Mo Xing, studying him with scholarly assessment before giving his sister a barely perceptible nod. His concern didn't vanish, but something else joined it—a reluctant trust in her judgment.

"Does anyone need to visit the dining hall for provisions?" Elder Fu asked, his experienced eyes scanning the group for any signs of hesitation. Li Hua and the other disciples shook their heads, their preparations already complete.

"Good," the elder nodded with approval. "Then let's proceed directly to the Eastern Gate." With a graceful motion, he rolled the glowing map back into its scroll, the illusory terrain collapsing in a shower of spiritual light. "May the blessings of the heavens guide our path."

As the disciples formed a procession behind Elder Fu, Li Hua suddenly darted back to her brother, wrapping her arms around him in a tight embrace. "I'll be back soon," she promised, her voice soft but resolute.

Li Wei returned her embrace warmly. "You better," he murmured, the simple words carrying the weight of everything unsaid between them.

Li Hua quickly caught up with the group of disciples, with Mo Xing following behind her at his usual measured pace.

"Hey!" Li Wei's voice called out suddenly. Li Hua turned to see her eldest brother approach Mo Xing with purpose in his stride. The two men exchanged words too low for her to hear, but she didn't miss how her brother's usually gentle expression carried a hint of steel, nor how Mo Xing's customary smirk softened into something more genuine as they clasped hands. Whatever passed between them seemed to satisfy Li Wei, who nodded once before stepping back.

Outside the Eastern Gate, a sight awaited that drew gasps even from the experienced disciples. A massive spirit boat hovered several feet above the ground, its hull carved from ancient spirit wood that gleamed with protective formations. Translucent sails rippled without wind, and at its prow, a dragon figurehead with eyes of living azure crystal seemed to watch their approach with intelligence.

When Mo Xing finally stood beside her she leaned over, "What did eldest brother say?"

Mo Xing gave her a side eye and smirked, "He told me if I cared about you, I would use my life to protect you at any cost."

Li Hua laughed softly, "That's silly. How could he possibly—" but her words died in her throat as Mo Xing turned to face her fully, his golden eyes holding none of their usual playfulness.

"I would have done so regardless," he said, his voice low enough that only she could hear. "Not because your brother asked, but because some treasures, once found, are worth protecting with everything you have."

The quiet intensity in his words made her heart stutter against her ribs. Before she could formulate a response, Elder Fu called for them to board the spirit vessel, and the moment slipped away—though the echo of Mo Xing's promise lingered in the quickened rhythm of her pulse.

The vessel's boarding plank glittered with protective formations as disciples ascended one by one. The deck beneath her feet hummed with living power, warm spirit wood groaning softly as it adjusted to each new passenger.

Sunlight caught on the crystalline elements woven through the ship's design, sending prismatic light dancing across the gathered cultivators. The elite disciples had already claimed positions near the bow, their spirit beasts settling nearby with practiced dignity. Li Hua found a quiet spot along the starboard side, her fingers tracing the intricate carvings that covered every surface.

Mo Xing appeared beside her with his usual silent grace, his presence drawing curious glances from several younger disciples. The way he positioned himself—just slightly behind her right shoulder—carried unmistakable meaning to anyone. It was the stance of a protector, a declaration more binding than words.

Elder Fu took his position at the helm, his weathered hands moving through a complex series of gestures that awakened the vessel's core array. The dragon figurehead's eyes blazed with azure fire as the ship lifted higher, its sails unfurling fully to catch currents of spiritual energy invisible to the untrained eye.

"Eternal Lake awaits," the elder announced, his voice carrying across the deck. "May our hearts remain as steady as our purpose."

With a sound like distant thunder, the spirit vessel surged forward, leaving the sect's mountains behind as it carved a path through the morning sky.