Re-birth: The Beginning after the End-Chapter 143: THE PROPOSAL

A quiet drifted over the Sixth Realm in the wake of the siblings’ fateful choice, as though the realm itself reflected on their decision to depart in just one month.

Evening’s deep twilight gently settled, turning the Sixth Realm’s already monochrome vistas into soft, muted silhouettes. The siblings gathered in their courtyard—a tranquil space marked by a low stone bench and lanterns that hovered like silver fireflies. Their spirit beasts lounged nearby: Bai Ying perched on the bench’s corner, flicking her tail in idle contentment; Lei Lei and Dian Dian napping with sparks dancing between their ears; and Feng Yi circling overhead with a soft rustle of wings.

They’d come here to unwind after a day’s rigorous training, but also to process their imminent departure. Lady Wei’s final words still resonated in their minds: We’ll not waste this final month.

Li Wei paced beside the bench, hands behind his back, every measured footstep betraying an undercurrent of tension. "So it’s settled," he said, breaking the hush. "We’ll head for the sects in a few weeks, but there’s still so much we need to master before then."

Li Hao leaned against the bench, arms draped behind his head. "I’d say we’ve already learned a lifetime’s worth in just a few months," he mused, though excitement laced every syllable. "Old Tang mentioned another trial. I wonder how they plan to top all we’ve been through."

Li Hua traced a pattern across a thin film of frost Bai Ying had left behind. "It’ll test how fully we’ve integrated the realm’s teachings," she said, letting her gaze drift across their lantern-lit courtyard. "Not just our techniques, but our connection to the Sixth Realm itself."

She paused, eyes flicking to the overhead sky where ghostly lights—stars or illusions—winked in and out. Will we carry this connection into the outside world?

Before they could delve deeper into speculation, the lanterns around them flickered, as though the realm itself held its breath. Through the courtyard’s arched entrance emerged Old Tang and Grandmaster Yu, their silhouettes backlit by the faint glow of the Sixth Realm’s ambient light.

"My grandchildren," Grandmaster Yu greeted, voice low yet warm. He exchanged a glance with Old Tang, who offered a solemn nod.

The siblings stood, bows of respect forming instinctively. Their spirit beasts stirred from rest—Lei Lei and Dian Dian blinking awake, sparks crackling in curiosity. Even Bai Ying lifted her head, keen eyes taking in the two visitors.

"You made your decision," Old Tang said, folding his hands behind his back. He spoke in that measured tone Li Hua had come to associate with ancient wisdom. "You’ll leave for the sects soon. We came to discuss your training for these final weeks—and one last test."

Grandmaster Yu stepped forward, studying each sibling with a thoughtful gaze. "We’ve all seen how far you’ve come," he said softly, pride and concern mingling in his eyes. "But there’s a final trial you must undergo—a challenge that will push you to unify every skill you’ve mastered here."

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Li Wei exchanged a quick glance with Li Hao. Neither spoke, but Li Hua sensed the readiness coursing through them both. They’ve waited for this.

Old Tang inclined his head. "The keepers agree: you’re on the cusp of something profound. Yet we must see you tested, not just in technique, but in resilience and adaptability."

Li Hao tried for a playful grin, though it wavered at the edges. "We’re not strangers to tough tests. But what exactly do you have in mind?"

Old Tang raised a single finger. "You will enter the Silhouette Labyrinth."

At that name, Li Hua felt an icy tingle. She recalled old records mentioning a maze that manipulated illusions to confront a cultivator’s hidden fears and potential weaknesses. It was here.

Grandmaster Yu inclined his head. "This place shifts with your every step, conjuring illusions that feel as tangible as steel. Every aspect of your training—barriers, concealment, forming alliances with the realm’s energies—will be tested to the brink."

Old Tang turned slightly, revealing an ornate wooden door at the courtyard’s edge. Before this moment, that door had simply blended into the architecture—one more subtle oddity in a realm of illusions. Now it shimmered, faint runes dancing across its surface.

"This door leads to the labyrinth’s entrance," Old Tang explained, "though it remains sealed until you’re ready. Inside, illusions twist perception, and any barrier woven incorrectly can become your prison."

Li Wei swallowed, hand brushing the water talismans at his belt. "So it’s a test that can fight back with our own techniques."

Grandmaster Yu reached out, placing a reassuring hand on Li Hua’s shoulder, then Li Hao’s and Li Wei’s. "You have one month to prepare. Perfect what you’ve learned. When you feel your unity is unbreakable—when each of you can stand with the other—come here, and we will unseal the labyrinth."

Li Hua met his gaze, steeling herself against a wave of apprehension. "We’ll do it," she said, voice firm. "We owe it to ourselves… To the realm and its keepers, who imparted such invaluable wisdom."

A flicker of approval crossed Grandmaster Yu’s features. "Then use this time well. Lady Wei will ensure your illusions training becomes more rigorous. Lady He and Old Guo will test your defenses. Old Xiao and Lady Xu will push your void walking and spatial shifts. And Old Tang—" he paused, inclining his head respectfully toward the aged keeper, "—will oversee the final adjustments to your cores, ensuring you carry no unresolved flaws into the labyrinth."

Old Tang let his gaze roam over the courtyard. "Train without hesitation. In the labyrinth, hesitation can be your downfall."

He stepped back, allowing Grandmaster Yu a final word. "We won’t stand in your way once you emerge. The moment you prove yourselves here, the path to the sects will be yours."

The siblings bowed in unison—Li Wei with precise formality, Li Hao with a bold salute, and Li Hua with her hands clasped at her chest.

Old Tang turned and, with a graceful flick of his sleeve, concealed the glimmering doorway once more. As though taking its cue, the courtyard’s lanterns pulsed with renewed light, sending elongated shadows dancing around them.

Grandmaster Yu inclined his head to each sibling. "Rest tonight," he said, his warmth resonating in the hush. "You’ll need every ounce of strength for tomorrow’s intensified training."

Then the two men departed, disappearing through the courtyard gate in a swirl of realm-touched air. Their robes melded with the silvered dusk, leaving behind only a faint echo of their presence.

When the courtyard settled into silence again, Li Hua let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. She, Li Wei, and Li Hao returned to the low bench, where the silver lantern still hung suspended, casting its eerie glow.

Li Wei pulled out a bamboo slip and stylus, carefully etching each word Old Tang and Grandmaster Yu had said onto its smooth surface. "We have a month," he murmured. "One month to refine illusions, barriers, synergy—everything."

Li Hao nodded, gaze drifting toward where the ornate door had vanished. "If the labyrinth can weaponize illusions and force us to fight our own essence, we need to make sure we won’t falter. Especially if it tries to split us up."

Li Hua rested a hand on Lei Lei’s and Dian Dian’s backs, drawing calm from their crackling energy. Her mind wandered to the labyrinth’s rumored ability to conjure doubts and nightmares. I won’t let it break us, she promised inwardly. "Then from tomorrow on, we push ourselves like never before. If we are to meet the labyrinth, we’ll do it without regret."

In the dim glow of the lantern, they exchanged determined looks—three siblings aligned in purpose, spirit beasts nuzzling in shared resolve. Outside, the night of the Sixth Realm seemed to deepen, alive with the realm’s watchful hush and swirling illusions.