Re-birth: The Beginning after the End-Chapter 221: FROM MY WORLD

Li Hua watched this transformation with wide eyes, recognizing that what stood before her was no longer entirely Mo Xing as she knew him, yet not completely foreign either. The essence of him remained, but amplified and altered in ways that transcended the limits of cultivation.

Tendrils of darkness flowed from him, writhing through the air with seeming intelligence—yet when they reached Li Hua, they changed character entirely. The shadows that had devoured entities with merciless efficiency now gently caressed along her skin with startling tenderness, leaving trails of familiar warmth wherever they touched. The darkness recognized her, welcomed her, as if some part of it had been waiting for this precise moment of reunion.

She was grateful to witness this with her own eyes. She glanced back at the unconscious disciples and Elder Fu, then sighed softly. If Little Firefly hadn't awakened just in time, she too would be collapsed alongside them, oblivious to these revelations.

"Master..." Little Firefly's voice whispered within her consciousness.

"Hmm?" Li Hua responded absently, her eyes drawn back to Mo Xing, whose features had settled into something both beautiful and terrible—his smile carrying an edge of psychotic pleasure as he consumed the last of the entities. The expression might have terrified others, but she found herself more intrigued than frightened.

"He's from my world," Little Firefly answered, his mental voice breathless with awe yet threaded with unmistakable terror.

Li Hua's eyebrows furrowed, her attention sharpening instantly. "You've regained your memories?"

"Yes, Master, but they're still fragmented," Little Firefly's presence rippled with nervous energy. "I recognize him, know what he is... but I can't remember how he connects to you or why I'm certain he won't harm you despite his nature." The spiritual beast's consciousness recoiled slightly as Mo Xing's gaze swept across the clearing. "There's something important there, something just beyond my grasp. But one thing is clear—he's not what you think he is. He's much more."

Li Hua nodded, relieved that Little Firefly had finally broken through his barriers and regained his memories, yet unsettled by the implications of his words. Whatever revelations awaited, they would have to wait until this immediate crisis had passed.

When the last entity had been consumed, its essence converted and absorbed, Mo Xing lowered his hand with languid grace. The air around him shimmered with residual power as he suddenly tensed and turned, his attention drawn to something beyond Li Hua's position.

Following his gaze, Li Hua saw what had captured his attention—a nine-tailed fox standing at the edge of the clearing, its pristine white fur untouched by the surrounding corruption. The creature's nine tails fanned majestically behind it, each tipped with blue flame that burned without consuming. Its intelligent eyes, ancient and knowing, studied them with unmistakable purpose.

The nine-tailed fox approached with deliberate grace, each step seemingly calculated to appear non-threatening. It lowered its head in a formal bow, maintaining a respectful distance. "I mean you no harm," it spoke, its voice melodious and androgynous, resonating with ancient power.

Li Hua glanced up at Mo Xing, who briefly met her gaze before they both returned their attention to the fox. Neither spoke, their silence an implicit permission for the creature to continue.

"I sensed the aberrations from this lake become active and came to investigate the disturbance," the fox continued, its nine tails moving in hypnotic patterns behind it. "I did not expect to find one such as you responding to their presence." Its intelligent eyes studied Mo Xing with curiosity.

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"What do you want?" Mo Xing asked, his voice carrying undertones that vibrated the air between them.

"The Forbidden Zone harbors more aberrations similar to those you've just consumed," the fox replied, its tails swaying with deliberate rhythm. "They corrupt the natural flow of essence and destroy the ecosystem that has existed here for centuries. I request your assistance in removing these entities from our realm."

Mo Xing's lips curved into a predatory smile. "And our payment?" The question hung between them, weighted with implication.

The fox hesitated, its luminous eyes showing careful calculation. "I have guarded the Ancient Shrine for three thousand years," it finally offered. "Inside the Shrine lies knowledge about this world and...many others. Ancient texts that speak of the pathways between worlds and the beings that dwell in those worlds. The Shrine's innermost chambers have remained sealed even to me, but for one such as yourself—" it inclined its head toward Mo Xing and Li Hua, "—the barriers might yield. I offer you unrestricted access in exchange for your assistance."

Li Hua's jaw dropped, her composure momentarily fracturing. Information about other worlds? Was that even possible?

She looked up at Mo Xing, whose face had returned to its usual composed expression. He nodded once in acknowledgment of the fox's offer before glancing around at their unconscious companions.

"What about the others?" he asked, his voice nearly restored to its normal timbre.

The nine-tailed fox's tails swayed thoughtfully. "I can place a consciousness thread in the elder's mind to inform him that you both are safe and have chosen to further investigate anomalies within the Forbidden Zone."

"That'll do," Mo Xing nodded, then crouched beside Li Hua, his golden eyes searching hers. Though his features had largely returned to normal, something ancient still lingered in their depths. "Would you go with me? I think it could be interesting to see what secrets the shrine holds."

Li Hua nodded, grateful that he had included her in this decision rather than assuming. The prospect of discovering information about other worlds—perhaps even finding clues about Li Min's possible presence in this realm—was too significant to decline. Additionally, it might help Little Firefly unlock the remainder of his memories, healing the fragmentary nature of his current recollections.

As Mo Xing extended his hand to help her rise, Li Hua studied his face with careful attention, searching for signs of strain or instability. "Are you alright?" she asked softly, concern evident in her voice.

Mo Xing's lips curved into a genuine smile—one that reached his eyes and momentarily banished the shadows that had taken residence there. "I'm alright, Little Tempest."

The familiar nickname reassured her more than any elaborate explanation could have. Whatever transformations he had undergone, the essence of the Mo Xing she knew remained intact—perhaps even more authentic than before.