blueteamnovel Chapter 10 INNER CORE
Chapter 10 INNER CORE
"Hua'er, listen carefully to mother, ok? Remember my words clearly."
Li Hua leaned forward, her small hands gripping the edge of her seat.
"Perfecting the fundamental skills and building a solid foundation is the key to successfully growing your cultivation. You must be consistent and not overwork yourself or you could harm your progress. Everyone's body and inner core are different, so don't follow someone else's routine." Her mother whispered softly. "Cross your legs, Hua'er."
Li Hua obediently folded her legs beneath her, tiny fingers smoothing the wrinkles from her robes with a precision that made her mother's heart ache.
"Now close your eyes and gently search for your inner core." Her mother said calmly, her hands gently rubbing Li Hua's stomach.
Li Hua's eyelids fluttered shut, her breathing settling into a gentle rhythm as she followed her mother's guidance. The familiar warmth of those hands against her stomach anchored her.
Within her mind's eye, she reached out, seeking her inner core.
At first, there was only darkness, vast and empty. Then, like a flame being kindled in the depths of a moonless night, a faint golden glow emerged. It pulsed gently, like a heartbeat, growing stronger with each breath she took. With shaky breath, Li Hua moved closer to her inner core. The golden light beckoned her forward, warm and inviting like the first rays of dawn.
As if physically standing in front of her inner core, Li Hua looked up and was surprised.
White scales that shimmered like dewdrops in morning light cascaded before her vision, each one catching and reflecting the golden glow of her core.
The thought that they might become targets because of this heritage made her jaw clench imperceptibly. She wouldn't let anyone harm them—not now, not ever.
"Gold, is the sign of a Phoenix re-born," Little Firefly breathed, his mental presence flickering with excitement. "A golden core wrapped in white dragon scales... such a combination is beyond rare. It's practically unheard of." He paused, and Li Hua could sense him gathering his thoughts. "In ancient texts, it was said that when the dragon dances with the phoenix, heaven itself takes notice. Your core isn't just powerful—it's a perfect balance of opposing forces, like twilight caught between day and night."
Stunned, Li Hua sat in silence, her fingers absently tracing patterns on the wooden table as she processed Little Firefly's words.
"Such heavenly gifts would attract dangerous foes ," Little Firefly continued, his tone growing somber. "Throughout history, those blessed with extraordinary powers have often found themselves at the center of others' desires and ambitions. The golden core of a phoenix, combined with the essence of a white dragon—there are those who would move heaven and earth to possess such power."
"Is there any way to hide our family from danger? Even if it's a couple years?" Li Hua asked, her tone trembling with concern. Her thoughts drifted to her parents, who had managed to conceal their abilities for so long. Perhaps they had known this truth all along—that extraordinary power often came with extraordinary risk.
"Master, I can help. I could conceal your family until you turn fifteen. But that would take all my reserved powers, and I would go into a deep slumber. I'm not sure when I will wake up again." Little Firefly replied, feeling a bit reluctant since he didn't feel like he had spent enough time with his master.
Li Hua's eyes widened at the Little Firefly's offer, her heart caught between gratitude and guilt.
The thought of Little Firefly depleting his powers for her family's safety weighed heavily on her conscience. Yet, the alternative—leaving her loved ones exposed to those who might covet her unique abilities—seemed worse. She drew a deep breath, her fingers now pressed firmly against the wooden table as she contemplated the gravity of this choice.
"Don't be too hasty, Little Firefly. My parents seem to have done well so far." Li Hua looked at her brothers who were still washing the dishes, their innocent chatter filling the kitchen with warmth. "At least it seems like my brothers didn't suffer in the last nine years."
"Yes, master. Both your parents seem to be very capable," Little Firefly replied.