The Gathering at Verdant Bamboo Pavilion
As the sun dipped low, casting long shadows over the Verdant Bamboo Pavilion, Li Shenwu's voice rang out—a summons impossible to ignore. Li Tianyuan raced through winding corridors and sunlit courtyards, calling forth every elder, every disciple, and every curious child. Within monts, the grand hall swelled with people. Robes shimred like rippling water, whispers fluttered from corner to corner, and a hush of expectation wrapped around them all, thick as morning mist. The Spirit Carp's fabled leap had already sent a shiver of awe through the clan; now, hearts pounded as they awaited the elder's declaration.
Li Shenwu stood at the dais, a living monunt of authority—his presence as weighty as a boulder atop a mountain peak. Fingers stroking his snowy beard, he drew a breath, ready to speak. But before a single word could take flight, the great wooden doors groaned open, stealing every gaze.
Shinsei's Arrival
"Old Man, you're not disregarding before announcing anything that has to do with my apprentice, are you?"
The interruption sliced through the tension. The voice was sharp, playful, and ancient as the hills. Shinsei strode in, his robes glimring with hints of immortal qi, his eyes bright with secret laughter.
Li Shenwu's beard bristled like the tail of an angry cat. "Who are you calling Old Man?! You're older than the mountains! And who cares about your so-called apprenticeship? These two are my great-great-great-great-great-great-great-granddaughters!"
Shinsei scoffed, folding his arms with practiced drama. "Older? Hah! Since Ren is my apprentice, you—how many greats did you count? Seven? Then how are you supposed to address now? Shouldn't you call Grandmaster Shinsei?"
Everyone "!!!!"
The crowd buzzed, heads tilting to catch every barb. Even Ling Li pressed her lips into a thin line, wrestling with the absurdity of their squabble.
The two immortals — Li Shenwu and Shinsei — fell into their familiar dance of pride and rivalry, their words sparking like flint against stone.
Bickering Two Immortals: Pride and Age-old Rivalry
Li Shenwu jabbed a finger at Shinsei. "Seven greats or seventy makes no difference! I am the patriarch here! Don't swagger in claiming you outrank ."
Shinsei's lips curled in a sly grin. "Patriarch, sure. But when it cos to Ren, she bows to first. Apprentice before granddaughter. That ans I'm her master — and you, by logic, her junior."
Li Shenwu's beard quivered with indignation. "Junior?! You insolent relic! If I am junior, then you must be dust!"
Shinsei laughed, his tone dry as autumn leaves. "Dust, maybe. But it was this dust that taught your granddaughter to command fire and wisdom. Without , she'd still be chasing ducks with those twins of yours."
The twins, catching the slight, piped up, "Hey! We're brave!" The Spirit Duck added its two cents with a cheeky quack, drawing snickers from the crowd.
Ling Li Intervenes
Ling Li finally stepped forward, her voice calm but firm. "Enough. If you two argue about seniority, we'll be here until the carp grow old. Ren is both granddaughter and apprentice. That makes her bound to both of you. So perhaps… You should address each other as equals."
The pavilion fell silent.
Li Shenwu huffed, his beard twitching. "Equals? Hmph. Fine. Then I'll call him… Brother Shinsei."
Shinsei's lips curled into a grin. "Brother Shenwu, then. Though I prefer 'Younger Brother.'"
Li Shenwu's eyes flashed. "Don't push it."
Everyone "...."
Chastened by Ling Li's wisdom, the elders let their bickering subside, eager to preserve their dignity before the younger generation.
The Announcent
Finally, Li Shenwu lifted his hand, commanding silence with a gesture. His voice rolled out like thunder across the hall.
"Hear , Li Clan! Today, the Spirit Carp with Golden Scales has revealed itself. This is no ordinary on. It is a sign of prosperity, continuity, and destiny."
He gestured to Ren and Lily, who stood shoulder to shoulder, their spirits gleaming like dawn on still water.
"Ren, eldest daughter of Matriarch Ling Li, is bound to the hidden portal beneath the pond. She will be the bridge between what is concealed and what must be revealed. Her courage will open the way."
His gaze shifted to Lily, softer now.
"Lily, second daughter, is attuned to the carp hearts. She hears their guidance, their warnings, their laughter. She will be the voice of wisdom, ensuring the clan does not stray, keeping us true."
He lowered his hand, his tone reverent. "Together, they are balanced. One forges the path, the other guides the steps. This is the destiny of the sisters — and through them, the future of the Li Clan."
The pavilion erupted in awe. Elders bowed with respect, disciples whispered reverently, and even the mischievous twins stood wide-eyed, their duck chase forgotten.
Shinsei smirked, leaning toward Li Shenwu. "Not bad, Old Man. For once, you got it right."
Li Shenwu snorted. "Brother Shenwu, if you please."
Laughter bubbled through the clan, the air lighter for a mont, but the weight of prophecy lingered — etched into every heart present.
The Apprenticeship Ritual
Shinsei cleared his throat, his voice slicing through the pavilion's murmurs the way dawn scatters the night. Every head turned, the tension thick as steam from a kettle.
"Since all the Li are here, let it be known — Ren is now my apprentice." His words fell like pebbles in a pond, sending ripples through the gathered clan. "Ren, co and serve your Master tea."
A hush swept the crowd. Ren's heart thundered in her chest, louder than the rain drums during the festival. She'd always felt Shinsei's quiet guidance, but to be nad his apprentice before everyone. Ling Li, eyes full of pride, gave her a slight nod.
Ren slid forward on her knees, the hem of her robe whispering across the polished wood. Around her, a faint shimr of purple light danced — her aura, gentle but proud. A disciple rushed over, hands trembling, to offer a tray of porcelain cups. The scent of tea, earthy and warm, wrapped around Ren like a mother's embrace. She lifted a cup in both hands, arms steady despite her racing pulse.
Bowing deeply, she held the cup up to Shinsei. "Master, please accept this tea."
Shinsei took it with a gravitas that felt centuries old, though a sly smile flickered at the corners of his mouth. He drank, slow and deliberate, then set the cup down with a flourish. Suddenly, his aura flared, filling the pavilion with a pressure that made even seasoned elders straighten.
User Comments
0 comments from readers