After finishing their meal, the family worked together to clean the kitchen. Her brother's assisted their father with the dishes, while mother wiped the tables cleanly. Li Hua found herself smiling as she sat on the stone counter, watching her father make water animals with his spiritual powers.
He lined up a few lions and boars made of shimmering water, their translucent forms dancing in the evening light. Li Hua watched in wonder as each creature moved with fluid grace, so different from the rigid discipline she once knew. Li Hao squealed with delight, trying to catch the water creatures in his small hands, while her father added more fantastic beasts to his magical menagerie.
In these moments, she felt the last remnants of her old life melting away like morning frost, replaced by the warm glow of genuine joy.
A soft ethereal glow caught Li Hua's attention, drawing her eyes away from her father's water creatures. From where she sat on the counter, she could see her mother at the dining table, her graceful hands wreathed in a delicate green light that reminded Li Hua of early spring leaves. With practiced movements that spoke of years of cultivation, her mother's fingers danced over an array of dried herbs, each touch causing the plants to pulse with renewed vitality before she carefully arranged them in a small bronze cauldron worn smoothly by generations of use.
Where her father's water manipulation was fluid and obvious, her mother's spiritual energy was subtle yet profound, like the quiet force that coaxed life from seemingly dead winter soil.
"Master, your mother is a healer with Alchemy knowledge." Little Firefly spoke up in her thoughts.
"Is she adept at healing or alchemy?" Li Hua mused silently, studying her mother's movements with the analytical precision she once reserved for assessing opponents.
"It seems like your mother's knowledge is quite basic, but her practiced movements and understanding is extraordinary. It's as if she has a complete understanding of the fundamentals of both arts, refined through decades of daily practice rather than formal training. Like a farmer who knows every subtle change in the weather without needing to consult charts or instruments, your mother's power flows from deep familiarity rather than scholarly expertise. But I can guarantee that if your mother expands her knowledge into more complicated techniques, she will excel quickly. Her foundation is remarkably solid." Little Firefly's assessment carried a note of admiration that resonated with Li Hua's own growing appreciation.
Watching her mother work, Li Hua could see how each movement was purposeful, refined by countless repetitions until it became as natural as breathing. It reminded her of her own martial training, where the most devastating techniques often grew from the simplest foundations, mastered until they became instinct.
"Master...It seems like your parents are much more than they seem." Little Firefly stated, feeling a bit concerned. "Commoners typically have basic knowledge for daily survival, but your parents possess an understanding that surpasses mere necessity. The way your father manipulates water is similarly refined - each gesture precise and economical yet flowing with an innate grace that speaks of deep understanding. The water responds to him as naturally as leaves dance in the wind. While he may not command the dramatic torrents of trained water masters, his control over smaller amounts shows a mastery born of practical wisdom."
"So, they're hiding something?" Li Hua felt a familiar tension creep into her shoulders - the instinctive response of an assassin sensing hidden depths beneath a peaceful surface. Yet something in her resisted the old patterns of suspicion. These were her parents now, regardless of what secrets they might carry. Their movements might speak of deeper knowledge, but their love and care were genuine. She had seen enough deception in her previous life to recognize its absence.
"Not hiding, master," Little Firefly responded thoughtfully. "Perhaps simply being discrete. Many cultivate their skills quietly, finding contentment in mastery without recognition. Your parents seem to have chosen a path of humble expertise."
"Hmmm, perhaps." Li Hua responded, however, uncertainty still lingered in her heart as she continued to observe her parents' subtle displays of power.
"Regardless, master. Please be careful. It would be best to cultivate as quickly as possible." Little Firefly whispered softly.
Hurriedly, Li Hua jumped off the counter and quickly ran towards her mother, her movements still quite clumsy.
Her former self would have moved with lethal precision, each step calculated and silent. But in this new body, with its shorter legs and untrained muscles, she found herself stumbling more often than gliding. The contrast brought an unexpected smile to her face.
Climbing into the seat beside her mother, Li Hua felt the familiar gentle hands help push her up and her mother's soft chuckle. The warmth of her mother's touch still surprised her sometimes - how different it was from the cold efficiency she once knew.
Her mother's hands, though clearly capable of more than their gentle domestic tasks suggested, moved with a tenderness that spoke of years spent nurturing rather than harming.
"Hua'er, you're such a curious little one," her mother said, smoothing Li Hua's unruly hair with practiced care. "Don't worry, you will learn plenty in due time."
Shaking her head softly, Li Hua said, "Now, Māmā."
Another round of soft laughter poured from her mother as she nodded seriously. Her daughter's face, still round with baby fat and innocence, contrasted sharply with those eyes—eyes that seemed to hold wisdom far beyond their years. Such determination in one so young... she couldn't help but give in to those earnest demands.