Peking Opera Cat: I Became A Zi's Brother

"tread……"

As Xiaoqing finished speaking, there was a sudden sound of hurried footsteps outside the corridor.

Molan and Rongma walked side by side. The former's skirt was still stained with moisture, obviously having just rushed over from the Hugong River.

The latter tightened their grip on the ebony staff, their eyes filled with anxiety - they had just heard from the palace maid that "Xiaoqing was standing motionless in the Moxi Corridor", and they rushed here without even having time to drink tea.

"Xiao Qing!"

Molan walked quickly to her, put her hand on her shoulder, and gently probed her pulse with the rhythmic power of her fingertips.

"How are you? The maid just said you were standing there motionless, and you didn't respond when she called you. Did the illusion hurt you?"

Nanny Rong also came over and gently tapped Xiaoqing with her ebony staff. A ray of light purple energy appeared at the tip of the staff - that was the "Qingmai Technique" used by the Body Sect to detect injuries, which could quickly sense whether the energy in the body was disordered.

"The pulse is steady, even stronger than when I practiced archery this afternoon, but what on earth was that ancient spirit that activated the ink veins just now?"

Xiaoqing felt warm in her heart when she saw the nervous expressions of her mother and Aunt Rong.

She raised her hand, letting the dark blue rhythmic energy in her pulse emerge at her fingertips. The rhythmic energy glowed with a soft light, with ink and ice blue interwoven, just like the power at Mo Yuan's fingertips in the illusion.

"Mom, Aunt Rong, I'm fine. I wasn't injured by the illusion just now. It was... the first generation sect master, Mo Yuan, who passed on his inheritance to me."

"Mo Yuan?"

Molan and Madam Rong were both stunned. Madam Rong's hand stopped in mid-air, her eyes filled with shock.

"Are you talking about the first generation leader of the Shen Sect, Mo Yuan?"

Xiaoqing nodded, and pulled Molan and Rong Mama to the stone bench under the corridor and sat down. Mo Zi also sat down beside her and reached out to smooth her bangs that were messed up by the wind.

She took a deep breath and started from "Meeting Ancient Mo Yun in Moxi Gallery", and told the story of the illusion bit by bit - about the trial field constructed by Mo Yuan with Mo Yun, the test of "Mo Wang Qiansi", the determination in distinguishing illusions, the process of transforming chaos with "Mo Rong", and finally about Mo Yuan revealing his true face and passing the "Mo Vein Mark" to her, as well as the memories of the past of the body clan hidden in the mark.

She spoke in great detail, repeating every word Mo Yuan said about "inheritance" word for word.

When she talked about Mo Yuan demonstrating "Ink Fusion Chaos", she even deliberately gathered a wisp of rhythmic energy to demonstrate how to use "smooth force" to catch chaos and then use "sinking force" to transform it;

When she talked about the memories in the Mo Vein Mark, her voice choked a little - in those scenes, the way Mo Yuan led his disciples to protect the Shen Sect was very similar to them now, and also very similar to her imagination of "brother protecting everyone".

Molan and Madam Rong listened attentively, the former holding Xiaoqing's hand the entire time, the rhythm of her fingertips rising and falling gently as she spoke;

The latter frowned and tapped the ground with his ebony stick from time to time. His eyes gradually changed from initial shock to seriousness.

After Xiaoqing finished speaking, the Moxi Corridor was quiet for a while.

There is only the sound of the water flowing in the palace river, gently lapping against the pillars, with a faint rhythmic atmosphere.

"I didn't expect...it was really the will of Sect Master Mo Yuan."

Nanny Rong spoke first, with a hint of emotion in her voice. She raised her hand and touched the faded ink patterns on the pillars.

"When I was a child, I heard from the previous nanny that before the death of the Mo Yuan Sect Master, he integrated part of his will into the Mo Veins, saying that he would wait for a disciple who could inherit the Mo Soul and protect the sect. I used to think it was just a legend, but I didn't expect... you would actually encounter it."

Mo Lan watched the wisp of dark blue energy at Xiao Qing's fingertips, her eyes filled with satisfaction and a subtle excitement. She raised her hand and gently brushed Xiao Qing's pulse. She could clearly feel the presence of the "Ink Vein Mark"—like a tiny black jade, gently beating in the water core, emitting an ancient and pure energy.

"This mark... is the key to the origin of the Ink Vein. With it, you will not only be able to call upon the power of the Ink Vein, but also be able to decipher the most ancient seal characters within the ancient texts of the Shen Sect—secrets that can only be passed down by the lineage of the first generation of the Sect Master."

She paused, and her tone became serious:

"Xiaoqing, from the moment you received the Ink Vein Mark, you are no longer just the Second Miss of the Shen Sect. You are the 'Ink Soul Successor' chosen by Sect Master Mo Yuan, and the hope of the Shen Sect's next generation. This responsibility is heavy, you..."

"I'm not afraid."

Xiaoqing interrupted her with a firm look in her eyes.

"Mother, I know this responsibility is heavy, but I can shoulder it. I practiced archery before because I wanted to become stronger quickly and protect the Shen Sect. Now that I have the inheritance, I know exactly what I want to do—not only to protect the Shen Sect, but also to pass on the Shen Sect's 'Ink Soul', just like Sect Master Mo Yuan did, just like my brother did."

Molan looked at her, her eyes red, and reached out to hug her gently:

"Okay, okay, my daughter... I know you can do it. You are more sensible and stronger than I thought."

Aunt Rong also nodded, with a rare smile on her face:

"Just now, I was worried that you were too young to carry this inheritance. Now it seems that I was worrying too much. Sect Master Mo Yuan was right. The inheritance of the Shen Sect is now in your hands. Don't worry."

Mo Zi, who had been silent the whole time, patted Xiao Qing's shoulder gently, his eyes full of tenderness:

"I knew you weren't in trouble just now, but something good happened to you. You've made such rapid progress. Not only have you mastered the Ice Dragon Arrow, but you've also inherited the legacy of the first generation sect leader. If my brother knew, he would definitely be very happy."

Xiaoqing turned to look at Mo Zi, and suddenly a strong idea surged in her heart - she now has the inheritance and stronger power, and she can no longer just stay in the sect and wait for her brother to come back. She wants to find her brother, help him fight against chaos, and protect the entire Cat Land with him.

"elder sister,"

She held Mo Zi's hand and said seriously,

"I think we should get going."

Mo Zi was stunned for a moment: "On the road? Where to?"

"Go find my brother."

Xiaoqing's voice was soft but firm.

"Before, I was injured and could only wait in the Shen Sect, but now I have the Ink Vein Mark and have stronger rhyme power, so I can help my brother. Moreover, Sect Master Mo Yuan said that the Shen Sect's inheritance is not about 'guarding', but 'taking it with us' - only by letting more cats understand the power of 'Ink Fusion' can we truly fight against chaos. We can't just stay in the Shen Sect and wait for my brother to come back. We should take the initiative to find him and catch up with him."

Mo Zi's eyes moved, but he didn't answer immediately.

She looked at Molan, then at Madam Rong, with a hint of hesitation in her eyes - she knew Xiaoqing was right, but the Shen Sect also needed someone to protect it. Her mother and Madam Rong were not young anymore. If they left, what would happen to the Shen Sect?

Molan seemed to see through her thoughts and spoke softly:

"If you want to go, go ahead."

"mother?"

Mo Zi and Xiao Qing looked up at the same time, a little surprised.

"With me and Madam Rong here, and so many disciples, we can hold on to the Shen Sect."

Molan smiled, her tone gentle but powerful.

"And what Sect Master Mo Yuan said is right. The inheritance is not 'guarded', but 'carried away'. You should take the 'Mo Soul' of the Shen Sect to find Mo Yun and help Bai Tang and the others. This is the best way to protect the inheritance."

Aunt Rong also nodded:

"This old servant and the Sect Master will take good care of the Body Sect, so you can go ahead and rest assured. If you encounter any problems that cannot be solved, use the 'Ink Vein Sound Transmission' to contact us - the Ink Vein Seal can connect to the Body Sect's Ink Veins, and no matter where you are in Cat Land, you can send a message back."

Mo Zi looked at the determined eyes of his mother and Aunt Rong, then looked at Xiaoqing's expectant eyes, and the hesitation in his heart gradually dissipated.

She remembered when she was a child, her brother always took her and Xiaoqing to practice rhyme power by the Hugong River, saying, "In the future, we will protect the Shenzong and the Cat Land together"; she remembered Mo Yuan saying in the illusion, "Power is for protection, not for showing off"; she remembered the light in Xiaoqing's eyes when she talked about inheritance just now.

She took a deep breath, held Xiaoqing's hand tightly, her eyes full of determination:

"Okay, sister, let's get going. Let's go find my brother, catch up with him, fight against chaos together, and protect the Cat Land together."

Xiaoqing's eyes lit up and she nodded vigorously:

"Yes! We'll leave tomorrow!"

"Don't worry."

Molan smiled and said,

"Tomorrow, first arrange matters for the Body Sect, then go to the Ancient Book Pavilion and copy down any techniques and secrets that can be used. Prepare some dry food and medicine. Also, your Yunli has just made a breakthrough, so you need to stabilize it. Don't rush on your journey."

"it is good!"

Xiaoqing nodded obediently, but she felt like there was a little rabbit in her heart and was extremely excited.

She imagined going on the road with her sister, imagined the scene when she met her brother, imagined using the power of "Mo Rong" to fight against chaos with Bai Tang and the others, and the corners of her mouth couldn't help but rise.

Mammy stood up and knocked the ground with her ebony stick:

"I will go prepare some food and medicine, and have the disciples pack your luggage. Oh, and bring the 'Shui Xin Jing'—it's the Body Sect's protective magical tool. It can help you block the contamination of Chaos and can also be used for telepathy in critical moments."

Molan also stood up, took Xiaoqing and Mozi's hands, walked to the corridor, and looked at the water of the Hugong River.

The moonlight sprinkled on the river, emitting an inky light, just like the palace river guarded by Mo Yuan in the illusion.

"Remember, no matter where you go, the Shen Zong is your home. If you get tired, come back; if you encounter danger, use the ink vein mark to contact us. Mother and Mammy will always be here waiting for you."

"we know."

Xiaoqing and Mo Zi said at the same time, their voices choked with sobs.

The next day, everyone in the sect was preparing for Xiaoqing and Mo Zi's trip.

Molan took them to the ancient book pavilion and opened the secret room on the top floor - inside were the oldest books of the Shen Sect, the advanced techniques of "Mo Rong", maps of various places in Maotu, and records of the experience of successive sect leaders in fighting against chaos.

Molan copied the key contents of these classics onto special silk and asked them to carry them with them.

Madam Rong prepared a full bag - including "Mo Yun Dan" which can quickly restore rhythmic power, "Qing Zhuo San" which can treat chaos injuries, and several protective accessories made of black jade.

She also specially found the "Shui Xin Mirror" - it was a palm-sized mirror, the mirror surface was polished from jade with the origin of ink veins, with a faint ink halo, which was said to be able to reflect the essence of chaos.

Xiaoqing and Mo Zi were not idle either. They went to Ningshui Palace and practiced the coordination of "Frost Arrow·Ice Dragon" and "Wind-breaking Sleeves" for the last time.

Xiaoqing used the ink vein mark to mobilize a little bit of the ink vein's power. The power of the ice dragon arrow was stronger than before. The dragon pattern on the arrow was also wrapped with a faint ink-colored rhythm. When it was shot out, it not only had the coldness of ice, but also the inclusiveness of ink, which could instantly transform the chaotic aura on the target.

Mo Zi looked at her Ice Dragon Arrow and said with a smile:

"Now your Ice Dragon Arrow truly has the 'flavor of the Body Sect'."

Xiaoqing also laughed:

"Sister's water sleeves are smoother than before. We've practiced together for so long, and we'll definitely be able to coordinate even better this time when we go on the road."

By the evening, everything was ready.

Xiaoqing and Mo Zi stood in front of the city gate of Shenzong with their bags on their backs. Molan and Rong Mama saw them off to the door.

"Be careful on the road, don't be impulsive when encountering problems, and discuss things more." Molan held their hands and repeatedly reminded them,

"If Mo Yun is here, tell him to be more careful and tell her that mother is waiting for you to go home together."

"Got it, mother."

Xiaoqing nodded, her eyes a little red.

Nanny Rong also stepped forward and handed them a small brocade bag:

"This contains the 'Ink Vein Incense'. When you encounter a place with many Chaos soldiers, light it. It will conceal your rhythmic power and prevent Chaos from detecting it. Remember, no matter what, you must guard your 'heart' and not be influenced by Chaos."

"Thank you, Aunt Rong."

Mo Zi took the brocade bag and said seriously.

The afterglow of the setting sun shone in front of the city gate, giving the walls of Shenzong a golden hue.

Xiaoqing and Mo Zi turned around and bowed deeply to Molan and Rong Mama.

"Mother, Aunt Rong, let's go!"

"Don't worry, we will be fine!"

After saying that, they turned around and walked out of the city side by side.

The pale blue and pale purple figures gradually lengthened in the setting sun, like two wisps of smoke, walking towards the distance of Maotu.

Molan and Rong Ma stood at the city gate, watching their backs until they disappeared from their sight.

Aunt Rong sighed softly:

"These two children have grown up."

Molan smiled, her eyes full of anticipation:

"Yes, when they grow up, they will carry the inheritance of the Shen Sect, the will of the Mo Yuan Sect Master, and our hopes, and make a name for themselves in the Cat Land."

The water of the Hugong River flows gently, carrying the ink rhyme of Shenzong and the determination of Xiaoqing and Mo Zi, flowing towards the distance.

Xiaoqing and Mo Zi were walking along the direction of the Palace Hu River, step by step towards the depths of Cat Earth - they knew that there would definitely be dangers, chaos, and countless challenges ahead, but they also knew that they were not fighting alone.

Behind them, there is the inheritance of the Shen Sect, the expectations of their mother and Aunt Rong, the will of Sect Master Mo Yuan, and the figure of their brother Mo Yun.

And ahead of them is the future of Maotu, the hope of reuniting with Baitang and the others, and the belief of fighting against chaos and protecting all cats.

……

"Sister, when do you think we can see brother?"

Walking on the path, Xiaoqing couldn't help asking.

Mo Zi smiled and patted her shoulder:

"It's almost there. As long as we head towards where there's chaos, towards where there are cats in need, we're sure to run into him. And no matter how long it takes, we'll find him."

Xiaoqing nodded, clenched her fists, and the dark blue rhythmic energy at her fingertips danced gently.

She looked up at the road ahead, the afterglow of the setting sun shining on her face with a warm light.

She knew that their journey had just begun, but she was not afraid, because she had her sister, her inheritance, and everything she wanted to protect.

They will catch up with their brother's pace, and together with Bai Tang and the others, they will use the "Ink Soul" of their body sect to protect the entire Cat Land.

This is their mission and their heritage.